What kind of soil is suitable for growing watermelons?

With its high water content and sweet taste, watermelon has become an ideal choice for cooling off in the summer and is loved by people of all ages. Therefore, watermelon is now cultivated in many rural areas. There are many varieties of watermelons, and watermelons from different origins also show diversity in quality and flavor. It is worth noting that the quality of watermelon is not only affected by the variety, but the type of soil is also one of the important factors that determine its quality. Therefore, choosing suitable soil for growing watermelon is crucial to improving its quality. So what kind of soil is suitable for growing watermelons?

What kind of soil is suitable for growing watermelons?

In the cultivation process of watermelon, the choice of soil texture has a significant impact on the growth, development and final quality of the watermelon. Some growers prefer to grow watermelons in sandy soil because this soil has good air permeability and drainage, which is conducive to the healthy growth of watermelon roots and the improvement of fruit quality. The fast drainage characteristics of sandy soil can reduce plant diseases caused by excessive water. At the same time, proper fertilization and irrigation can effectively make up for the relatively weak water and fertilizer retention capacity of sandy soil.

However, there is also a view that clay soil is more suitable for growing watermelons. Clay soil has a strong ability to retain water and fertilizer and has a high organic matter content, which is an advantage for many crops. However, clay has poor air permeability and can easily cause soil compaction, especially in the rainy season. The moisture in the soil is not easy to drain out, which may cause root diseases and affect the healthy growth of watermelon.

Although the air permeability of clay can be improved by loosening the soil, these measures may be difficult to implement in the middle and late stages of watermelon growth and increase labor costs. Therefore, considering the growth characteristics of watermelon and the convenience of soil management, sandy or semi-sandy soil is more suitable for watermelon cultivation. This kind of soil is not only conducive to the growth of watermelon, but also reduces the occurrence of diseases and pests, thereby improving the quality of watermelon.

Notes on watermelon picking

1. Preparation before picking

When entering the melon fields, it is recommended to wear soft-soled shoes or go barefoot. Use tools such as needle-nosed pliers or sharp, sterilized scissors to avoid damaging the stem and skin during the picking process.

2. Picking time

Judging maturity: The maturity of a watermelon can be judged by observing the color and dryness of the stem, the sound it makes when knocked, the texture on the surface, etc.

Harvesting time: Watermelons are usually planted in spring and harvested in June and July. The specific harvesting period depends on the variety and growing conditions. Greenhouse watermelons may mature early and should be picked on cloudy, dew-free days.

3. Picking method

Location search: Before picking, determine the location of the watermelons to avoid picking unripe fruits.

Cut off the melon stem: Use a tool to cut off the melon stem, leaving 3 to 4 cm of the melon stem to avoid tearing it with your hands.

Pat the peel: After picking, gently pat the surface of the watermelon to help the flesh separate better.

4. Storage after picking

Preservation and storage: After picking, the watermelons should be immediately stored properly, such as in sand, cellar or grass, to extend their shelf life.

Short-term storage: If it is sold nearby, you can use the short-term sand storage method; for long-distance transportation or long-term sales, you can choose grass storage or cellar storage.

In general, in the actual planting process, choosing suitable soil texture and combining it with scientific water and fertilizer management are the keys to obtaining high-quality watermelons.