The planting method of watermelon mainly includes the following key steps: 1. Site selection and preparation
1. Site selection: Choose fields with convenient drainage and irrigation, loose and fertile soil, and abundant sunshine. A sandy soil with deep soil layers, fertility, and good drainage is preferred.
2. Land preparation: Deep plowing of the soil to improve soil structure and promote root growth. At the same time, combined with soil preparation and application of base fertilizer, generally 2000-3000 kilograms of decomposed farmyard manure are applied per mu, combined with appropriate amounts of phosphorus and potassium fertilizers and nitrogen fertilizers. The width of the bed is generally 2-2.5 meters (including the ditch), the length is 6-10 meters, the ditch width is 30-40 centimeters, and the depth is 25-30 centimeters. 2、 Seed selection and germination promotion
1. Seed selection: Based on the local climate conditions, select suitable watermelon varieties that are high-yielding, high-quality, disease resistant, and resistant to storage and transportation, such as Rainbow, 8424, Meidu, Black Beauty, New Beauty, etc.
2. Germination: Select plump seeds and soak them in water at 30 ℃ -35 ℃ for 4-6 hours or keep them in a constant temperature box at 30 ℃ for germination. After the seeds turn white, they can be sown. 3、 Sowing and seedling cultivation
1. Sowing time: Determine the suitable sowing period based on local climate conditions. Generally, sowing is done when the spring temperature stabilizes above 15 ℃. In some areas, early sowing can be achieved through methods such as plastic film covering and greenhouse seedling cultivation.
2. Sowing method: Direct sowing or seedling transplanting can be used. When playing, place 1-2 seeds per hole, cover with 2-3 centimeters of fine soil, and then cover with a thin film. Peel off the film promptly after emergence to prevent seedling burning, and spray pesticides to prevent sudden collapse.
3. Seedling cultivation: When the seedlings grow 3-4 true leaves, they are transplanted and planted. When transplanting, avoid damaging the root system of the seedlings. 4、 Field management
1. Watering: Watermelon requires a large amount of water during its growth period, but it is not tolerant to waterlogging. Keep the soil moist from sowing to emergence, and control water appropriately to prevent excessive growth after emergence. Watering should be done appropriately during the elongation period and flowering and fruiting period. Adequate water supply is required during the fruit swelling period, and watering should be stopped 7-10 days before maturity to facilitate sugar accumulation.
2. Fertilization: During the seedling stage, a single application of seedling fertilizer can be applied, mainly consisting of quick acting nitrogen fertilizer. After fruit setting, apply strong fruit fertilizer, mainly phosphorus and potassium fertilizers, combined with a small amount of nitrogen fertilizer. Timely supplement according to the growth status of plants and soil fertility.
3. Pruning and Pruning: Watermelon vines are long and prone to overgrowth, requiring pruning. Common pruning methods include single vine pruning, double vine pruning, or multi vine pruning. Choose the appropriate pruning method based on the variety characteristics and planting density. Pressing vines helps to fix them, prevent wind damage, promote adventitious root formation, and enhance nutrient absorption capacity.
4. Artificial pollination: In order to improve pollination rate, artificial pollination can be carried out. Choose 9-11am to apply pollen from male flowers onto the stigma of female flowers. 5、 Disease and pest control
During the growth period of watermelons, the main diseases include anthracnose, damping off, wilt, etc. The main insect pests include small field tigers, aphids, etc. Comprehensive prevention and control measures can be taken, such as selecting disease resistant varieties, strengthening field management, and rational fertilization and watering. If pests and diseases occur, biological control, chemical control and other methods can be used for prevention and control. 6、 Harvesting and Storage
The maturity period of watermelon varies depending on the variety and cultivation season. Generally, early maturing varieties mature about 30 days after pollination, while medium maturing varieties mature 35-40 days after pollination. Watermelons that are stored and kept fresh should be harvested at eight maturity, and the stems and vines should be preserved for 1-1.5 centimeters to maintain freshness. Before storage, soak in pesticides to prevent disease occurrence. During storage, maintain appropriate temperature and humidity, and pay attention to ventilation and air exchange.
The planting method of watermelon involves multiple stages such as land selection, soil preparation, seed selection, germination promotion, sowing, seedling cultivation, field management, disease and pest control, as well as harvesting and storage. Only by managing every aspect well can we ensure the high yield and quality of watermelons.