Detailed Explanation of Key Techniques for Growing Winter Melon in Greenhouses

First prepare the seedbed and seedling trays, then after soaking, dressing, and sprouting the high-quality plump seeds, sow them in the seedbed. Water thoroughly once before sowing, cover with a thin layer of soil after sowing, then add plastic film and a small arch shed. Once 3 true leaves have grown, they can be transplanted. After transplanting, pay attention to maintaining the temperature and humidity inside the container, and carry out field management well.

Field management of greenhouse winter melon:

1. Early-stage management

Early-stage management in the greenhouse focuses mainly on heat preservation. The temperature inside the greenhouse is generally fine at 30-35°C; if it is above 35°C, moderate ventilation should be carried out. 4-5 days after transplanting, the seedlings enter the stage of growth and development, and vine running begins after 10 days. Do not forget the work of intertillage and loosening the soil for seedling hardening. If the winter melon is growing well, the seedling hardening period needs to be longer; otherwise, it should be shorter.

2. Management during fruit setting

Zuogualing can be used to dip the fruit. At the same time, the root fruit must be discarded, so as to ensure the quality of the single fruit. In addition, sufficient water must be ensured, and high-potassium fertilizer should be applied during the fruit expansion period. The watering frequency is about once a week, and fertilization is the same.

3. Pest and disease control

Phytophthora blight, anthracnose, powdery mildew, aphids, whiteflies, and mites are all common pests and diseases during winter melon cultivation. Scientific management is the main means of controlling pests and diseases. In addition, strengthening the installation of insect-proof nets and the management of water and fertilizer are equally important.

Take aphid control as an example: aphids enhance the spread of viral diseases, so they must be vigorously controlled. You can spray with 10% cypermethrin at 2000 times, or 20% imidacloprid at 3000-4000 times solution. Generally spray once every 3-5 days, for 3 consecutive times. Because aphids have strong pesticide resistance, it is very necessary to frequently switch pesticides. When spraying pesticides, spray on the leaves, so that more aphids can be killed.

Winter melon cultivation techniques are simple, and management difficulty is not great. Moreover, using greenhouse cultivation, two seasons can be grown, and the output value per mu is even better than open-field cultivation, making it a vegetable variety with good development prospects.