Agricultural technology for growing watermelon seeds
1. Variety selection
When choosing a watermelon variety, you need to consider the following factors:
- Growing area. Depending on the climate zone, varieties with different ripening periods are selected.
- Purpose of cultivation. For fresh consumption, varieties with a sweeter taste are selected, and for processing - with denser pulp.
- Shape and size of fruits. Select varieties with fruits of the desired shape and size.
2. Soil preparation
Watermelon is a heat-loving crop, so well-warmed areas on the south side are chosen for its cultivation. The soil should be fertile, loose and neutral acidity.
In autumn, the site is dug up to a depth of 25-30 cm and organic fertilizers (manure, compost, humus) are applied at the rate of 5-6 kg per 1 m². In spring, the soil is leveled and holes 5-7 cm deep are made.
3. Sowing seeds
In central Russia, watermelon seeds are sown in open ground in late May - early June, when the soil temperature at a depth of 10 cm reaches +10-12 °C.
2-3 seeds are sown in each hole at a distance of 70-80 cm from each other. After germination, one of the strongest plants is left.
4. Plant care
Watermelon is a moisture-loving crop, so it needs to be watered regularly. Water the plants 2-3 times a week, using 2-3 buckets of water per 1 m².
During the period of active plant growth, 2-3 fertilizing with mineral fertilizers is carried out. The first feeding is carried out in the phase of 3-4 true leaves, the second - in the flowering phase, the third - in the fruiting phase.
The following fertilizers are used for fertilizing:
- Nitrogen fertilizers (ammonium nitrate, urea) - promote the growth of leaves and stems.
- Phosphorus fertilizers (superphosphate, double superphosphate) - promote the development of the root system and flowering.
- Potassium fertilizers (potassium chloride, potassium magnesium) - promote fruit development.
Weeding is carried out to control weeds. To protect against pests and diseases, plants are sprayed with special preparations.
5. Harvest
Watermelons are harvested in August - September, when the fruits are fully ripe.
Signs of fruit ripeness:
- Change in color of the bark. In varieties with bright red bark it becomes dark red, in varieties with yellow bark it becomes bright yellow.
- Dry stalk
- Fruit hardness
Ripe fruits are cut off with a stalk 5-10 cm long. Watermelons are stored in a cool place.
Some tips for growing watermelon
- To obtain an earlier harvest, watermelon can be grown as seedlings. Seeds are sown in pots or boxes in late April - early May. Seedlings are planted in open ground in late May - early June, when the threat of frost has passed.
- To increase productivity, watermelon can be grown on a compost heap. The compost heap warms up faster than the soil, so seeds can be sown as early as early May.
- To protect watermelon from pests and diseases, it can be planted next to marigolds, calendula or nasturtium. These plants repel insect pests.
If you follow the agricultural techniques for growing watermelon, you can get a good harvest of this tasty and healthy crop.
When choosing a watermelon variety, you need to consider the following factors:
- Growing area. Depending on the climate zone, varieties with different ripening periods are selected.
- Purpose of cultivation. For fresh consumption, varieties with a sweeter taste are selected, and for processing - with denser pulp.
- Shape and size of fruits. Select varieties with fruits of the desired shape and size.
2. Soil preparation
Watermelon is a heat-loving crop, so well-warmed areas on the south side are chosen for its cultivation. The soil should be fertile, loose and neutral acidity.
In autumn, the site is dug up to a depth of 25-30 cm and organic fertilizers (manure, compost, humus) are applied at the rate of 5-6 kg per 1 m². In spring, the soil is leveled and holes 5-7 cm deep are made.
3. Sowing seeds
In central Russia, watermelon seeds are sown in open ground in late May - early June, when the soil temperature at a depth of 10 cm reaches +10-12 °C.
2-3 seeds are sown in each hole at a distance of 70-80 cm from each other. After germination, one of the strongest plants is left.
4. Plant care
Watermelon is a moisture-loving crop, so it needs to be watered regularly. Water the plants 2-3 times a week, using 2-3 buckets of water per 1 m².
During the period of active plant growth, 2-3 fertilizing with mineral fertilizers is carried out. The first feeding is carried out in the phase of 3-4 true leaves, the second - in the flowering phase, the third - in the fruiting phase.
The following fertilizers are used for fertilizing:
- Nitrogen fertilizers (ammonium nitrate, urea) - promote the growth of leaves and stems.
- Phosphorus fertilizers (superphosphate, double superphosphate) - promote the development of the root system and flowering.
- Potassium fertilizers (potassium chloride, potassium magnesium) - promote fruit development.
Weeding is carried out to control weeds. To protect against pests and diseases, plants are sprayed with special preparations.
5. Harvest
Watermelons are harvested in August - September, when the fruits are fully ripe.
Signs of fruit ripeness:
- Change in color of the bark. In varieties with bright red bark it becomes dark red, in varieties with yellow bark it becomes bright yellow.
- Dry stalk
- Fruit hardness
Ripe fruits are cut off with a stalk 5-10 cm long. Watermelons are stored in a cool place.
Some tips for growing watermelon
- To obtain an earlier harvest, watermelon can be grown as seedlings. Seeds are sown in pots or boxes in late April - early May. Seedlings are planted in open ground in late May - early June, when the threat of frost has passed.
- To increase productivity, watermelon can be grown on a compost heap. The compost heap warms up faster than the soil, so seeds can be sown as early as early May.
- To protect watermelon from pests and diseases, it can be planted next to marigolds, calendula or nasturtium. These plants repel insect pests.
If you follow the agricultural techniques for growing watermelon, you can get a good harvest of this tasty and healthy crop.