Watermelon is not only a refreshing summer delicacy, but also a true source of vitamins and minerals. Although it is often thought that watermelons are difficult to grow in accordance with certain rules, even in Lithuanian climates, a sweet and juicy harvest can be obtained.
In this article we will discuss all steps of watermelon planting and cultivation.
How to grow watermelons: The right time is the beginning of success:
Watermelons are heat -loving plants, so you should not hurry with sowing or seedling planting. The optimum time depends on the method of growing:
- Seedlings (recommended): It is recommended to grow watermelons through sprouts in Lithuanian climates. Seeds for germination should be sown In late April – early May.
- Sowing directly to the soil (risky): directly into the open ground watermelon seeds can only be sown in early Junewhen the soil is already well warmed (up to 15 ° C) and all spring frost disappears. However, in this way, the yield can be late and lower.
Sunny place and fertile land – watermelon paradise:
Watermelons like heat and sun, so they need an open, well -lit area protected from strong winds. The soil should be fluffy, fertile, humid and well drained.
- Place selection: Choose the south or southwestern side of the garden, where most of the day is shining the sun.
- Soil preparation: In the autumn or spring, before planting the soil should be dug and fertilized with compost or dung (about 5 kg/sq. M). If the soil is heavy, clayey, insert the sand. Watermelons grow best in a neutral or slightly acidic reaction (pH 6-7) in the soil.
How to grow watermelons: seed preparation and seedlings:
To speed up germination and grow strong sprouts:
- Preparation of seeds: It is recommended to soak the watermelon seeds in warm water (about 50 ° C) for 20-30 minutes before sowing. They can also be stitched on a damp fabric in a warm place.
- Seedlings sowing: Sow the prepared seeds into individual pots (peat or plastic) at a depth of 2-3 cm. Fill the pots with a special substrate for sprouts.
- Terms and conditions of seedling: Store pots in a warm (22-25 ° C), in a bright place. Water regularly to make the substrate moist but not too wet. When the first real leaves appear, you can start to harden the sprouts, briefly carrying to a cooler place.
Planting seedlings in open ground:
Sprouts can only be planted in open soil when all spring frost disappears and the soil warms up to 15-18 ° C. In Lithuania this is mostly In late May – early June.
- Planting scheme: Plant the sprouts at a distance of 60-100 cm from each other and leave 1.5-2 meters between the rows.
- Planting process: Make the holes slightly larger than the sprout pots for planting. Carefully remove the seedlings from the pots, trying not to damage the roots. Plant so that the root neck is at the soil level.
- Touching and mulching: Leave the planted seedlings richly with warm water and mulch with straw, black agrofilm or other organic matter. Mulch will help retain moisture, brake weed growth and heat the soil.
Care – Sweets of Sweet Harvest:
Proper care is necessary to get a rich and sweet watermelon harvest.
- Watering: Watermelons like moisture, especially during active growth, flowering and fruit formation. Water regularly, abundantly, under the roots, avoiding water on the leaves. When the fruit matures, watering should be gradually reduced.
- Fertilization: Watermelons should be fertilized 2-3 times during vegetation. For the first time, 2-3 weeks after planting, using complex mineral fertilizers. Later, fertilize with nitrogen and potassium fertilizer. Potassium and phosphorus fertilizers are recommended at the beginning of flowering and during the formation of the fruit.
- Weed destruction and loosening: Regularly weed the weeds and gently roll the rows to allow the soil to permeate the air.
- Formation of shoots (depending on the breed): It is recommended to form some varieties of watermelons, leaving 2-3 strongest stems and removing the lateral shoots.
- Fruit protection: As the fruit grows, they can be placed on tables or straw to prevent the ground from touching and not.
How to grow watermelons: harvesting – sweet reward:
Watermelon ripening time depends on the variety and weather conditions, but usually last 70-90 days after planting the seedlings. You can recognize ripe watermelons by the following signs:
- Dried up at the stem.
- The glossy surface becomes matte.
- When the watermelon is wandered, a muffle sound is heard.
- The stain on the ground becomes.
Collect watermelons with dry air, carefully cutting the stalk. Properly maintained watermelons will delight you with sweet and juicy fruits throughout the end of summer. Successful growing!
Source: https://www.bc.ua/
Photos associative © canva
Hi, I’m a Kamil, Hitas.lt author. The passion for cooking, home coziness and personal well -being inspires me to share discoveries – recipes and tips on love for myself – with you, dear readers.
