Detailed Guide to the Latest Greenhouse Watermelon Seedling Raising Techniques and Methods
Watermelons can be grown in open fields or in greenhouses. The latter is relatively simpler to manage and tends to produce higher yields. Raising seedlings in a greenhouse is one of the key tasks in watermelon cultivation, so farmers must understand and master the relevant technical knowledge for greenhouse watermelon seedling raising. Below, the editor brings you the key points of greenhouse watermelon seedling raising techniques. Let's take a look.
1. Building the seedling greenhouse
Because winter temperatures are low, greenhouse management must be carried out day and night, so the seedling greenhouse should be chosen in a sunny spot close to home. The floor area of the seedling greenhouse should be determined by the number of seedlings to be raised, and the structure of the greenhouse body is similar to that of a general greenhouse. In winter, sunlight is short and there is low temperature with little light, and raising the temperature mainly relies on controlling a fire stove. A large seedling greenhouse area consumes a great deal of energy, so to save energy, the seedling greenhouse area should be appropriate in size, with an east-west orientation. A greenhouse chamber generally has 2 heating stoves: one at the west end inside the greenhouse, aligned with the center in a north-south direction; the other stove is set near the southeast corner inside the greenhouse, with the chimney running from south to north.
2. Sowing and raising seedlings
Nutrient soil is generally made by mixing high-quality decomposed organic fertilizer with soil, and compound fertilizer can also be mixed in, but pay attention to the amount. Generally, 0.5-1 kg is added per 1000 seedlings. Never use nitrogen fertilizer. At the same time, an appropriate amount of fungicide and insecticide can also be mixed in. To enhance the cold resistance of the seedlings and promote seedling growth and development, the germinated seeds are subjected to alternating high and low temperature treatment. First place the germinated seeds in a sub-zero environment for 15-18 hours, then place them in a 20 degree environment for 12-15 hours. During the germination process, keep them moist to prevent the seeds from dehydrating. Sow when the young sprouts grow to 0.5 cm.
3. Grafting
Grafting is generally carried out when the watermelon has one leaf and one heart. After the watermelon seedlings emerge, the earlier the grafting, the higher the survival rate. Combine this with the weather forecast and choose a sunny day for grafting. On the day before grafting, water thoroughly and cover with plastic film. After sunrise the next day, the dew on the film can provide shade, and then use the straw matting on the greenhouse to provide dappled shade. During grafting, maintain a high-temperature and high-humidity environment. Pay attention during the week after grafting: control daytime temperatures between 30-36 degrees, and nighttime temperatures above 20 degrees. When there is low temperature and little light, remember to light the stove to raise the temperature.
4. Management after grafting
Before grafting, water the rootstock and seedbed thoroughly so that the seedbed reaches a state of water saturation. During the three days before grafting, pay attention to heat preservation and shading. Control the seedbed between 26-2 degrees during the day, and no lower than 20 degrees at night, with relative humidity at 100%. After three days, allow light to be seen in the evening, and gradually ventilate and expose to light to harden the seedlings. After the grafted seedlings survive and recover, ventilate, generally at noon. The larger the seedlings grow, the longer the ventilation time. Even on cloudy days, insist on ventilating until the three-leaf-one-heart stage, then ventilate day and night. After the grafted seedlings survive, promptly remove the tiller buds from the rootstock. When the seedlings produce the third true leaf, they can be transplanted and planted out.
The above is an introduction to greenhouse watermelon seedling raising techniques. We hope it helps you. To learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.