Watermelon: the basics of growing. How to grow watermelons in your summer cottage Growing early watermelons in open ground

Probably every gardener thought about how to grow a watermelon in the country. With the desire and a little patience, it is easy to achieve good results in this matter. A fairly simple agricultural technique will allow you to get a crop, including a novice gardener, and even a child.

Choosing seed material

Grow watermelon seedlings it is also possible from the stone of a watermelon purchased in a store, but in this case it is definitely impossible to guarantee a good result, since the fruits of the daughter plant are unlikely to be similar to the mother ones. That is, if you purchased an unusually tasty, sweet, juicy watermelon, then the fruits grown from its seeds will certainly differ in taste. Therefore, in this case it is better to purchase high-quality seed at specialized points of sale.

As for the choice of variety, experienced gardeners it is advised to purchase hybrid varieties, since they are the most adapted to changeable weather conditions and the climate in which we live, and are also the most resistant to possible diseases. Among hybrid varieties the most famous are the following:

• Astrakhan;
• Madeira;
• Sympathy F1;

Video about growing watermelons

However, if you are going to grow a watermelon for the first time, then you can experiment by choosing for planting, but preferably still early ripening, such as Spark, Sugar Baby, etc.

It is necessary to start work already at the end of March-mid-April, then young plant will have time to gain strength and will well transfer the transplant to a permanent place of growth. As a soil mixture, the composition of the following components is ideal:

• sod land;
• humus or peat;
• sawdust.

It is necessary to start work already at the end of March-mid-April

All components are taken in equal parts and mixed well. It also makes sense to buy ready soil and use it. As containers for growing seedlings, it is better to take individual cups or pots with a depth of at least 10-12 cm.

When planting seeds, it should be borne in mind that they are covered with a thick shell, which is why germination takes a long time. To speed up the process, the seeds should be softened a little by heating them in warm water(50-55 0 C) for 10 minutes, and then leave in a wet cotton fabric until “pecking”, keeping moisture. Instead of tissue, hydrogel can be used, which in recent times gaining popularity among gardeners.

After the seed has "opened" and the length of the sprout has reached 1-2 mm, it is important to harden the planting material. In this case, it is recommended to use one of two options:

1. Collect snow in a deep container or put ice in it, and germinated seeds on top. Leave them like this for 5-6 hours.
2. Take a small piece of cotton fabric, moisten it with water and wring it out thoroughly. Place the hatched seeds in a damp cloth and put them in this form in the refrigerator for 5-7 hours.

When planting seeds, it should be borne in mind that they are covered with a thick shell, which is why germination takes a long time.

Do not worry that the sprouts will freeze and become unviable, on the contrary, such hardening is the best prevention against many diseases. These measures will allow the plant to strengthen, become less susceptible to weather conditions.

After the hardening has been carried out, the germinated material can be planted. The seed is dipped into the prepared soil to a depth of 3-4 cm, and gently sprinkled with earth on top. Plantings are watered thoroughly, without overflow, but the soil should be well moistened.

Further, before germination, it will be necessary to close the containers with plantings with a film, forming a semblance of a greenhouse. In general, it is advised to use simple plastic bags and rubber bands for this. Before the sprouts appear, the containers are left alone, making sure that the earth in them does not dry out. After the sprouts have appeared, the film is removed and the seedlings are placed on permanent place. The following measures are recommended for seedling care:

• timely watering. Watermelon loves moisture, so it is necessary to ensure that the soil is moist all the time, to prevent drying out. However, since the culture is prone to root rot, transfusion should not be allowed, as this leads to the loss of seedlings;
• additional illumination. So that the seedlings do not stretch, it is important to extend the daylight hours to 10-12 hours with a simple table lamp;

Watermelon loves moisture, so you need to make sure that the soil is moist all the time.

• Top dressing. It is allowed to feed seedlings a week after germination. The best way a solution of mullein in a ratio of 1 to 10 is suitable.

Seedlings are considered ready for planting if the plant already has 3-4 leaves, it is rather stocky and has a developed root system.

Of course, greenhouse conditions are better suited for growing watermelon. However, those gardeners who do not have the opportunity to plant a plant in a greenhouse receive beautiful harvest, in open ground.

