How to plant watermelons in open ground seedlings. Technologies for growing watermelons from seeds and seedlings Planting and caring for watermelons
Probably every gardener thought about how to grow a watermelon in the country. With the desire and a little patience, it is easy to achieve good results in this matter. A fairly simple agricultural technique will allow you to get a crop, including a novice gardener, and even a child.
Choosing seed material
It is also possible to grow watermelon seedlings from the seed of a watermelon purchased in a store, but in this case it is definitely impossible to guarantee a good result, since the fruits of the daughter plant are unlikely to be similar to the mother ones. That is, if you purchased an unusually tasty, sweet, juicy watermelon, then the fruits grown from its seeds will certainly differ in taste. Therefore, in this case, it is better to purchase high-quality seed at specialized points of sale.
As for the choice of variety, experienced gardeners are advised to purchase hybrid varieties, since they are the ones that are more adapted to changeable weather conditions and the climate in which we live, and are also the most resistant to possible diseases. Among the hybrid varieties, the most famous are the following:
- Astrakhan;
- Madeira;
- Sympathy F1;
Video about growing watermelons
However, if you are going to grow a watermelon for the first time, then you can experiment by choosing for planting, but preferably still early ripening, such as Spark, Sugar Baby, etc.
It is necessary to start work already at the end of March-mid-April, then the young plant will have time to gain strength and will well transfer the transplant to a permanent place of growth. As a soil mixture, the composition of the following components is ideal:
- sod land;
- humus or peat;
- sawdust.
It is necessary to start work already at the end of March-mid-April
All components are taken in equal parts and mixed well. It also makes sense to purchase ready-made soil and use it. As containers for growing seedlings, it is better to take individual cups or pots with a depth of at least 10-12 cm.
When planting seeds, it should be borne in mind that they are covered with a thick shell, which is why germination takes a long time. To speed up the process, the seeds should be softened a little by heating them in warm water (50-55 0 C) for 10 minutes, and then left in a wet cotton fabric until they “peck”, monitoring the preservation of moisture. Instead of fabric, you can use hydrogel, which has recently been gaining popularity among gardeners.
After the seed has "opened" and the length of the sprout has reached 1-2 mm, it is important to harden the planting material. In this case, it is recommended to use one of two options:
- Collect snow in a deep container or put ice in it, and germinated seeds on top. Leave them like this for 5-6 hours.
- Take a small piece of cotton fabric, moisten it with water and wring it out thoroughly. Place the hatched seeds in a damp cloth and put them in this form in the refrigerator for 5-7 hours.
When planting seeds, it should be borne in mind that they are covered with a thick shell, which is why germination takes a long time.
Do not worry that the sprouts will freeze and become unviable, on the contrary, such hardening is the best prevention against many diseases. These measures will allow the plant to strengthen, become less susceptible to weather conditions.
After the hardening has been carried out, the germinated material can be planted. The seed is dipped into the prepared soil to a depth of 3-4 cm, and gently sprinkled with earth on top. Plantings are watered thoroughly, without overflow, but the soil should be well moistened.
Further, before germination, it will be necessary to close the containers with plantings with a film, forming a semblance of a greenhouse. In general, it is advised to use simple plastic bags and rubber bands for this. Before the sprouts appear, the containers are left alone, making sure that the earth in them does not dry out. After the sprouts have appeared, the film is removed and the seedlings are placed in a permanent place. The following measures are recommended for seedling care:
- timely watering. Watermelon loves moisture, so it is necessary to ensure that the soil is moist all the time, to prevent drying out. However, since the culture is prone to root rot, transfusion should not be allowed, as this leads to the loss of seedlings;
- additional illumination. So that the seedlings do not stretch, it is important to extend the daylight hours to 10-12 hours with a simple table lamp;
Watermelon loves moisture, so you need to make sure that the soil is moist all the time.
- Top dressing. It is allowed to feed seedlings a week after germination. The best solution is mullein in a ratio of 1 to 10.
Seedlings are considered ready for planting if the plant already has 3-4 leaves, it is rather stocky and has a developed root system.
