Detailed Explanation of Key Techniques for Growing Melons in Greenhouses in Northern China

Growing melons in greenhouses in northern China requires selecting suitable varieties, then raising seedlings, transplanting, carrying out field management, and dealing with pests and diseases. The transplanting time is April each year. After transplanting, prune the vines in time to prevent excessive vine growth and fruit abortion. Routinely clear weeds in the greenhouse and apply appropriate supplementary fertilizer.

Melon Cultivation Techniques in Greenhouses in Northern China

I. Variety Selection

In addition to considering the local environment, we also need to consider disease resistance and select high-quality varieties.

II. Seedling Raising

1. Seedling age and seedling raising time

Melons generally take about one month to raise seedlings. The seedling raising time should be determined according to your own facility conditions.

2. Seed soaking and germination promotion

Before soaking the seeds, first sun-dry them, then soak them in cool water for 10 minutes. Then pour off the cool water and directly add 55°C water, stirring constantly with a wooden stick while pouring until the water temperature drops to 30°C. Continue soaking for 4 hours, then pour off the water and put the seeds into a gauze bag for germination promotion. When about 70% of the seeds show white sprouts, they can be sown.

3. Sowing method

For melons, it is best to water the nutrient pots thoroughly with 30°C warm water as the bottom water, then spray once with a 500-600 times dilution of carbendazim or propamocarb, then place the seeds with white sprouts flat in the middle of the nutrient pot and press gently. Cover the seeds with 1-1.5 cm of moist nutrient soil. The soil covering must be even and consistent. Then lay plastic film flat and set up a small arch shed or add a stove to help seedling emergence.

III. Transplanting

1. Transplanting time

Generally, transplanting can be done when the 10 cm soil temperature remains stable above 12 degrees for 7 consecutive days. In our region, for growing in cold greenhouses with arched film supports and hanging film, transplanting around April 10 is suitable; for double-film cultivation, around April 20 is suitable.

2. Transplanting method

Remove the pots when planting the seedlings. Master the planting density and the spacing between plants and rows.

IV. Management After Transplanting

1. Pruning method

Pruning should follow the principle of pinching early and when small, being tight at the front and loose at the back. Pinch the growing tip in time at the four-leaf-one-heart stage. However, before the 4-leaf stage, leave one secondary vine as a vegetative vine, and pinch the growing tip in time at the four-leaf-one-heart stage. Prevent excessive vine growth and fruit abortion.

2. Fruit setting and supplementary fertilization techniques

When each melon vine has set 3-4 fruits, and the smallest is about the size of an egg yolk, the fruits must be set in time and deformed fruits removed.