For growing melons in open ground, choose the brightest and warmest place, preferably with sandy or sandy soil (ideal acidity 6-7). Solanaceous or melon plants should not be allowed to be the predecessors of watermelons, due to common pests.

For growing melons in the open field, choose the brightest and warmest place.

A bed for watermelons has been prepared since autumn. The earth is carefully dug up with half-rotted manure or humus. When digging, it is necessary to carefully consider the removal of weed roots, since watermelon strongly dislikes such “neighbors”.

In the spring, as soon as the snow melts and the threat of day and night frosts passes, the ground is carefully loosened and covered with black nonwoven fabric or transparent film. Both options are possible, but many gardeners choose a transparent film, as it has several advantages:

• reduces evaporation from the soil hot weather;
• prevents waterlogging of the earth during the rainy period;
• keeps the fruits dry and clean during their growth;
• the ground under the film is warm and moist.

After letting the earth warm up, small cross-shaped holes are made in the covering material for planting seedlings at an interval of approximately 140x70 cm.

A small hole is made under each hole, into which fertilizers (humus, ash) are applied and watered thoroughly. Seedlings, after soaking the ground with abundant watering, are very carefully removed from the cups and planted, deepening the plant to the level of the root neck.

It is necessary to ensure that the soil is important, but not waterlogged

When deciding how to grow a watermelon in the country, do not forget that a plant growing in open ground needs appropriate care:

1. Timely watering. It is necessary to ensure that the soil is important, but not waterlogged. Watering is best done in the evening. Be careful, water should not fall on the leaves of the plant.
2. Weeding. Watermelon doesn't like much unwanted neighbors so weed removal should be regular.
3. Tracking the growth of lashes. They must be directed in one direction, making sure that they do not intertwine with each other during growth.
4. Top dressing. The first top dressing is carried out a week after planting the seedlings in the ground. Follow the instructions for the fertilizer used. However, top dressing should be stopped after fruit set in order to minimize the accumulation of nitrates in watermelon fruits.
5. Regular inspection of plants for pests and diseases.
6. Pollination. If you do not rely on insects, then you need to pollinate manually using a special brush, which can be purchased at the store.

Growing watermelons in a greenhouse

Before planting seedlings, the land in the greenhouse must be prepared by carefully digging it with humus. It is worth planting plants in a greenhouse only when the threat of frost has passed, it is optimal if the daytime air temperature reaches 20-25 0 С, and at night it does not fall below 5 0 С.

Video about growing watermelons in a greenhouse

Planting seedlings is carried out in the same way as in the case of open ground, considering only that the distance between plants should be 70 cm, and the row spacing should be 50 cm. Otherwise, you can not change anything.

Growing watermelons in a greenhouse implies appropriate plant care. In addition to everything described above, it is necessary to pay more careful attention to pollination, since it can be difficult for insects to get inside. In addition, when growing watermelons in a greenhouse, in addition to the main list, it is necessary to carry out ventilation. In hot summer days, at temperatures above 30 0, be sure to open the windows or the door in the greenhouse.

Watermelon is a melon crop. Its growth is associated with a warm climate. But at present, this crop is grown in various climatic conditions in their gardens and greenhouses. For information on when to plant watermelons so that they reach ripeness, read the article.

Description of watermelon

This plant survives due to its long stems, which from the deep layers of the soil get nutrients for the fruit. Their length reaches four meters or more. They are curly in structure. Despite the fact that the stems are thin, they are able to withstand large fruits. The leaves are egg-shaped and pubescent along the edges. They grow in length up to 10-20 cm, and in width - from 6 to 17.

The flowering period of watermelons begins in summer. Their fruits are considered berries, and this seems unusual to many people. Under a dense, thick crust contains juicy, tasty, sweet and very fragrant pulp with large quantity large seeds.

How to choose the right site and prepare the soil?

The growth and development of plants, the formation and ripening of their fruits largely depend on how to conduct preparatory work. What is needed for this?