Of course, greenhouse conditions are better suited for growing watermelon. However, those gardeners who do not have the opportunity to plant a plant in a greenhouse get an excellent harvest in the open field.
For growing melons in open ground, choose the brightest and warmest place, preferably with sandy or sandy soil (ideal acidity 6-7). Solanaceous or melon plants should not be allowed to be the predecessors of watermelons, due to common pests.
For growing melons in the open field, choose the brightest and warmest place.
A bed for watermelons has been prepared since autumn. The earth is carefully dug up with half-rotted manure or humus. When digging, it is necessary to carefully consider the removal of weed roots, since watermelon strongly dislikes such “neighbors”.
In the spring, as soon as the snow melts and the threat of day and night frosts has passed, the earth is carefully loosened and covered with a black non-woven fabric or transparent film. Both options are possible, but many gardeners choose a transparent film, as it has several advantages:
- reduces evaporation from the soil in hot weather;
- prevents waterlogging of the earth during the rainy period;
- keeps the fruits dry and clean during their growth;
- the ground under the film is warm and moist.
After letting the earth warm up, small cross-shaped holes are made in the covering material for planting seedlings at an interval of approximately 140x70 cm.
A small hole is made under each hole, into which fertilizers (humus, ash) are applied and watered thoroughly. Seedlings, after soaking the ground with abundant watering, are very carefully removed from the cups and planted, deepening the plant to the level of the root collar.
It is necessary to ensure that the soil is important, but not waterlogged
When deciding how to grow a watermelon in the country, do not forget that a plant growing in open ground needs appropriate care:
- Timely watering. It is necessary to ensure that the soil is important, but not waterlogged. Watering is best done in the evening. Be careful, water should not fall on the leaves of the plant.
- Weeding. Watermelon strongly dislikes unwanted neighbors, so weed removal should be regular.
- Tracking the growth of lashes. They must be directed in one direction, making sure that they do not intertwine with each other during growth.
- Top dressing. The first top dressing is carried out a week after planting the seedlings in the ground. Follow the instructions for the fertilizer used. However, top dressing should be stopped after fruit set in order to minimize the accumulation of nitrates in watermelon fruits.
- Regular inspection of plants for pests and diseases.
- Pollination. If you do not rely on insects, then you need to pollinate manually using a special brush, which can be purchased at the store.
Growing watermelons in a greenhouse
Before planting seedlings, the land in the greenhouse must be prepared by carefully digging it with humus. It is worth planting plants in a greenhouse only when the threat of frost has passed, it is optimal if the daytime air temperature reaches 20-25 0 С, and at night it does not fall below 5 0 С.
Video about growing watermelons in a greenhouse
Planting seedlings is carried out in the same way as in the case of open ground, considering only that the distance between plants should be 70 cm, and the row spacing should be 50 cm. Otherwise, you can not change anything.
Growing watermelons in a greenhouse implies appropriate plant care. In addition to everything described above, it is necessary to pay more careful attention to pollination, since it can be difficult for insects to get inside. In addition, when growing watermelons in a greenhouse, in addition to the main list, it is necessary to carry out ventilation. On hot summer days, at temperatures above 30 0, be sure to open the windows or the door in the greenhouse.
On hot summer days, sometimes you really want something refreshing, cool and healthy. At this time, stores are already starting to sell watermelons, but they are far from ideal in taste. It is known that the manufacturer often feeds the berry on the site with nitrates, a high concentration of which is potentially dangerous for the body, but you can grow watermelon with your own hands in your country house. You should start with proper care of seedlings.
Varieties of watermelons are as follows:
The color of watermelon seeds, depending on the variety, varies from light brown to black.
Seeds must be selected suitable for the climate of the region where the watermelon is supposed to be cultivated. Someone is afraid of climatic conditions - in vain, unless, of course, they live in the regions of the Far North - there the berry simply will not grow in the ground due to lack of light and heat. If in the south of Russia the seeds of watermelons are planted directly into the soil (seedless method), then in other regions one cannot do without home seedlings.
