The time and method of outdoor cultivation of Hami melon vary depending on regional climate conditions, but generally follow the following principles: 1. Planting time
Hami melon is a warm loving crop with high temperature requirements, so the choice of planting time is crucial. In China, the outdoor planting time of cantaloupe is mainly from spring to early summer, and the specific time is as follows:
Southern region: Generally, sowing begins at the end of March to early April, when the temperature has stabilized above 15 degrees and there is no longer frost.
Northern regions: Due to the late rise in spring temperatures, seeds are usually sown from mid April to early May to ensure that they germinate and grow at suitable temperatures.
If planting in summer, it is necessary to pay attention to shading and sun protection, and maintain sufficient humidity to cope with hot and dry weather. 2、 Planting method
1. Soil selection: Hami melon requires fertile soil, good drainage, and a pH value between 6-8. Before planting, sufficient improvement and preparation work should be carried out on the land, such as adding organic fertilizers and mineral elements, to optimize the soil environment.
2. Sowing: The seeds of cantaloupe are relatively small, so they need to be evenly spread during sowing. Generally, seeds are soaked in water overnight before sowing, and the density should not be too high. Typically, the amount of seeds per hectare is between 2-3 kilograms. After sowing, gently cover the seeds with soil to maintain appropriate humidity and temperature.
3. Planting: The seedlings of cantaloupe need to maintain sufficient sunlight and water. When the seedlings grow to 4-5 leaves, they can be planted. The distance between plants should be adjusted appropriately according to the planting density to ensure that each plant can obtain sufficient growth space and light.
4. Growth management: During the growth process of cantaloupe, it is necessary to pay attention to timely weeding, pruning, and leaf removal to maintain a good growth environment. At the same time, watering and fertilizing should be done reasonably according to soil moisture and plant growth conditions. Hami melon grows rapidly and requires a large amount of nutrients. Generally, it needs to be fertilized 3-4 times. Apply topdressing every 7-10 days after flowering, and apply 0.5-1 kg of urea every 10-15 square meters.
5. Flower and fruit management: After the flowering of Hami melons, artificial pollination and bee pollination should be carried out on the third day to improve the fruit setting rate. After the formation of small melons, undeveloped ones can be removed, leaving only 3-4 optimal ones per plant.
6. Disease and pest control: Hami melons are susceptible to invasion by pests and diseases such as aphids, powdery mildew, and anthracnose. During the planting process, timely prevention and control of pests and diseases can be achieved by combining physical control with appropriate pesticides. At the same time, attention should be paid to maintaining the hygiene of the field environment and promptly removing weeds and disease residues. 3、 Harvesting and Storage
After planting for 70-90 days, when the surface of the cantaloupe skin is sunken and the navel is loose, you can gently peel it open to check if the internal seeds are deep red and fleshy. If it meets the mature standards, it can be harvested. After harvesting, it can be stored in a ventilated and cool place for 7-15 days to maintain its freshness and taste.
The time and method of outdoor cultivation of Hami melon need to be adjusted appropriately according to local climate conditions and soil environment. Through scientific and rational planting management, high-yield and high-quality Hami melons can be obtained.