How to plant watermelons: regulations, basic methods and secrets
Originally from Africa, this summer berry was known to the ancient Romans and Egyptians thousands of years ago. Due to its diuretic properties, it was a popular drug. Watermelons are grown on adjacent plots, in the country, in the fields and farms. It is important to know, that planting watermelons, as well as other plants, has different ways: in open ground or in a greenhouse. The process of planting watermelons is unpretentious, watermelon at home is easy to grow, but negligence and violation of the main agro-technological rules can destroy the plant before the flowering stage. About that, how to plant watermelons in different ways, what mistakes to avoid when planting and caring for watermelon, to get a rich harvest, read below.
soil preparation
It's clear, that soil preparation is the most important stage in the cultivation of this plant. After all, this is the environment, in which the plant will develop before fruiting. But once you need to say a few words about the selection and preparation of seed. First, choose the right one, suitable for your climate variety or hybrid. Hybrids, usually, already treated with fungicides, therefore do not require such instructions: method of seed preparation.
Before sowing, place watermelon seeds in gauze and immerse in a warm solution of manganese. Place this container in a plastic bag and place indoors at room temperature. Change the solution every day. Preparation of seeds does not take much time. In a couple of days you will see, how the seeds hatch is a signal of that, that you can plant them in the ground.
Plant this plant in the heat, well lit place. Watermelon needs sandy or sandy soil. All right, if the watermelon in this area was previously planted onions, cabbage, legumes.
As for the soil, then its preparation implies the following actions:
- even in autumn it is better to enrich the soil with compost, so that next year it will be fruitful;
- before planting in the soil for watermelons should be added potassium, phosphate fertilizers and ammonium sulfate in proportion to 1 m? 20:40:30 G;
- the ground needs to be loosened and beds prepared in advance.
seedling method
The method is perfect for growing this plant in areas with short and not very hot summers. For planting watermelons by seedling method you need to select quality seeds of early hybrids. Pay attention to them, that after germination seedlings can be planted more 25 days. The seeds should be sown in April. How to properly plant seeds for watermelon seedlings? Special peat or plastic cups are used for watermelon seedlings, in which one seed is planted.
Soil for watermelons can be bought in a store or made yourself. To do this, mix the humus, peat, sand, ground in equal proportions and add wood ash. By the way, this mixture is suitable for all members of the Pumpkin family. Dig a sunflower seed into the moistened soil mixture for a couple of centimeters. Place the cups under the film. After the emergence of seedlings, the film is no longer needed.
Leave the cups on the windowsill in a room with a temperature of no more 22 degrees. Seedlings should be constantly monitored. Across 5-7 days remove weak shoots. One and a half weeks after germination, you can feed the seedlings. Dilute mullein in water, superphosphate, ammonium nitrate and carefully water the plant. Do not get the solution on the leaves.
Growing from seed
In the southern regions, the plant is planted in open ground with seeds. How to plant watermelons in this way and when to sow? Planted well-prepared seeds in the ground on 10 cm in depth. During planting, the soil temperature should be at least 14 degrees. When planting watermelons in the ground, pay attention to its structure. If it is sandy soil, then you can deepen the seeds on 8-10 cm, and if solid, to na 4-6 cm.
Prepare the soil for growing watermelon: mix the top layer of soil with humus and ash and fill it in the hole. Level it all up and fill with water. It is recommended to place at least one hole 5 seed. It does not mean, that will grow from one hole 5 individuals. Just in time you will need to leave there the strongest seedling.
Planting in open ground
When you see, that the seedlings have strengthened, grown young plants can be transplanted into open ground. The first thing when planting watermelons in open ground - is the selection of places. It is better to choose well-lit, windless plot. If the place is still windy, watermelons can be planted behind a "fence" of corn. Then prepare the ground for a new plant - use organic fertilizers.
Often asked, at what distance to plant watermelons? It is recommended to adhere to the following parameters: there should be a distance of at least a meter between the plants. Usually planted in a checkerboard pattern - the standard scheme for planting watermelons. Place the seedlings in the holes and compact with soil, leaving on the surface of the shoot with leaves. When all individuals are planted, abundantly water the skin.
Planting and care in the open ground is not difficult, but basic actions:
- periodic weeding and loosening the soil around the base;
- regular watering;
- pinching shoots;
- weed removal;
- organic fertilizer, added to superphosphate and calcium chloride;
- treatment against diseases and pests.
It is also necessary to store and transport the harvested crop with the right approach, whatever the volume. Firstly, you have to understand, how resistant to transportation and storage your variety. Secondly, you have to prepare a special place for watermelon. The room temperature should be up to 5 degrees at humidity in 70-80% and a good ventilation system. Cover the bottom with dry moss or sawdust. Keep an eye on watermelons, their condition.
Landing in a greenhouse
How to plant watermelon at home, if the climate is cold? It can be easily grown in a greenhouse. But here's the question: how to plant watermelon in a greenhouse?
According to this algorithm, you can properly plant watermelons and care for them:
- The seeds are planted in containers until the sprout. Land for watermelons can be taken specialized.
- The soil for transplanting is prepared in a known way - by adding organic fertilizers to the soil.
- In the pits at a distance 70-80 cm placed seedlings.
- Get a couple of bees in the greenhouse for better pollination.
- Prune extra shoots.
- Fertilize with mullein or liquid manure.
- July-August is harvest time.
Video "How to grow watermelons"
You will learn from this video, how to grow watermelons.