When to sow seeds
Watermelon seeds must be prepared in advance so that the seedlings are strong and disease resistant. If you plan to plant sprouts in open ground, then you need to sow in late April or early May; if in a greenhouse, then a week earlier. Properly prepared seed is one of the keys to a successful harvest:
Tank and soil selection
It should be remembered that watermelon seedlings are tender and do not like root transshipment, so it is best to choose individual peat pots: this way the earthen clod will be preserved, and the roots will not be damaged during transplantation.
Peat pots are very convenient to use, seedlings are planted in the ground directly in them, while delicate roots are not damaged.
The soil should be humus-peat. If there is none, then you can make it yourself. For this you need:
Pots should not be large, ideally 10 cm high, 8 cm wide. It is not necessary to fill the container completely with soil, 3 cm recede from the edge.
Prepare the soil for seeds in advance, because the right soil is the key to strong and healthy seedlings. Other conditions
In addition to all of the above, you need to provide future seedlings of watermelons with good lighting. Choose the southern or southeastern sides of the house - there is the most life-giving sunlight and warmth. Make sure that there are no drafts, otherwise the seedlings may die. Access of pets to them should also be excluded. Do not smoke near the seedlings or put it next to an open fire, a source of heat. Provide all these conditions, and watermelon seeds will thank you with friendly shoots.
Step-by-step instructions for disembarkation
The soil in peat pots is watered with very warm water.
Seed containers must be exposed to light.
The first shoots are very tender and demanding of sunlight and regular watering.Video: how to sow a watermelon for seedlings
Features of seedling care:
The problem of elongated seedlings
Due to the lack of light, seedlings can stretch even at the phase of cotyledon leaves. To avoid stretching, you need to take care of the seedlings in advance, for example, highlight them with a fluorescent lamp in the evening and early in the morning.
Illumination of seedlings is necessary so that the seedlings do not stretch
If they are already stretched out, this is quite fixable:
Containers should be larger than pots
In a larger container, seedlings need to be sprinkled with earth to the middle of the sprout.Video: what to do if watermelon seedlings stretched out
Planting seedlings in open ground
By the time of transplanting into open ground, watermelon seedlings should have 5–6 developed leaves, with a strong stem and strong root.
Seedlings of watermelons, ready for sowing in open ground, must be healthy, with intact leaves
The procedure is carried out in the morning:
Young shoots of watermelon are very tender, therefore, so that they do not wilt in the open sun, it is worth covering them with a small canopy or makeshift caps. When planting seedlings in a greenhouse, they are guided in the same way. But in view of the fact that there is an order of magnitude less space than in the garden, they first make supports so that the lashes of watermelons, clinging to them, crawl up.
Video: features of growing watermelons in a greenhouse
You can grow a juicy sweet watermelon even in the conditions of central Russia. It is necessary to provide comfortable conditions for growing seedlings, properly care for seedlings, be patient - then everything will definitely work out!
Donkey-sized cucumber. This is how the Persian word xarbuza is translated. It was it that became the basis for the Russian name for watermelon. The Russians borrowed not only the word, but also the wisdom of growing berries.
The first domestic samples were obtained in the 17th century. The springboard for selection was the Astrakhan region. They bred their own variety. The criteria for selecting berries for him are their size, sweetness and drought resistance.
Astrakhan watermelons are famous to this day. But, there were others. Now dozens of varieties are grown in central Russia. Among them: Spark, Leader, Chill, Yarilo, Sweet Krinson. So, there is a reason to know ...
How to plant watermelons
Planting watermelons begins with seeds. Given the Russian climate, it is better to use seedlings. In a short season, the plant should not only grow, but also bear fruit.
So that they have time to ripen, with the onset of heat, not seeds are placed in the ground, but already grown bushes. They are creeping, like cucumbers, pumpkins. By the way, the family to which the watermelon belongs is called Pumpkin.
To a question, how to plant watermelon seedlings, it is worth approaching with gauze and cotton wool. They are needed for seed germination. First, they are placed in a weak solution of potassium permanganate. Its color should be yellowish rather than pink.