• To obtain good harvest watermelons, you need to create normal growing conditions for them. First of all, such a site is selected, which during the whole daylight hours will be heated by the sun's rays and not blown by strong winds. It is important that there are no drafts.
• Seedlings take root quickly and grow well in the area previously occupied by onions, alfalfa, cabbage, legumes. You do not need to plant watermelons on those beds where eggplants, tomatoes, peppers, potatoes grew before.
• When you have decided on the site, you should start preparing the soil. Watermelons are suitable for sandy and sandy soils. While the site is free from plants, it must be fertilized with manure, potash fertilizers, superphosphate. If it turns out that the soil on the site is heavy, it must be discharged. To do this, it is enough to add fine-grained sand, otherwise the watermelons will grow poorly and bear fruit.

Preparing seeds for planting

For planting watermelons, planting material must be prepared. The steps for this procedure are:

• First, calibration is done, for which you need to pour the seeds on a horizontal surface and arrange them in separate piles, focusing on size. For large, medium and small seeds, containers are prepared with the appropriate parameters. This will increase their germination: large specimens will not oppress small ones. The seeds will sprout and grow evenly. Small specimens do not need to be thrown away. They are suitable for planting, only seedlings from them will bear fruit later.
• The second step is scarification. It is optional, but desirable. It is carried out in order to make it easier for the sprout to reach the surface. To do this, just rub the "nose" of the seed sandpaper with fine texture.
• Then the seeds are heated. To do this, you need to put them in hot water for 30 minutes. The procedure cannot be ignored, it is mandatory for watermelons.
• After that, the seeds are disinfected, for which they are placed in a solution of potassium permanganate for 20 minutes.
• The last step is the drying of seeds. This should be done not on a battery or in an oven, but in a natural way. Seeds are laid out in one layer on a horizontal surface of a table or floor outside under a canopy. Be sure to exclude the sun and drafts.

To boost germinate. Before drying, they are wrapped in a soft cloth made of natural fibers, moistened clean water and put on a plate next to a heat source. The condition of the rag must be constantly monitored, it should not dry out. Moisturize if necessary.

How to plant watermelons in seeds?

If the cultivation of the crop will be carried out in regions where a warm climate prevails, then the seeds do not need preliminary preparation except for soaking. When the sprouts hatch, they are immediately sown in the ground. How to plant watermelon seeds, read below.

• In the spring, when the snow melts, under the influence sun rays the soil will start to warm up. It is necessary to wait until its temperature reaches +13 ° C. Seeds should be kept in a container of water at room temperature until they germinate.
• In the garden or in the country, a site is selected for planting. Holes are made over its entire area, their depth is 10 cm. The distance between them should be large. Approximately one metre.
• Then, fertilizer prepared independently is poured at the bottom of each hole: humus is mixed with a tablespoon of ash and a teaspoon of ammofoska.
• After that, the seeds are placed in the hole, covered with soil and waiting for them to sprout. This happens two weeks later or a little earlier.
• Planting seeds in regions where cold climate carried out at other times. When to plant watermelons in this case? Taking into account climatic features, planting seeds should be carried out at the end last month spring or early summer.

When to plant watermelons for seedlings? It depends on the region of growth and the method of cultivation. If watermelons are bred in open ground, sowing seeds in pots (for example, in the Moscow climate zone) occurs at the beginning of April. When to plant watermelons for seedlings? Everyone has it climate zone The timing of sowing seeds in pots is different. This is agreed in lunar calendar.

For sowing watermelons for seedlings, small containers are used, it is better if they are peat. Soil is poured into them, but not to the very top, but three to four centimeters lower. Then proceed to sowing the seeds. Three, four or five pieces are planted in each pot. They are only four centimeters deep in the soil, no more, otherwise they will germinate for a long time.

The pots are covered with a film - it will protect the soil from drying out. Then they are transferred to a cool place with an air temperature of +17...+20 °C. It is very important that the surface of the soil in the pots is always moist. It is clearly visible through the transparent film. Before the emergence of seedlings, the film is not removed, and the crops are periodically watered with settled water at room temperature.

Shoots will appear in about seven days. If the seeds were not germinated before planting or they were deeply planted, then this will happen a little later. For pots with young plants, choose a place in the room so that it is well lit by the sun. It is important that the temperature is within the acceptable range: +16...+24 °C. In order for the seedlings to get used to the low temperature, it must be taken out into the street for a short time. When to plant watermelons? This should be done when the shoots are strong enough - then they will quickly take root in a new place.

