What Are the Needs of Watermelon?
Although watermelon is a watery fruit and requires watering, it should not become soggy. Excess water during the ripening period can decrease the sugar content, affecting the fruit’s taste and sweetness. If you have fertile land and are considering drip irrigation, growing a tasty crop is a great option. Choosing the right varieties is crucial for success.
How to Successfully Grow Watermelon
Whatever the shape—round or oval—you must select the right variety. Some large varieties weigh between 5 to 8 kg, featuring a tender, carmine red flesh that is very tasty. Others have a light green surface with dark green stripes and intensely red, sweet flesh. Some champion varieties can weigh from 10 to 13 kg.
After choosing your variety, select a suitable planting location. A cleared area is ideal for large-scale cultivation. Growing watermelons in an old plantation of vines or fruit trees that have been uprooted is highly beneficial. Crops like alfalfa and wheat nourish the soil, leading to an abundant harvest. A small plot where onions and potatoes have previously grown can also work well.
Important: Do not sow the seeds too deep—about 2.5 cm in open ground is ideal. Overly deep planting can delay germination and ripening.
Is It Necessary to Pretreat the Soil and When?
Yes, it is a good idea to pre-treat the soil that has just been cleared of its predecessor, and this should be done in fall.
- First, loosen the soil without turning over the cultivated layer.
- Level and fertilize using the following dosage for 1 dka:
- 4-5 tons of decomposed manure
- 25-30 kg of superphosphate
- 25 kg of potassium sulfate.
- Plow to a depth of 35 to 45 cm to create favorable conditions for a strong, well-functioning root system.
How to Treat Seeds Before Sowing?
Before sowing, disinfect the seeds by soaking them for 2 hours in a mixture of 30% perhydrol and water (in a 1:10 ratio). Stir the mixture periodically in a plastic container. After soaking, wash the seeds with clean water and allow them to dry.
The timing for planting depends on climatic conditions. The primary criterion is the soil temperature, which should be above 12°C at a depth of 10 cm. In the south, sowing dates should be between April 15 and 20. In the north, aim for the last week of April.
At each planting site, add a mixture to fertilize the soil:
- 2-3 kg of well-rotted manure
- 30 g of double superphosphate
- 20 g of ammonium nitrate or urea.
Each hole should be 25-30 cm in diameter and 5-8 cm deep. Place five to six seeds in each hole and cover them with 5-6 cm of moist, loose soil. Mulching with manure to a thickness of 2-3 cm is beneficial.
Watering Frequency
- At planting time: Ensure enough moisture for germination; do not allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
- After seedlings appear: Water regularly but moderately.
- During maturation: Water every three days, or daily during dry weather.
- When fruits are forming: Check soil moisture to avoid overwatering.
By following these tips, you’ll be on your way to growing sweet, delicious watermelons!