Manganese will act as a disinfectant in case of infection of the seed. 20-30 minutes and you can spread the seeds on a "pillow" of damp cotton wool covered with a bandage.
Above is the same "blanket". After abundant watering of the workpiece, it is left for 3-4 days. During them, the gauze should not dry out. The result will be the appearance of roots. The seeds are ready to be planted in the ground.
Small containers are filled with soil. It is convenient to use plastic glasses. It is important to make holes in their bottom for the outflow of water. As for the substrate, it is made up of 50% purchased land, 50% garden. Both need to be disinfected. A couple of minutes in the microwave is enough. Wood ash is added as a top dressing to the mixture.
The soil substrate is laid almost to the edges of the cups. The earth will be compacted after heavy watering. The excess will flow out through the drain holes.
One common tray is enough for all cups. A 2-centimeter deepening is made in the middle of each. The seed falls into the hole with the spine down, sprinkled with a substrate, watered. It remains to put the cups in a warm, sunny place and wait for shoots.
Seedlings with 4-6 leaves are considered suitable for planting in the ground. The greenery of neighboring plants should not touch. As the watermelons grow, the cups are moved apart.
When the leaves come into contact, the development of seedlings slows down. Watering with cool water also has a negative effect. Use only warm. Subject to the conditions, the seedlings will have 4-6 leaves a month after planting.
When to plant watermelons
Based on the monthly development cycle of watermelon seedlings, it is possible to calculate the time of its planting and the movement of plants into open ground. Focus on the climate of the region.
If the possibility of frost, low temperatures is excluded only by June, the seeds are planted in early May. If positive indicators are stable already in April, the process starts in March.
When to plant watermelons for seedlings suggests the lunar calendar. It is compiled taking into account the dependence of plants, their development, on the phases of the night star. It is recommended to sow gourds from the Pumpkin family in 2016 from May 16 to May 20. Conditionally favorable days are called the 5th, 6th. 8th, 9th and 10th numbers. In March, the “segment” is suitable from the 24th to the 29th.
Question, when to plant watermelons in the ground, abandoning seedlings, depends only on weather conditions. Suitable, for example, the same days from the 16th half of the 20th of May. In the southern regions, there is no longer a risk of low temperatures by this time.
Taking into account the warm autumn, melons have time to grow and give a harvest even in the open air. From seedlings refuse, sometimes, and in Siberia. But, there, the seeds are grown in greenhouses, picking up early varieties of watermelons.
How to choose a variety of watermelon for planting
In the question, like a greenhouse, there is an important nuance - it is worth using only one variety of berries. This eliminates cross-pollination of plants. If it happens, the harvest will be of poor quality.
In cold regions, early ripening varieties with small fruits are chosen. Large berries do not have time to ripen. The most precocious is considered "Suga baby". From the name it is clear that the plant produces fruits-babies. Their weight is not more than 4.5 kilograms. The peel of the berries is dark green, and the stripes are almost black.
The varieties “Spark”, “Skorik” and “Leader” also belong to the early ripening ones. From the first shoots to harvest, 70-80 days pass. The “Gift of the Sun” ripens even faster. But, this watermelon has a yellow rind. The flesh remains red. She is gentle, sweet. The size of the berries is 3-4 kilograms.
How long do watermelons ripen middle group? From 90 to 110 days. Late-ripening varieties are not suitable for any of the regions of Russia. Mid-season includes, for example, "Sugar Baby". The crop is harvested 13 weeks after planting.
Berries are good for pickling. This is another nuance of the choice of variety. Some watermelons are meant to be eaten fresh, while others go for marinades. By the way, historically, Russians prefer the latter option. Watermelons were brought into the country in a salty form.
In the 17th century, transportation took long months. Fresh berries did not keep up with the royal table, they deteriorated. So the merchants brought pickles. Having learned to grow watermelons themselves, our ancestors did not perceive them fresh for a long time.
