The latest planting time and methods for the horned melon
The horned melon is a new variety of melon that has only recently begun appearing on the market. As soon as it hit the market, it won people's affection, and its price rose quite a bit. Because it is an early-maturing variety, it reaches the market earlier than ordinary melons, so its returns are better. As for why it is called the horned melon, it is because the fruit is slender and resembles a horn. Today we mainly introduce the specific planting methods for the horned melon. Please keep reading the following content.
1. Planting time
Generally, planting is done in March and April in spring. The temperature needs to rise again; it can be planted when the temperature is around 15°C or above. At this time, the sunlight is also relatively sufficient. For protected cultivation, planting can mainly begin in November in autumn. At this time, the outdoor temperature is similar to the spring temperature, which is suitable for seed germination. Sowing at this time allows harvest in spring, bringing an earlier market launch.
2. Planting methods
1. Seed selection and treatment
Choose varieties that are not prone to deformity or skin cracking for planting, preferably ones with strong adaptability and strong growth vigor, and mainly ones that can adapt to the local climate and environmental conditions. Before sowing, select plump seeds and first soak them in hot water at 59°C for 20 minutes, stirring constantly during this time to avoid scalding. Then wash them clean and drain them, wrap them in a clean, moistened cloth, and place them in an incubator for germination. At a temperature between 28 and 30°C, it is best to take them out and rinse them once a day to prevent mucus secretion from rotting the seeds.
2. Sowing and raising seedlings
Because the seeds are relatively large, seedling pots can be used for raising seedlings. Prepare river sand, compost made from humus and grass, vermiculite, and soil, disinfect them, and use them after drying them in the sun for a few days. Generally, sow 1 to 2 seeds per small pot and cover with 1 cm of soil. Spray water until water flows out from the drainage holes, then stop watering. Place in a shaded area to provide shade and retain moisture.
3. Transplanting
Transplanting can be done once three true leaves have grown, at a height of about 10 cm, so the planting time in different places will vary according to growth. Planting should be done in raised rows, with the raised rows 30 to 40 cm wide. The adjacent furrows should be 20 cm deep. The transplanting spacing is 30 cm between plants and 40 cm between rows. About 30 jin of farmyard manure should be applied per plant before transplanting, and other compound fertilizers should be applied as topdressing later.
4. Seedling stage management
After emergence, check the seed emergence rate, and then remove any seedlings that are weak, diseased, or yellowed. Then water every day to promote growth. After transplanting, during the recovery period, apply some nitrogen fertilizer water to restore the growth momentum as quickly as possible. Sometimes there will be brief water loss, so it is best to water a small amount at a time and do so multiple times.
One problem with growing horned melons is that they crack easily, and the rind is relatively brittle, so when planting, attention should be paid to this problem and more potassium fertilizer should be applied. Choose better varieties.