How to grow Hami melon? Detailed planting time and methods
SummaryPlanting time: Hami melon is generally planted around April 20, when the underground soil temperature is stable at about 14°C. Planting methods: Continuous cropping is not suitable, and legume, nightshade, and cucurbit crops cannot be planted around the planting site. First, plow the soil deeply, then apply an appropriate amount of compound fertilizer and decomposed organic fertilizer per mu, mix evenly and level, and plant at a spacing of about 50cm. The height of the arched shed built is about 100cm. Check seedlings and replant in time, and do a good job of intertillage and weeding during the seedling stage.
1. Planting time
Hami melon is generally planted after the late frost. When the soil temperature at a depth of 10cm below the surface is stable at about 14°C, planting can begin. For plots covered with plastic film, planting can be carried out around April 20. For plots not covered with plastic film, the sowing period can be appropriately postponed. Hami melons intended for storage can be planted around May 20.
2. Site selection and land preparation
Hami melon is not suitable for continuous cropping. It can be rotated with other crops for more than five years, and legume, nightshade, and cucurbit crops should not be planted around the planting site. The planting site should preferably be sandy loam soil that is loose, fertile, and rich in organic matter. Before planting, summer plowing and autumn plowing are required, with deep plowing of the soil to 25-30cm, and winter irrigation is needed to help suppress alkali and mature the soil, and also to eliminate weeds and overwintering pests in the soil.
3. Fertilization and irrigation
After plowing the soil, apply an appropriate amount of compound fertilizer and 2000-3000kg of decomposed organic fertilizer per mu. After fertilizing, mix with soil evenly, rake the soil fine and level it, and dig drainage ditches. Irrigate the plot 7 days before sowing, which helps ensure full and uniform seedlings, then water the soil thoroughly and cover with plastic film.
4. Seed soaking and disinfection
After carefully selecting the seeds, soak them in 200 times diluted formalin solution for about 2 hours, then rinse them with clean water 2-3 times. If in an area with a high incidence of viral disease, the seeds can first be soaked and disinfected with a chemical agent, then treated in dry heat at a constant temperature of 40°C for about 24 hours, and then germinated and sown.
5. Sowing methods
Seeds need to be sown at the right time. Sowing can be carried out when the underground soil temperature is stable at about 14°C. The hole sowing method can be used. The plant and row spacing per hole should be determined according to the variety. Generally, a suitable plant spacing is between 45-60cm. The sowing depth is also determined according to soil conditions. If the soil is relatively sandy, sow deeply; if the soil layer is relatively deep and clayey, sow shallowly. Generally, place 2-3 seeds per hole and cover with 3-4cm of soil.
6. Building the shed
The frame materials for the shed can be bamboo poles, bamboo strips, or cold-drawn wire, but bamboo strips are generally chosen. The height of the arched shed is about 100cm to facilitate later management. Then sharpen both ends of the bamboo strips and insert them into the ground, tie each arch frame with hemp rope, and finally spread and cover with plastic film. After covering, press it firmly with clods of soil to avoid damage from strong winds.
7. Field management
Generally, seedlings emerge 3-5 days after sowing. At this time, the plastic film can be punctured, and seedling inspection and replanting should be done well. When the seedlings grow to 1-2 true leaves, thinning can begin. Keep 2 strong seedlings per hole. When thinning, remove weak and diseased seedlings. When the seedlings grow to 4-5 true leaves, final thinning is needed. Keep 1 strong seedling per hole. During the seedling stage, intertillage and weeding should be carried out. Intertillage can loosen the soil, enhance soil aeration, and promote root growth and development. Weeding can prevent weeds from competing with seedlings for nutrients and is conducive to strong seedling growth.