Watermelon is a common fruit in summer, known for its sweet taste, thirst-quenching properties, and cooling effects. It has high economic value, and many farmers engage in its cultivation. Below are the cultivation methods and techniques for growing watermelon.
1. Site Selection and Land Preparation
Choose sandy loam soil with good fertility, deep soil layers, abundant sunlight, and convenient drainage and irrigation. Cultivate fields that have not grown melons or cucurbits for 3 years in paddy fields or 5 years in dry fields. Deep plow the melon field before winter, and prepare the land in time before transplanting. Properly prepare the soil with basal fertilizers, primarily using high-quality organic fertilizers supplemented with inorganic fertilizers.
2. Seed Selection and Soaking
Select high-quality seeds suitable for local soil and climate conditions, considering purity, moisture content, seed size, germination rate, etc. Before soaking, sun-dry the seeds for 2 days. Then, soak the dried seeds in warm water (around 30°C) for 6-8 hours, followed by disinfection. After treatment, rinse the seeds and incubate them in a constant temperature of 40°C for 6 hours to stimulate germination.
3. Sowing and Transplanting
For direct seeding, open shallow furrows or pits near the basal fertilizer application area on the ridge, with a row spacing of 45-50cm. Sow 1-2 pre-germinated seeds per pit, cover with soil to a depth of 2-3cm, and water thoroughly. Alternatively, seedlings can be raised for transplanting. Transplant seedlings when they have 3 leaves and 1 heart or are 30-35 days old, with a spacing of 45-50cm between plants and approximately 450-500 plants per acre.
4. Field Management
(1) Irrigation: Watermelon seedlings should be watered sparingly during the early stages and even avoided, controlling moisture before flowering to prevent excessive vine growth. After fruit setting, ensure an adequate water supply for fruit expansion, but refrain from watering 7-10 days before harvesting to promote sugar accumulation. Drain excess water promptly during continuous rainfall to prevent root and vine rot.
(2) Fertilization: Apply seedling fertilizer lightly, focusing on promoting growth initially and then controlling it later. When the young fruits reach the size of a chicken egg, apply melon enlargement fertilizer at a rate of 15-20kg per acre, using 45% nitro-sulfur-based or potassium sulfate controlled-release fertilizers.
(3) Trailing and Pruning: Start trailing when watermelon seedlings reach about 50cm in length. Move the seedlings in one direction, remove the tips of the main vines, and weed the field. Prune the vines approximately 10 days after trailing, leaving two vigorous lateral vines and one main vine per plant after the 10th leaf node. Leave only one fruit per plant.
(4) Pest and Disease Control: Common diseases include wilt, anthracnose, viruses, powdery mildew, and blight, while common pests include aphids, red spiders, cucumber beetles, and fruit flies. Implement integrated pest management strategies, such as grafting, soil disinfection, crop rotation, selecting disease-resistant varieties, and using chemical pesticides.
Above are the cultivation methods and techniques for watermelon. Watermelons thrive in warm, dry environments and are sensitive to cold and moisture. Special attention is needed during the cultivation process.