Planting watermelon seedlings

How to plant watermelons in open ground? In order for these plants to grow comfortably in the selected area, the earth is first dug up and loosened well. Planting seedlings is recommended 30 days after sowing seeds. This time falls on the last week of May or the first decade of June. best time for landing are a.m. hours. How to plant watermelons in open ground? Landing technology is as follows:

• Holes are dug up to a depth and diameter of up to 50 cm. Gaps of one meter are left between them. It is better to arrange the pits according to the principle of chess.
• In each well you need to add: humus, sand, superphosphate - 5-7 liters, 3 liters and ¼ of a glass, respectively.
• From above, the hole is covered with loose soil to form mounds. small size.
• Holes are made to a depth of 10 cm, and 0.5 liters of water is poured into each.
• The seedlings are taken out of the cup, lowered into the hole, covered with earth, which is well compacted. Above trunk circle plants are covered with a thick layer of sand.
• The seedlings are watered and covered for a while to avoid direct sunlight on the leaves, otherwise they will rise for a long time.

Outdoor seedling care

Planted plants are under stress as they were placed in new environment. In order for the acclimatization process to go faster, seedlings need to be looked after.

• thinning. This procedure is carried out with the appearance of three or four leaves. Plants are thinned out, one or two are left in the hole, all the rest are removed.
• Weeding. Watermelons are very clean plants, they do not tolerate weeds. Therefore, they will often have to be fought, especially at the beginning of growth. Very soon, the seedlings will grow up, take the form of bushes, and then the frequency of weeding will be reduced. Weeds will no longer be able to harm mature plants.
• Topping. This is done so that the lashes grow faster. Pinch curly shoots at the level of two or three upper leaves. At the same time, weakened lashes are removed. Three to five ovaries are left on each bush.
• Loosening. This procedure is carried out constantly, since watermelons prefer airy soil.

Watering

When planting watermelons in the ground, you need to be prepared for the fact that they will often have to be watered, otherwise they will not draw juice well. Striped berries should be watered regularly, once a week, in hot weather - twice. To do this, use a lot of water: three buckets per meter square square site. You need to moisten not only watermelon bushes, but also the free area between them. With the advent of fruits, watering decreases, and before they are harvested, it stops altogether (for two weeks).

top dressing

Plants need it already a couple of weeks after they were planted in the ground. Used as a fertilizer water solution ammonium nitrate. One bush will require two liters. The second dressing is done when the buds begin to form. Calcium chloride, ammonium nitrate 5 g each, superphosphate - 1 g more are added under one bush.

Planting watermelons in a greenhouse

Watermelons are a thermophilic culture. In the distant past, they were grown in regions corresponding to such a climate. But now there are opportunities to get tasty fruits in cold climates. Only here they do not grow in open ground, but in greenhouses. How to plant watermelons in a greenhouse?

• First you need to plant the seeds in boxes with soil. Allocate a place for planting in the room to put containers with planting material.
• Then prepare the beds for planting watermelons. This is done like this: the soil is removed upper layer, a trench is formed. Humus, nitrogen fertilizers are poured into it and the soil is on top.
• After that, the seedlings are transplanted into the beds (they will germinate from seeds just by this time). Landings are covered with a film of polyethylene in two layers. When to plant watermelons in a greenhouse? Optimal time for this procedure is the end of April.
• To plant sprouts, they dig holes of small depth - from 10 to 11 cm. Between them leave gaps equal to 70-100 cm.
• A trellis should be installed near each hole. It is needed to tie growing stems to it, as they are curly, and they need to cling to something.
• To improve the fruiting of watermelons, you need to launch bees into the greenhouse, but not a whole swarm, but several individuals. They will pollinate the flowers.
• When the shoots begin to sprout intensively, they should be cut off immediately, but first of all they get rid of the weak and sick.
• In the process of growth, plants need useful supplements, so they should be fed with mullein or chicken manure.
• A prerequisite for growing watermelons in a greenhouse is its regular airing. This should not be forgotten.

Caring for watermelons in a greenhouse

When the growing lashes begin the flowering period, watermelons must be pollinated by hand, otherwise the ovaries will not form. Each whip in greenhouse conditions can withstand a load not exceeding two fruits. But if you leave only one striped berry, it will be much larger.

