How to cultivate gourd

1. Maintenance methods

1. Substrate selection: Its cultivation medium is best selected from slightly acidic sandy soil with good drainage. Apply sufficient base fertilizer before planting and break up large soil clods to increase its yield. During the seedling period, cover the soil with a layer of fine soil.

2. Light management: It likes good sunlight, but can also tolerate weak light. It is best to plant it in a sunny place. Normally, the plant should be exposed to as much sunlight as possible. If the environment is too shady, it will affect the growth of seedlings and fruits.

3. Water management: Its root system is relatively developed, with luxuriant branches and leaves, strong water absorption capacity and large transpiration. It needs to be watered thoroughly. In case of drought, irrigation should be strengthened. It requires a lot of water during the flowering and fruiting period, but it should not be given too much water after the fruit develops.

4. Temperature management: It is a thermophilic plant and can grow well at a temperature of 20℃-25℃. It will bloom more flowers at low temperatures, but the fruiting rate will be low.

2. Breeding techniques

1. Reproduction method: Its main reproduction method is sowing. It is best to sow around the Grain Rain season. Select plump seeds for seedling cultivation. Soak the seeds in warm water at about 30 degrees for half a day. After sifting out the water, cover them with moist yarn and place them in a warm and sunny place. They will germinate in about seven days. Plant the seed sprouts in a pot, cover them with a layer of fine soil, cover them tightly with a transparent film and place them in a sunny position. Wait for about seven days for them to break through the soil, then remove the covering.

2. Pruning method: In order to avoid excessive consumption of its nutrients, when the vine grows to about one meter, top it at the third or fourth leaf from the bottom, prune the melon leaves appropriately, and pinch off the sliding strips without buds in time.

3. Problem diagnosis and treatment

1. Wilting leaves: In the hot summer, proper shade should be provided to prevent the leaves from wilting or even burning.

2. Diseases: Its main diseases are aphids and powdery mildew. The environment should be kept ventilated at ordinary times, and nitrogen fertilizer should not be applied excessively. Once diseased leaves or plants are found, they should be removed promptly.

IV. Other issues

1. Placement: The ancients believed that the gourd’s big belly and small mouth could absorb the auspicious energy in the house and suppress bad energy, so it is best to place it in the middle hall or hang it under the roof beam.

2. Meaning: There is an old saying: "The gourd represents fortune and luck." It has a beautiful shape and implies auspiciousness. Its characteristics of having many fruits and being able to spread represent people's good wishes for the reproduction of their offspring, and have also spawned many auspicious and auspicious stories. It is a trustworthy mascot that can protect future generations, ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune.