Detailed Explanation of Watermelon Planting Techniques and Management Methods
Watermelon is a fruit deeply loved by the vast number of consumers, but in the process of watermelon planting there are still quite a few melon growers who encounter problems. Below we will talk about watermelon planting techniques and management methods.
Watermelon planting and management methods
1. Site selection and fertilization: For watermelon planting, it is advisable to choose sandy loam soil with deep soil layers, loose soil texture and convenient drainage and irrigation. The base fertilizer should be mainly organic fertilizer and cake fertilizer, supplemented by inorganic fertilizer, generally accounting for 60~70% of the total fertilizer amount, with reasonable combination of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, and micro-fertilizers applied to the base or sprayed according to the situation.
2. Timely planting: For early-maturing watermelon varieties, the seedling age is about 1 month, and they can be planted once they grow 2~3 true leaves; for mid-maturing varieties, the seedling age is 20~25 days; for late-maturing varieties, the seedling age is 7~10 days before planting. Plant 2 rows on wide beds and 1 row on narrow beds, covering with film while transplanting.
3. Pruning and vine pressing: Watermelon generally adopts the three-vine pruning method. When the main vine has 8~9 leaves, select and retain the main vine and two robust side vines. When the vines grow to 50 cm, press the vines with soil combined with pruning, then press once more at intervals of 3~4 nodes, pressing each vine 2~3 times in total, and arrange the vines evenly.
4. Fruit setting and turning: For watermelon, select the 2nd and 3rd female flowers on the main vine or the 1st and 2nd female flowers on the side vines for fruit setting. In case of low temperature or rainy weather, artificial assisted pollination should be used. When the fruit has fully grown, it should be turned in time. When turning the fruit, rotate it in one direction, turning about 1/3 each time.
5. Water and fertilizer management: When the young watermelon fruit grows to the size of an egg, apply fruit-swelling fertilizer according to the plant's growth vigor. Generally, apply 15~20 kg per mu of 45% nitro-sulfur-based or potassium sulfate-type controlled-release fertilizer. When water is lacking, irrigate in the early morning or at night when the temperature is lower, and at the same time drain accumulated water in the field promptly after rain.