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Discover effective planting methods for watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydew to ensure your family enjoys a year-round harvest, even in small urban spaces.
Refer to these techniques immediately to provide a constant stream of fruits for your family throughout the year!
Method 1: Watermelon
Hand Pollinating Flowers to Increase Fruit Set. Due to the weight of the fruit, when they reach a diameter of about 10cm, provide support to prevent branch breakage. Watermelon plants should be watered twice a day and fertilized once a week.
Watering Watermelons Adequately Yields Vibrantly Red Fruits
Method 2: Growing Watermelons in Trellises
Preparing the Soil for Growing Watermelon Trellises
Use Loose and Aerated Soil for Watermelon Planting. Families can utilize compost-enriched soil or sandy soil interchangeably.
Preparing Styrofoam Boxes for Growing Watermelon Trellises
Styrofoam boxes with a capacity of around 40 liters can accommodate 1-2 watermelon plants. As watermelons prefer moist conditions, drill a few holes in the styrofoam boxes to retain water for plant growth without washing away fertilizers.
Light Requirements for Implementing Watermelon Trellis Cultivation
Watermelons thrive in sunlight, so plant them in areas with ample light exposure.
Year-round Watermelon Trellis Cultivation
Hydroponic Solution: If you aim to grow large-fruited watermelon varieties such as watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew, etc., consider using hydroponic solutions or supplementing with ample NPK fertilizer for sufficient nutrients for flowering and fruiting. Seed Germination: When germinating, sow the seeds into seed trays, then water thoroughly and place in a shaded area. Within 1-2 days, the seeds will sprout on their own. During this stage, avoid overwatering to prevent seed rot. Seedling Medium: Mix the seedling medium with compost or manure to provide additional nutrients for quick germination. When the seedlings develop new leaves, transplant them into styrofoam boxes.
Seeding Watermelon Plants
Hydroponic Care: During the seedling phase, avoid excessive watering. Wait until the plant develops 3-4 leaves before watering with 0.5 - 0.8 liters per day.
Constructing Support Structures: Begin building support structures when the plant has 4-5 leaves. Use nylon strings to gently tie the plant to the support frame.
Pruning and Topping: Once the plant has two true leaves, it will consistently produce leaf nodes. Trim all nodes until the 8th or 10th leaf, leaving that branch intact. The first node on that branch will develop female flowers. As the branch elongates, only leave one female flower and one leaf beside it. Once the plant has two true leaves, it will produce leaf nodes. Trim all leaf nodes until the 8th or 10th leaf, leaving that branch intact.
Pollination: When the female flower head turns yellow, it is nearing bloom. Artificial pollination is best done between 6-8 am. Hanging Fruit: As the fruit grows larger, use hanging strings to support the weight and prevent the plant from breaking.
Harvesting Melons
Ripe honeydew melons exhibit a creamy white or golden hue, with pronounced veins and a delightful fragrance. If the melon retains a green tint, it signifies its immaturity. Following the harvest, allowing the melon to rest in a cool, ventilated space indoors for an additional day or two will enhance its sweetness and delectability.
Honeydew melons are ripe and ready for harvesting.
Step 3: Growing Muskmelons
Optimal Seasons for Cantaloupe Cultivation
Selecting Soil for Cantaloupe Cultivation
Cantaloupes thrive in well-draining, aerated soil. Opt for a blend of light loam, sandy soil, perlite, and compost for best results.
Preparing Containers for Cantaloupe Cultivation
Opt for pots with a diameter of approximately > 60cm and depth > 40cm, planting 1-2 plants per pot is suitable. If using larger foam containers, you can plant 2-3 plants per container and must drill small holes at the bottom of the container for water drainage.
Sow seeds
Place the seeds in a tray with the pointed end facing downwards, then moisten thoroughly and place in a cool area for 1-2 days until germination. Avoid overwatering as excess water may prevent germination. Use a soil mix with compost or fertilizer for seed germination. Once the plants have true leaves, transplant them into pots or containers.
Fertilize for cucumber cultivation. When the plants have about 4-5 leaves and are approaching the fruiting stage, apply additional potassium and nitrogen fertilizers. To enhance disease resistance, you can regularly spray Alpha Green antibiotic fertilizer every 5 days throughout the growth and development of the plants.
Exploring the art of cultivating watermelon.
Nurturing your watermelon plants for optimal growth.
Pruning: Watermelon plants bear flowers on the first leaf node, so regular pruning every two days when the plant has 6-8 leaves is essential. Harvesting: It takes approximately 90-100 days from seed sowing to harvesting. Ripe watermelons should have a creamy white color and a fragrant aroma.
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