How to care for planting watermelons
Deciding how to plant watermelons outdoors, or a greenhouse, it is important to consider the area of \u200b\u200bthe site. Creeping plants. The berries should lie on the ground, so the garter is not done. For free development, one bush needs a large area.
Between the rows of watermelons leave at least half a meter. 70 centimeters are ideal. Between the bushes you need a meter backlog. But, there are varieties with compact, not too long stems. When they land, 50 centimeters is enough.
How far apart should watermelons be planted? found out. Now, let's study the issue of the formation of bushes. Seedlings have several creeping shoots.
You need to leave only one, the most powerful, with side branches. Docking the remaining shoots will allow the plant not to waste energy on them. All energy will be spent on the development of the main trunk and berries on it.
Watermelons are demanding on soils. We need fertile land. Fertilizers will help make them so. Melons need both mineral mixtures and organic matter. From the latter, mullein and chicken droppings are suitable.
Superphosphate is taken from mineral mixtures first. It is applied immediately after transplanting sprouts into open ground. By the time the ovaries are formed, watermelons are already given phosphorus-potassium fertilizers.
They work with melons carefully. It is not recommended, for example, to once again walk between the rows. Watermelons have a vulnerable root system. Its weak point is branching. The roots are underfoot, damaged, landings suffer.
They also suffer from lack of moisture. In the heat, abundant watering is required 3-4 times a week. Berries are 95% water. Even the bodies of jellyfish are only 92% aquatic. There will not be enough moisture, there will not be tasty, sweet fruits.
It has become commonplace for gardeners to grow watermelon. The process is simple, but it has certain difficulties that must be taken into account when growing (the plant may die before flowering, the fruits do not always grow tasty, and so on). Read more about how to grow a watermelon with your own hands, and will be discussed in this article.
The issue of choosing a variety should be approached with special responsibility. For the central zone of the Russian Federation, it is advisable to choose only early-ripening varieties, and there is no need to chase huge fruits in this matter - such watermelons realize their potential by 100% only when grown in the south of the country. Be sure to read the description of the variety on the package - it indicates information about the duration of ripening (plant ovaries should ripen as quickly as possible).
On a note! You can neglect some qualities when choosing a variety. First of all, it is large-fruitedness and transportability. Do not pay attention also to the color and shape of the fruit - this is only necessary in cases where you grow watermelons not for yourself, but for sale.
The most common varieties of watermelon:
- "Kai";
- "Sugar Baby";
- "Ataman F1";
- "Ultraearly";
- "Stokes";
- "Spark";
- "Moscow Region Charleston F1";
- "Yarilo";
- Crimstar F1;
- "Leader";
- "Pink Champagne F1";
- "Gift to the North F1".
This is only a small part of the varieties that can be grown not only in the south of the country, but most often people choose them. Having decided on the variety of watermelon, you can start growing.
How to grow watermelon outdoors
Not everyone knows, but watermelons can be grown without seedlings, but with seeds, already in a permanent place. Often, seedlings are used only for further transplanting into greenhouses so that the watermelon ripens. But if you are growing watermelon in a garden plot, then you can safely skip the stage with seedlings and sow seeds.
The planting process is divided into several preparatory stages for a good harvest. Let's consider each of them separately.
Seed preparation
Having chosen a suitable variety, wrap the seeds in a cloth bandage and place them on a shallow plate, filling them with a pre-prepared solution of potassium permanganate. The solution should be light pink and warm. After that, the saucer with the seeds should be placed in a plastic bag and tied with a little air. Move the plate with the seed to a warm room (at least +20°C). Change the solution daily and ventilate the bag. After 2-3 days, the seeds should hatch, after which they will be ready for planting in the ground.
Soil preparation
It is very important to prepare the land before planting watermelon. This is an integral part of growing, without which you can hardly get a good harvest. The prepared soil must provide the plants with nutrients throughout the entire growth period, it must be protected from strong winds, as well as well lit.