Watermelons are grown using a trellis. Each fruit is wrapped to avoid contact with the ground. Watermelons growing in a greenhouse are much weaker than those growing on melons. Their lashes cannot support the weight of the fruits and fall to the ground. If not wrapped, they may rot.

If a lot of side shoots have formed and they branch in the opposite direction from the support, they are cut off. Plants need to be constantly turned towards the sun, as the lashes need good lighting otherwise, leaves and fruits will not form well.

It has become commonplace for gardeners to grow watermelon. The process is simple, but it has certain difficulties that must be taken into account when growing (the plant may die before flowering, the fruits do not always grow tasty, and so on). Read more about how to grow a watermelon with your own hands, and will be discussed in this article.

The issue of choosing a variety should be approached with special responsibility. For middle lane It is advisable for the Russian Federation to choose only early-ripening varieties, and there is no need to chase huge fruits in this matter - such watermelons realize their potential by 100% only when grown in the south of the country. Be sure to read the description of the variety on the package - it contains information about the duration of ripening (plant ovaries should ripen as quickly as possible).

On a note! You can neglect some qualities when choosing a variety. First of all, it is large-fruitedness and transportability. Do not pay attention also to the color and shape of the fruit - this is only necessary in cases where you grow watermelons not for yourself, but for sale.

The most common varieties of watermelon:

• "Kai";
• "Sugar Baby";
• "Ataman F1";
• "Ultraearly";
• "Stokes";
• "Spark";
• "Moscow Region Charleston F1";
• "Yarilo";
• Crimstar F1;
• "Leader";
• "Pink Champagne F1";
• "Gift to the North F1".

This is only a small part of the varieties that can be grown not only in the south of the country, but most often people choose them. Having decided on the variety of watermelon, you can start growing.

How to grow watermelon outdoors

Not everyone knows, but watermelons can be grown without seedlings, but with seeds, already in a permanent place. Often, seedlings are used only for further transplanting into greenhouses so that the watermelon ripens. But if you are growing watermelon in a garden plot, then you can safely skip the stage with seedlings and sow seeds.

The landing process is divided into several preparatory stages to get a good harvest. Let's consider each of them separately.

Seed preparation

By choosing suitable grade, wrap the seeds in a cloth bandage and put on a shallow plate, pouring a pre-prepared solution of potassium permanganate. The solution should be light pink and warm. After that, the saucer with the seeds should be placed in a plastic bag and tied with a little air. Transfer the seed plate to warm room(not less than +20°C). Change the solution daily and ventilate the bag. After 2-3 days, the seeds should hatch, after which they will be ready for planting in the ground.

Soil preparation

It is very important to prepare land plot before planting watermelon. This is an integral part of growing, without which you can hardly get a good harvest. Prepared soil should provide plants nutrients throughout the growth period, it must be protected from strong winds and well lit.

For watermelon, as well as for other gourds, you need a loose, fertile and light soil. Great if your suburban area sandy or sandy soil, which you enriched with rotted humus in the autumn. If we talk about suitable predecessors of watermelons, then these are, of course, cruciferous vegetables, as well as legumes.

For best results, it is advisable to prepare the beds in advance and fertilize the soil. For this, 1 sq. m plot you need to make 20 g of potash fertilizers, 40 g and 30 g of ammonium sulfate. This combination mineral fertilizers will significantly accelerate the growth of watermelon, as a result of which you can enjoy juicy and sweet fruits a little earlier.

Sowing watermelon seeds

The process of planting watermelon seeds is simple and practically does not differ from planting any other crop.

Table. Step-by-step instruction for sowing watermelon seeds.

Important! At first, 5-6 seeds should be sown in each hole, but over time, when they begin to develop, leave one plant in the hole.

Aftercare

Without providing full-fledged care, including top dressing and watering, it is impossible to grow a watermelon in the garden. The juiciness of the fruits directly depends on the level of humidity, but you should not overdo it with this matter, because you will not be able to later enjoy the sugary pulp of sweet berries, which everyone loves so much. Conventionally, subsequent care can be divided into 4 stages: watering, top dressing, trimming lashes and destroying pests. Let's consider each of them separately.

Watering

When growing watermelons suburban area it is advisable to use . This will allow regular feeding cultures.

