When should watermelons be planted in Guangdong?

Watermelon is known as the "king of summer". It can relieve heat and quench thirst, and it tastes sweet and juicy. It is the main fruit in summer. Watermelon is rich in nutrients. It not only contains a large amount of glucose and fructose, but also contains malic acid, fructose, protein, amino acids, lycopene and rich vitamin C. It is deeply loved by consumers. Guangdong is rich in light and heat resources, which is suitable for growing watermelons. So when should watermelons be planted in Guangdong? Let’s take a look below.

1. When should watermelons be planted in Guangdong?

The best time to plant watermelons in Guangdong is from January to March. Guangdong is a tropical and subtropical region with sufficient sunlight, abundant rainfall and warm climate, which is suitable for growing watermelons. Spring cultivation usually starts with seedling raising in January, planting in February, and harvesting at the end of May to avoid damage from heavy rain in May. In addition, watermelon planting in Guangdong can also be done by sowing and raising seedlings in mid-to-late March, transplanting in mid-to-late April, and starting harvesting in late June.

2. How to plant watermelon

1. Variety selection

First, the first step in growing watermelon is to choose the right variety. There are many varieties of watermelon, and the choice should be based on local climate conditions, soil type and market demand. For example, varieties such as Rainbow, 8424, and Meiduo are highly favored for their high yield, high quality, disease resistance, and durability in storage and transportation. Choosing varieties suitable for the local environment can help improve watermelon yield and quality.

2. Land preparation

Land is the foundation for watermelon growth. Deep, well-drained, fertile sandy soil should be selected for planting. Before planting, the land needs to be deeply plowed and leveled to improve the soil structure and enhance soil permeability. At the same time, apply well-rotted organic fertilizer , such as farmyard manure, to improve soil fertility. The recommended amount of decomposed organic fertilizer applied per mu is about 3000-4000 kg, and it should be evenly spread on the bed surface.

3. Seed treatment and sowing

Watermelon seeds need to be processed before sowing. Soak the seeds in warm water for 2-3 hours to sterilize them and promote germination. After that, place the seeds in moist cotton cloth and place them in a warm room to germinate. When the seeds turn white, they can be sown. When sowing, sow the seeds at a certain distance in the prepared seedling tray or furrow, then cover with a thin layer of soil and water thoroughly. The sowing density is generally about 2000-2500 plants per mu, and the row spacing is 1.5-2 meters.

4. Seedling management

The watermelon seedling period is long and requires careful management. During the seedling stage, keep the soil moist to promote the growth of seedlings, but also avoid excessive water that causes excessive growth. When the true leaves unfold, you can apply a layer of decomposed manure water to supplement nutrients. At the same time, pest and disease control work should be carried out regularly, and attention should be paid to preventing the occurrence of pests and diseases.

5. Planting and field management

When the watermelon seedlings grow 3-4 true leaves, they can be transplanted. Before planting, sufficient basal fertilizer should be applied and the planting holes should be dug. After burying the seedlings in the hole, water them enough to help them take root and cover them with mulch. During the growth period, it is necessary to apply fertilizer and water reasonably to meet the growth needs of watermelon. Fertilization should follow the principle of "control at the beginning and promote at the end", that is, control the water content in the early stage to prevent excessive growth, and apply more phosphorus and potassium fertilizers in the middle and late stages to promote the enlargement of fruits and vegetables. When watering, keep the soil moist but avoid being too dry or too wet. In addition, pruning and vine pressing are required to improve yield and quality.

6. Artificial pollination and pest control

In order to increase the pollination rate and fruit setting rate, artificial pollination can be carried out. Choose 9-11 am to apply the pollen of the male flowers to the stigma of the female flowers to complete pollination. At the same time, we must strengthen the prevention and control of diseases and pests. Common diseases and pests include vine blight, anthracnose, and blight. They can be prevented and controlled by strengthening field management, selecting disease-resistant varieties, promptly removing diseased and damaged parts, and using pesticides.

7. Harvest and storage

Determine the harvest time according to the variety and growing period of watermelon. Generally, it takes 30-40 days from pollination to fruit setting to maturity. One week before harvest, the fruit should be thoroughly inspected to determine whether it meets the harvesting standards. When harvesting, keep the stem and a section of the vine to maintain freshness. After harvesting, they must be cleaned and disinfected in time and placed in a ventilated and cool place to dry the surface moisture before being put on the market for sale or storage. During storage, maintain appropriate temperature and humidity to extend the shelf life of watermelon.

Watermelon planting requires variety selection, land preparation, seed processing, scientific management of the seedling period, planting and field management, artificial pollination and disease and pest control. By mastering the technology and executing the operational requirements, high-yield and high-quality watermelons can be grown. Harvesting and storage also require attention to detail to ensure the quality of the watermelon.