For watermelon, as well as for other gourds, loose, fertile and light soil is needed. It’s great if your suburban area has sandy or sandy soil, which you enriched with rotted humus back in the autumn. If we talk about suitable predecessors of watermelons, then these are, of course, cruciferous vegetables, as well as legumes.
For best results, it is advisable to prepare the beds in advance and fertilize the soil. For this, 1 sq. m plot you need to make 20 g of potash fertilizers, 40 g and 30 g of ammonium sulfate. This combination of mineral fertilizers will significantly accelerate the growth of watermelon, as a result of which you can enjoy juicy and sweet fruits a little earlier.
Sowing watermelon seeds
The process of planting watermelon seeds is simple and practically does not differ from planting any other crop.
Table. Step by step instructions for sowing watermelon seeds.
| Steps, photo | Description of actions |
|---|---|
| Start sowing watermelon seeds in early May as it is a very thermophilic plant. Otherwise, if you do this earlier, the plant will greatly slow down in development. Take out the pre-prepared seed material that has already germinated. |
| You should also have a planting mix at the ready, consisting of rotted humus, ash, mineral fertilizers and peat (the composition may vary, since there are many different recipes for preparing the mixture). |
| Dig a large watermelon hole and fill it with some water. |
| Pour the prepared mixture of fertilizers and humus into the hole. Carefully level with a hoe and water. |
| Place at least 5 seeds in the hole (to a depth of 5 cm) and sprinkle it all with earth. The soil layer should be about 4 cm thick. Gently tamp the ground so that the seeds are not blown away by the wind or they are not injured. Repeat the procedure for each well. |
Important! At first, 5-6 seeds should be sown in each hole, but over time, when they begin to develop, leave one plant in the hole.
Aftercare
Without providing full-fledged care, including top dressing and watering, it is impossible to grow a watermelon in the garden. The juiciness of the fruits directly depends on the level of humidity, but you should not overdo it with this matter, because you will not be able to later enjoy the sugary pulp of sweet berries, which everyone loves so much. Conventionally, subsequent care can be divided into 4 stages: watering, top dressing, trimming lashes and destroying pests. Let's consider each of them separately.
Watering
When growing watermelons in a summer cottage, it is advisable to use. This will allow for regular feeding of crops.
The best option is drip irrigation.
Watermelons need abundant but rare watering, especially during the hot period with a lack of natural moisture - remember this! For comfortable growth of watermelons, the soil moisture level should be at least 80%. If the site is located on sandy soil, then the beds need to be watered more often due to poor moisture retention. Water clay soils and black soil less often. After the berries begin to ripen and they become poured, reduce the amount of watering, and after a few weeks stop them altogether.
top dressing
Feeding watermelons grown in a summer cottage consists of three procedures, each of which must be performed subject to certain conditions: at least 2 liters of liquid fertilizer should fall on one plant. After 7 days from the moment of planting the seeds, it is necessary to regularly water the plants with a special solution prepared by oneself (all ingredients and their proportions were described above).
After the lashes on the plants begin to grow actively, you need to make a second feeding of watermelons, but this time the amount of potash and phosphorus fertilizers should be half as much. When the formation of the ovaries begins, you need to carry out another top dressing, only with a different composition. Mix 10 liters of water, 35 g of potassium salts, 10 g of superphosphate and 20 g of ammonium sulfate.
Introduce the prepared nutrient mixture into the previously prepared furrows, which should be at a distance of 15 cm from the plant bushes. The amount of nitrogen fertilizers should be reduced due to the likelihood of their accumulation in the pulp of watermelons. In addition, such measures can provoke the maturation of the plant, and not a set of green mass.
Whip trimming
During a short and insufficiently warm summer, some watermelon fruits do not have time to ripen, although the bush still spends energy on them, which could be distributed to other berries that really ripen. Therefore, each plant should have no more than 5 watermelons. Delete everything superfluous.
Important! When growing watermelons, you need to remember that female flowers form on the main lash of the plant - you can’t touch them, but remove the side lashes. Compliance with all recommendations will allow you to get a harvest in the second half of August.
