What are the planting times and fertilization precautions for melons?

Melon is a fruit-type cucurbit widely grown across our country. Different varieties differ in taste, shape and color, and they generally ripen and reach the market in midsummer. The whole melon plant also has certain medicinal value, with effects such as inducing vomiting, removing dampness and reducing jaundice. So when are melons generally planted? What are the precautions for fertilization?

1. When are melons generally planted?

1. Melons are generally propagated from seed when planted. There are many varieties. The suitable sowing period is August to October, and no later than November. Spring sowing can generally be done in February to March.

2. To ensure a good harvest around Qingming and Guyu, varieties with a longer growth period, such as the American zucchini, can be sown early, while those with a shorter growth period, such as the Zaoqing zucchini, can be sown a little later.

2. What are the precautions for fertilizing melons?

1. Do not water after applying urea

The nitrogen contained in urea is in the form of amide. Under the action of the urease secreted by soil microorganisms, amide nitrogen is converted into ammonium carbonate before it can be absorbed by vegetables or adsorbed and retained by the soil. For example, watering after applying urea will cause loss, so whether urea is used as a base fertilizer or a top dressing, it needs to fully transform within 5 to 7 days after application before watering, which can avoid losses.

2. Do not apply ammonium sulfate multiple times

In acidic soil or calcareous melon fields, if ammonium sulfate is applied continuously many times, it will make acidic soil even more acidic and cause calcareous soil to become compacted, seriously affecting the normal growth of melons.

3. Do not apply large amounts of calcium superphosphate

If phosphate fertilizer is applied to a melon field for several consecutive years, supplying too much phosphate fertilizer will be extremely unfavorable to the normal growth and development of melons, causing the melons to decline and wither prematurely, greatly reducing crop yield and also lowering quality.

4. Do not apply ammonium bicarbonate when the melon field lacks water

Ammonium bicarbonate is very unstable and volatilizes and is lost relatively easily, especially when the melon field is dry and short of water, and the losses are even greater. Therefore, if ammonium bicarbonate is applied in a melon field, whether as a base fertilizer or a top dressing, it needs to be applied deeply when the melon field is moist, and the soil needs to be turned over immediately after application. If dry weather occurs, clean water can be added for sprinkling application, or watering can be done after application.

5. Do not spray nitrogen fertilizer at too high a concentration

If solutions such as urea and ammonium sulfate are sprayed on melons, although it can make the melons plumper, give them a good color and significantly increase yield, nitrate may also accumulate in large amounts on the melon rind, posing a great threat to human health after we eat them.