Key Technical Points for Open-Field Cultivation of Melons in Spring
Open-field melon cultivation in spring has low input costs and is easy to manage, making it one of the best choices for farmers to increase income and get rich in the short term. Optional varieties include Xiangmi 900, the Shabai series, and others. 1. Seed soaking: After selecting good varieties, the seeds can be appropriately sun-dried in fine weather and then screened. For warm-water seed soaking, soak in 55-degree water for 1 minute, then cool to 25 degrees, remove after 6 hours and let them dry slightly, then promote germination (keep the germination temperature at around 28 degrees). When the seeds sprout and turn white, sow them promptly.
Open-field melon cultivation in spring has low input costs and is easy to manage, making it one of the best choices for farmers to increase income and get rich in the short term. Optional varieties include Xiangmi 900, the Shabai series, and others.
1. Seed soaking
After selecting good varieties, the seeds can be appropriately sun-dried in fine weather and then screened. For warm-water seed soaking, soak in 55-degree water for 1 minute, then cool to 25 degrees, remove after 6 hours and let them dry slightly, then promote germination, (keep the germination temperature at around 28 degrees). When the seeds sprout and turn white, sow them promptly.
2. Seedling raising
65-cell black seedling plug trays can be used. Raise seedlings (average temperature above 15 degrees) for about 35 days. When the seedlings reach the 3-5 leaf stage, they can be planted in the field.
3. Transplanting
Transplant in early to mid-May. The planting density can be chosen according to variety. After transplanting, pay attention to water management to shorten the seedling recovery period as much as possible. Water in the planting holes, which both preserves soil temperature and provides sufficient water for seedling recovery. Cover with plastic film to retain moisture and increase soil temperature. A water-retaining agent can also be used at transplanting, which can reduce the number of waterings; the entire growing period can then be watered 1 more time.
4. Fertilization
Apply sufficient base fertilizer at one time. Open a furrow 30 cm from the plants and apply 50-100 kg of potassium sulfate compound fertilizer per mu, or 2-3 cubic meters of decomposed livestock and poultry manure. Or apply 50-100 kg of ternary biological organic fertilizer. In the middle and late stages, spray potassium dihydrogen phosphate, Fengshou No. 1, and similar products on the leaves as supplements and regulators, which can also balance vegetative growth and reproductive growth and increase the fruit-setting rate.
5. Pesticide use
Along with the pots and fertilizer, broadcast 2-4 kg of Tiannuo Xianjing per mu, or phoxim or abamectin, etc., to control underground pests, nematode disease, or soil-borne diseases. During planting and management, prevention of viral diseases should be strengthened, and every 10 days or so, spray Zhibingling and protective fungicides on the leaves once.
6. Watering
Water sparingly at ordinary times, and seize key periods such as the fruit-swelling water stage. At the same time, apply quick-acting compound fertilizer as a top dressing to ensure the melons have sufficient nutrients, and water promptly in case of drought.
7. Management
Choose an appropriate pruning and vine-training method according to the characteristics of the variety. For example, Xiangmi 900 does not need pruning or removal of side branches and can be allowed to grow naturally; while the Shabai series melons require five-vine pruning and keeping 3-4 melons.
8. Taboos
Most melons are taboo to continuous cropping, taboo to watering when the soil is hot, taboo to chlorine-containing fertilizers, taboo to weeding during flowering, taboo to applying nitrogen fertilizer, taboo to planting after rapeseed, and taboo to planting under large trees. Melon growers are advised to pay attention and refer to these practices when planting to ensure a good harvest.