Complete Process of Watermelon Seedling Planting

Watermelon is a highly popular fruit, especially during the summer months. However, cultivating watermelon is not easy. Below is the complete process of planting watermelon seedlings.

Complete Process of Watermelon Seedling Planting

1. Planting Time: Watermelon seedlings can be planted when they have developed two or three true leaves. Generally, it is best to plant around the Qingming Festival when the soil temperature is stable at around 15°C. Planting should ideally be done on a sunny day.

2. Planting Method: Cover the prepared ridges in the field with a layer of plastic film. Using a dibber, make holes at regular intervals on the covered plastic film. Plant the watermelon seedlings in these holes and cover the roots with a thin layer of soil. Then, water the seedlings.

3. Water Management: Watermelon seedlings are sensitive to water during their early stages. To prevent excessive elongation of the seedlings, water should be strictly controlled during the early growth stage.

4. Fertilization: If signs of nutrient deficiency are observed during the growth of watermelon seedlings, a small amount of fertilizer can be applied in conjunction with watering. Generally, 0.2% urea solution or 2% potassium dihydrogen phosphate solution can be used for spraying.

5. Cultivation: Proper cultivation and loosening of the soil can be carried out during the seedling stage. This helps eliminate weeds and increases the air content in the soil, promoting root growth. The depth of cultivation should be about 1 centimeter, avoiding damage to the roots.

6. Disease and Pest Control: Common diseases affecting watermelon seedlings include damping-off disease and anthracnose, while common pests include aphids, seed flies, and wireworms. Preventive measures should be taken against diseases, and field management should be done properly. Spraying with 70% methyl thiophanate or Carbendazim wettable powder at 600-800 times dilution can be effective against diseases. For pests like seed flies and wireworms, spraying with 90% Crystaltrine at 800 times dilution is recommended, while aphids can be controlled by spraying with 40.5% imidacloprid emulsion at 800 times dilution and 10% pyrethrin emulsion at 1000 times dilution.

Above is the complete process of planting watermelon seedlings. Proper management is crucial during the seedling stage, and good field management practices are essential for achieving high yields and quality watermelons.