Pest control
The melon aphid that appears in June can create many problems for watermelons. Dwelling on the underside of the leaves, it sucks all the vital juices from the plant, causing the leaves to shrivel and dry. During the summer, aphids can give 2-3 generations. At first, pests live only on weeds, but with the onset of June, the females move to watermelons, remaining there until the beginning of autumn. The melon aphid lays its eggs on the weeds, which overwinter there.
To protect watermelons from aphids, it is advisable to regularly weed the beds from various weeds, as well as mow the areas located next to the grown watermelons. If you notice pests, immediately treat the plants with a special decoction or infusion prepared from celandine, garlic or onion peel. If these remedies do not help and the deciduous system of plants is severely damaged, then strong chemicals can be used - for example, INTA-VIR, Karbofos, Iskra.
In addition to aphids, watermelons can be subject to various diseases, such as sclerotinia, bacteriosis, verdigris, various types of rot, and so on. For treatment, you need to prepare a decoction of horsetail. To do this, pour 1 liter of water 1 tbsp. l. plants and cook over low heat for 15 minutes. Alternatively, you can use another remedy - milk mixed with iodine. If the plants were severely affected, use Kuprosat or Oxychloride. The development of Fusarium wilt can cause the plant to die within a few days. The spread of the infection occurs through the remains of plants, seeds or soil.
As a prevention of watermelon from the occurrence of diseases, it is advisable to treat the seeds with a solution of "Bactofit" for 3 hours before planting. If some plants were nevertheless damaged by the disease, then they must be destroyed in order to protect healthy ones from infection, which, in turn, must be fed with potassium-phosphorus fertilizers.
Harvesting
Fruit picking is the final stage in the process of growing watermelons. It is not recommended to rush with this matter, because many fruits that have reached large sizes are still immature. Ripe tomatoes can be identified by a change in the color of the fruit; when growing zucchini and cucumbers, it is important not to be late with the collection, otherwise the vegetables may lose their beneficial properties. But when should watermelons be harvested? When planting early-ripening varieties, you can get a harvest no earlier than mid-August. Mass collection during this period is not carried out, it is necessary to determine the ripeness of the berry by external signs. First of all, look at the bract and tendrils - if they are dry, then the watermelon can be harvested. Also, with a light tapping of the fingers on the berry, dull sounds should be heard. The combination of these signs indicates the ripeness of the fruit.
If you are growing watermelons for further transportation and storage, then it is better to pick the berries a couple of days before ripening. They will then ripen, being in a warm and dry room. At the same time, watermelons will not lose their qualities.
Video - Growing watermelon seedlings
Originally from Africa, this summer berry was known to the ancient Romans and Egyptians thousands of years ago. Because of its diuretic properties, it has been a popular remedy. Watermelons are grown in the adjacent plots, in the country, in the fields and farm enterprises. It is important to know that planting watermelons, like other plants, has different ways: in open soil or in a greenhouse. The process of planting watermelons is unpretentious, it is not difficult to grow a watermelon at home, but negligence and violation of the main agrotechnological rules can destroy the plant even before the flowering stage. Read below about how to plant watermelons in different ways, what mistakes to avoid when planting and caring for a watermelon in order to get a rich harvest.
Soil preparation
It is clear that soil preparation is the most important step in growing this plant. After all, this is the environment in which the plant will develop until fruiting. But first you need to say a few words about the selection and preparation of seed. Initially, choose the right variety or hybrid that suits your climate. Hybrids are usually already treated with fungicides, so they do not need the seed preparation method described below.
Before sowing, place watermelon seeds in cheesecloth and dip in a warm solution of potassium permanganate. Place this container in a plastic bag and place it in a room at room temperature. Change the solution every day. Seed preparation does not take much time. In a couple of days you will see how the seeds hatch - this is a signal that you can plant them in the ground.
Plant this plant in a warm, well-lit place. Watermelon needs sandy or sandy soil. It’s good if before the watermelon in this area, onions, cabbage, and legumes were previously planted.
