Melon planting methods and management techniques

Melon is deeply loved by consumers for its unique aroma and sweet taste. Melons are not only delicious but also have medicinal value. The market demand for melons is large and the economic benefits are significant, which has attracted many farmers to invest in melon cultivation . However, the growth of melon is greatly affected by the geographical environment and has specific temperature requirements. Let’s learn about the planting methods and management techniques of melons.

1. Planting time

Melons are suitable for field planting in March and April, while in greenhouses they can be planted earlier in February. As a spring-sown crop, sowing too early may result in seed rot or frost, while sowing too late may affect yield and quality. The sowing period should be determined according to the local climate, cultivation methods and meteorological conditions to ensure safe emergence and a suitable growing period.

2. Planting and Management

Sowing and seedling raising: Melons are mostly planted in the open field. In recent years, early-maturing cultivation in small greenhouses has brought good benefits. Thick-skinned melons are mostly grown in greenhouses in spring and autumn. Soak the seeds for germination before sowing, and pay attention to temperature and disinfection.

Planting: The best time for melon seedlings to be planted is 30-35 days. Choose thick, loose sandy soil for planting. Before planting, apply sufficient base fertilizer, deep plow the land, make ridges or furrows, and make sure the fertilizer and soil are evenly mixed.

3. Management after planting

Watering and fertilizing: Pay attention to heat preservation and control watering in greenhouse cultivation in early spring. Apply fertilizer in time during the vine extension and expansion stages, and apply foliar fertilizer to supplement nutrients.

Pruning, pinching and hanging vines: pinching promotes the growth of side branches, pruning methods are adjusted according to the habits of the variety, and support or hanging vine cultivation improves space utilization.

Artificial pollination and hanging melons: Artificial pollination is required for greenhouse cultivation in early spring, and hanging melons can reduce fruit damage.

Harvesting: Determine the harvest period based on the characteristics of the variety and maturity, and avoid picking unripe melons.

4. Pest and disease control

Diseases: mainly include anthracnose, powdery mildew, wilt, etc. Comprehensive management measures should be taken and corresponding pesticides should be sprayed in time at the early stage of the disease.

Pests: including aphids, whiteflies, etc., use corresponding pesticides for spray control and yellow boards for trapping and killing.

The above are the planting and management methods of melons. If these are done well, farmers can effectively improve the planting efficiency and fruit quality of melons and achieve good economic benefits.