Detailed Explanation of Key Techniques for Greenhouse Watermelon Cultivation
Soil: Choose fertile soil and deep-plow about 25 cm before sowing to ensure the subsequent growth of the watermelons. Sowing: Sowing can be carried out when the soil temperature reaches above 16°C. Field management: Reasonably control water and fertilizer according to the growth conditions and weather environment, prune in time, and prevent an excessive number of vines; finally, arrange for harvesting.
Greenhouse Watermelon Cultivation Techniques
1. Soil
Choose a plot with relatively high terrain, normal drainage and irrigation, and deep, soft soil to build the greenhouse. Then, before sowing in spring, deep-plow the soil about 25 cm to destroy the overwintering sites of pathogens and pests. Use the low-temperature environment to freeze the pests to death, then dig the melon furrows to facilitate the growth of the watermelon plants' roots.
2. Propagation Methods
Generally, sowing and grafting are the main methods, and sowing propagation is the most commonly used. Choose seeds of varieties with high yield, strong disease resistance, and no pests or diseases. Then place the seeds in warm water of about 50°C and stir them for about 8 minutes. During seed soaking, a certain humidity must be maintained, and sowing can be carried out after about 85% of the seeds have germinated.
3. Sowing
When the soil temperature remains above 16°C, sowing can be carried out. Before sowing, dig the sowing furrows, water them thoroughly, and then place the seeds in the very middle of the sowing furrows. Place just one seed in each sowing hole, and after sowing, cover with soil and mulch film. After the seedlings produce their first true leaf, ensure sufficient light.
4. Field Management
We should reasonably control the amount of water and fertilizer according to the growth conditions of the watermelons and the weather. In particular, note that when the watermelons enter the vine extension stage and the young fruit stage, topdressing should be carried out in time to meet the sufficient nutrients needed for watermelon growth. Then, pruning work should also be done well to prevent an excessive number of vines, which would cause crossing and overlapping and affect each other's growth.