What is the best time to plant winter melon?

In the Guangzhou area, winter melon cultivation is divided into two seasons, spring planting and autumn planting, with spring planting being more common, generally sown in January-February. Under the premise of taking cold-protection measures, early sowing is better than late sowing; sowing in early to mid-January can extend the growing period, especially the vegetative growth period, so that the winter melon sets fruit around the rainy season, when air humidity is relatively high and the temperature is above 20°C. Autumn-planted winter melon is generally sown around Minor Heat (early to mid-July).

Raising seedlings

In early December of the lunar calendar, first soak the seeds in 55°C warm water for 5 minutes, stirring constantly, then carry out germination, rinsing with warm water once a day. When the seeds show white, put them into nutrient pots and water them on schedule to keep the nutrient soil at a certain moisture level. After 1 month, when the seedlings grow heart leaves, move them into the greenhouse.

Planting out

Before planting out, apply sufficient base fertilizer, form ridges at a row spacing of 2 m-2.5 m and a plant spacing of 0.5 m, cover with film after ridging, and after transplanting the seedlings, drench the roots with Gaomeishi organic humic acid active liquid fertilizer diluted 500-600 times to promote root development.

Mid-growth management

From planting out to the flowering stage, apply an appropriate amount of well-rotted chicken manure as a top dressing; when the winter melon grows to 0.5 kg-1 kg, water frequently and fertilize heavily to promote fruit development and enlargement. After the vines begin to trail and grow long, guide the vines, press the vines, remove side shoots and pinch out the growing tips at the right time, otherwise the fruit-setting rate will be affected. At flowering, from 6 am-8 am, use 2,4-D fruit-setting agent for artificial pollination, and pay attention to pest and disease control.

Harvest at the right time

Winter melon is resistant to storage and transport as an old melon, with good eating quality; about 45 days after fruit setting, when the melon skin is glossy dark green and most of the plant's leaves remain green rather than turning yellow and withered, choose a sunny morning to harvest. However, depending on market supply and demand, it can also be harvested and sold appropriately early.