How to Plant Watermelons
This article summary: Learn about how to plant watermelons and knowledge related to new watermelon cultivation technologies in the field of green plants and flowers. Keep reading!
“A single bite removes the smoky flavor, and as it enters the teeth, it sounds like ice and snow.” This is the famous poet Wen Tianxiang’s praise for watermelons. Watermelons are a common fruit in our lives, which can quench thirst and relieve heat, making them especially popular in the summer, earning the title of “King of the Midsummer.” Watermelons not only taste sweet with abundant juice but also contain many beneficial ingredients for the human body. Watermelons also have high economic value. Let’s take a look at how to plant them and some management matters.
Ⅰ. Watermelon Planting Techniques
1. Seed Disinfection
Disinfect the seeds before planting, usually by soaking them in a 50% carbendazim solution diluted 500 times for one hour. If you want to save time, you can use a 2% to 4% bleach solution for disinfection, which can be reduced to half an hour. Be sure to pay attention to the concentration ratio of the disinfectant solution.
2. Seed Soaking
Soaking the seeds can effectively shorten the germination time. Since the outer layer of watermelon seeds is relatively thick and not very permeable, they should be soaked for 8 hours.
3. Germination
The temperature for germination should be between 29°C to 30°C. Common germination methods include using a constant temperature incubator, a fire brick bed, or body heat. Considering the characteristics of watermelon seeds and convenience, it is recommended to use a fire brick bed for germination. Specifically, wrap the seeds in a damp cloth, roll the damp cloth well into a plastic bag, and place it under the bedding on the fire brick bed for germination. Adjust the position of the seeds in real-time based on the temperature. You can also germinate the seeds in a pot or next to a pot based on the principle of fire brick bed germination.
4. Seedling Raising
Planting watermelons can be done through direct sowing or seedling transplantation. The method of seedling transplantation is more conducive to healthy seedling growth. During seedling transplantation, the help of a nutrient pot is needed to minimize root damage. The soil should be of moderate viscosity, and fertilizers can include decomposed cake fertilizer or farmyard manure, with a soil and fertilizer ratio of 7:3, and an appropriate amount of phosphorus and potassium fertilizers and fungicides should be added.
5. Timely Sowing
Planting can be carried out when the soil temperature is maintained above 15°C, but the sowing time can also be chosen based on the situation and planting method.
6. Precautions During Sowing
(1) The depth of sowing should be appropriate. Decide the depth based on the size of the seeds—larger seeds should be sown deeper, and smaller seeds should be sown shallowly, with a covering soil thickness of about 1.5 cm.
(2) Watermelon seeds are flat and oval. When sowing, place them flat to reduce the emergence of hatting and promote seed growth.
(3) Do not sow when the temperature is too low. If possible, wait until the seedbed temperature is stable at around 25°C before proceeding.
(4) Keep the bottom of the seedbed soil relatively high, water after sowing. Place one seed in each nutrient pot, cover it with a layer of fine soil, and then cover it with a layer of plastic film to help the seeds germinate.
7. Seedbed Management
The temperature of the seedbed should be maintained at around 30°C. After the seedlings have grown heart leaves, the temperature can be slightly increased. In the early stage, insulate the seedbed at night by covering it with insulation materials, and manually insulate the seedlings when a cold wave arrives.
8. Planting Density
The planting density should be determined by the variety, generally with a standard of 400 to 700 seedlings per 667 square meters.
Ⅱ. Management Methods
1. Site Selection and Fertilization
Soil with deep layers, loose texture, and good drainage is suitable for cultivating watermelons, preferably sandy soil. Organic fertilizers and cake fertilizers can be added as base fertilizers, and a small amount of inorganic fertilizers can also be added. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium elements in the fertilizer should not be lacking.
2. Timely Planting
Seedlings can be transplanted after growing 2 to 3 true leaves, with different varieties having different transplanting times. For wide beds, two rows can be planted, and for narrow beds, one row. Cover the film during transplantation.
3. Pruning and Pressing Vines
Three-vine pruning is the most common method. When the main vine has grown 8 to 9 leaves, two good side vines should be selected in addition to the main vine. When the vines grow to 50 cm, press them down with soil, combining pruning and pressing every 3 to 4 internodes, and each vine should be pressed 2 to 3 times.
4. Setting and Turning Watermelons
Leave the second and third female flowers on the main vine, or the first and second female flowers on the side vines, to set fruit. When pollination is hindered by low temperatures and rainy days, assist with manual pollination. After the fruit reaches a certain size, turn the watermelons in one direction, turning one-third of the watermelon each time.
5. Water and Fertilizer Management
When the plant has grown to the size of an egg, it is about to enter the expansion period. At this time, apply expansion fertilizers based on the growth of the watermelon, generally 15 to 20 kilograms of sulfate potassium controlled-release fertilizer per mu. Watering should be done in the early morning or evening when the temperature is lower, and after rain, the accumulated water in the field should be drained promptly.
6. Timely Harvesting
Harvesting is best done in the morning when the temperature conditions are more suitable. If the distance for marketing and transportation is far and takes a long time, the watermelons can be harvested when they are 80% mature. If it is for nearby marketing, they can be harvested when they are 90% mature.
7. Disease and Pest Control
Mainly prevent and control diseases such as wilt, anthracnose, viral diseases, and pests such as red spiders, yellow melon beetles, and melon borers. Promptly remove the affected branches, vines, and seedlings, and use corresponding medications for treatment.
The above introduction on how to plant watermelons and related new watermelon cultivation technologies is hoped to be of help to you. Don’t forget to check out more flower cultivation experience and knowledge!