As for the soil, its preparation involves the following steps:
- in autumn it is better to enrich the soil with compost so that it is fruitful next year;
- before planting in the ground for watermelons, it is worth adding potash, phosphate fertilizers and ammonium sulfate in a proportion of 1 m² 20:40:30 g;
- the earth needs to be loosened and beds prepared in advance.
seedling method
The method is excellent for growing this plant in areas with short and not very hot summers. For planting watermelons using the seedling method, it is necessary to select high-quality seeds of early hybrids. Keep in mind that after germination, seedlings cannot be planted for another 25 days. Bones should be sown in April. How to plant seeds for watermelon seedlings? For seedlings of watermelons, special peat or plastic cups are used, in which one seed is planted.
Soil for watermelons can be purchased at the store or made by yourself. To do this, mix humus, peat, sand, earth in equal proportions and add wood ash. By the way, this mixture is suitable for all representatives of the Pumpkin family. Deepen the seed a couple of centimeters into the moistened earthen mixture. Place the cups under the foil. After the emergence of shoots, the film is no longer needed.
Leave the cups on the windowsill in a room with an air temperature of no more than 22 degrees. Seedlings must be constantly monitored. After 5-7 days, remove weak shoots. One and a half weeks after germination, you can feed the seedlings. Dilute mullein, superphosphate, ammonium nitrate in water and carefully water the plant. Do not get the solution on the sheets.
Before planting watermelons outdoors, stop watering for 3 days and lower the temperature in the room so that the plant is ready for a stressful situation.
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 is it usually sown? Pre-prepared good seeds are planted in the ground 10 cm deep. When landing, the temperature of the earth should be at least 14 degrees. When planting watermelons in the ground, pay attention to its structure. If it is sandy soil, then seeds can be buried by 8–10 cm, and if it is solid, then by 4–6 cm.
To grow watermelon, prepare the soil: mix the top layer of earth with humus and ash and pour it into the hole. Align it all and fill with water. It is recommended to place at least 5 seeds in one hole. This does not mean that 5 individuals will grow from one hole. Just over time, you will need to leave the strongest seedling there.
Landing in open ground
When you see that the seedlings have grown stronger, grown young plants can be transplanted into open ground. The first thing when planting watermelons in open ground is the selection of a place. It is better to choose a well-lit, calm area. If, nevertheless, the place is windy, you can plant watermelons behind a "fence" of corn. Then prepare the ground for the new plant by using organic fertilizers.
People often ask at what distance to plant watermelons? It is recommended to adhere to the following parameters: between plants there should be a distance of at least a meter. They are usually planted in a checkerboard pattern - the standard scheme for planting watermelons. Place the seedlings in the holes and tamp down with soil, leaving shoots with leaves on the surface. When all individuals are planted, water each one generously.
Planting and care in the open field include not complicated, but basic actions:
- periodic weeding and loosening of the earth around the base;
- regular watering;
- pinching shoots;
- weed removal;
- fertilizer with organic matter added to superphosphate and calcium chloride;
- treatment for diseases and pests.
It is also necessary to store and transport the harvested crop with the right approach, no matter what the volume. First, you need to understand how resistant your variety is to transportation and storage. Secondly, you must prepare a special place for the watermelon. The room should have a temperature of up to 5 degrees with a humidity of 70-80% and a good ventilation system. Cover the bottom with dry moss or sawdust. Constantly monitor watermelons, their condition.
Planting in a greenhouse
How to plant a watermelon at home if the climate is cold? It can be easily grown in a greenhouse. But then the question is: how to plant a watermelon in a greenhouse?
According to this algorithm, you can properly plant watermelons and care for them:
- Seeds are planted in containers until the sprout appears. Land for watermelons can be taken specialized.
- The soil for transplantation is prepared in a known way - by adding organic fertilizers to the soil.
- Seedlings are placed in pits at a distance of 70–80 cm.
- Get a couple of bees in the greenhouse for better pollination.
- Cut off excess shoots.
- Fertilize with mullein or liquid manure.
- July-August is harvest time.
Video "How to grow watermelons"
From this video you will learn how to grow watermelons the right way.
