How to grow muskmelon in open fields? Detailed explanation of key cultivation techniques

SummaryTime: South of the Huai River, the sowing period is from early to mid-February to early March, while in Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, Yunnan and Guizhou the sowing period is from early July to July 25. Soil: fertile, loose, high-lying plots. Varieties: Xialong, Ruoren, Xuefengmi No. 2, etc. can be selected. Planting: row spacing is 90 cm, plant spacing is 50 cm. Pruning: keep 1-2 melons per secondary vine. Fertilizing: apply more phosphorus and potassium fertilizer. Irrigation: when leaves wilt, furrow irrigation can be carried out.

I. Open-field planting time

1. In areas south of the Huai River, try to arrange the fruit-setting and ripening periods before the plum rain season arrives. Generally, in the Jianghuai region, the sowing period is preferably from early to mid-February to early March.

2. In Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, Yunnan and Guizhou, the sowing period can be earlier. Generally, for autumn extended cultivation, sowing from early July to July 25 is preferable, because after the Jianghuai region enters September, the autumn sky is clear and crisp, sunshine is abundant, the temperature difference between day and night increases, and the air is dry, which is quite suitable for the fruit swelling and ripening of muskmelon. Moreover, autumn muskmelon not only has good quality but also stores for a long time.

II. Choosing soil

For planting muskmelon, it is suitable to choose plots with deep, fertile, loose soil and higher terrain, with ventilation around, convenient irrigation and drainage, and no pollution sources.

III. Choosing varieties

Muskmelon varieties with an earlier maturity period, strong disease resistance, good fruit setting, attractive fruit shape and good quality can be selected, such as Xialong, Elizabeth, Ruoren, Xuefengmi No. 2, etc.

IV. Timely planting

In areas south of the Huai River, the sowing period can be from early to mid-February to early March. When the seedlings grow to 3 leaves and 1 heart, they are planted. 15-30 days before planting, a greenhouse should first be covered to raise the ground temperature. In the afternoon or evening, the seedling pots should be watered thoroughly so that they can be planted with a mud ball. After planting, it is preferable for the pit surface to be slightly concave. The planting density is 90 cm row spacing and 50 cm plant spacing.

V. Pruning

When the main vine grows to 6 leaves, pinching is carried out. The secondary vines between the 1st and 2nd leaves can be pinched off, and the secondary vines between the 3rd and 6th leaves are retained. Keep 1-2 melons per secondary vine.

VI. Fertilizing

During the growth process, more phosphorus and potassium fertilizer can be applied, which helps increase the sugar content of muskmelon. If only nitrogen fertilizer is applied, the sugar content will decrease. After the muskmelon sets fruit, 10 kg of potassium sulfate can be applied per mu, which can increase the sweetness of muskmelon by 1-2 degrees. In the early stage, a 0.2% potassium dihydrogen phosphate aqueous solution can be sprayed, or in the early vine extension stage, 5 kg of phosphorus fertilizer can be applied in holes per mu.

VII. Irrigation

During the fruit enlargement period of muskmelon, appropriate irrigation can improve its quality and yield. When the number of muskmelons reaches its peak, if the muskmelon leaves are found to be wilted during the day, irrigation can be carried out. The furrow irrigation method can be used. When irrigating, pay attention to controlling the water volume. After irrigation, pesticides can be applied appropriately, generally using a 500-fold solution of peracetic acid (50 g can be mixed with 2 watering cans of water).