The best option is drip irrigation.

Watermelons need abundant but rare watering, especially during the hot period with a lack of natural moisture - remember this! For comfortable growth of watermelons, the soil moisture level should be at least 80%. If the site is located on sandy soil, then the beds need to be watered more often due to poor moisture retention. Clay soil and water the black soil less often. After the berries begin to ripen and they become poured, reduce the amount of watering, and after a few weeks stop them altogether.

top dressing

Feeding watermelons grown in a summer cottage consists of three procedures, each of which must be performed subject to certain conditions: at least 2 liters of liquid fertilizer should fall on one plant. After 7 days from the moment of planting the seeds, it is necessary to water the plants regularly special solution prepared by hand (all ingredients and their proportions have been described above).

After the lashes on the plants begin to grow actively, you need to make a second feeding of watermelons, but this time the amount of potash and phosphorus fertilizers should be half as much. When the formation of the ovaries begins, you need to carry out another top dressing, only with a different composition. Mix 10 liters of water, 35 g of potassium salts, 10 g of superphosphate and 20 g of ammonium sulfate.

Introduce the prepared nutrient mixture into the previously prepared furrows, which should be at a distance of 15 cm from the plant bushes. Quantity nitrogen fertilizers should be reduced due to the likelihood of their accumulation in the pulp of watermelons. Besides such measures can provoke the maturation of the plant, and not a set of green mass.

Whip trimming

During a short and insufficiently warm summer, some watermelon fruits do not have time to ripen, although the bush still spends energy on them, which could be distributed to other berries that really ripen. Therefore, each plant should have no more than 5 watermelons. Delete everything superfluous.

Important! When growing watermelons, you need to remember that plants form on the main lash female flowers- you can not touch them, but side lashes delete. Compliance with all recommendations will allow you to get a harvest in the second half of August.

Pest control

The melon aphid that appears in June can create many problems for watermelons. upholstered in bottom side leaves, it sucks all the vital juices from the plant, causing the leaves to shrivel and dry. During the summer, aphids can give 2-3 generations. At first, pests live only on weeds, but with the onset of June, the females move to watermelons, remaining there until the beginning of autumn. The melon aphid lays its eggs on the weeds, which overwinter there.

To protect watermelons from aphids, it is advisable to regularly weed the beds from various weeds, as well as mow the areas located next to the grown watermelons. If you notice pests, immediately treat the plants with a special decoction or infusion prepared from celandine, garlic or onion peel. If these remedies do not help and the deciduous system of plants is badly damaged, then strong chemicals- for example, INTA-VIR, Karbofos, Iskra.

In addition to aphids, watermelons can be subjected to various diseases, such as sclerotinia, bacteriosis, verdigris, different kinds rot and so on. For treatment, you need to prepare a decoction of horsetail. To do this, pour 1 liter of water 1 tbsp. l. plants and cook over low heat for 15 minutes. Alternatively, you can use another remedy - milk mixed with iodine. If the plants were severely affected, use Kuprosat or Oxychloride. The development of Fusarium wilt can cause the plant to die within a few days. The spread of the infection occurs through the remains of plants, seeds or soil.

As a prevention of watermelon from the occurrence of diseases, it is advisable to treat the seeds with a solution of "Bactofit" for 3 hours before planting. If some plants were nevertheless damaged by the disease, then they must be destroyed in order to protect healthy ones from infection, which, in turn, must be fed with potassium-phosphorus fertilizers.

Harvesting

Fruit picking is the final stage in the process of growing watermelons. It is not recommended to hurry with this matter, because many fruits that have reached large sizes are still immature. ripe tomatoes can be determined by a change in the color of the fruit, when growing zucchini and cucumbers, it is important not to be late with the collection, otherwise the vegetables may lose their beneficial features. But when should watermelons be harvested? Landing early maturing varieties You can get a harvest no earlier than mid-August. Mass collection during this period is not carried out, it is necessary to determine the ripeness of the berry by outward signs. First of all, look at the bract and tendrils - if they are dry, then the watermelon can be harvested. Also, with a light tapping of the fingers on the berry, dull sounds should be heard. The combination of these signs indicates the ripeness of the fruit.

If you are growing watermelons for further transportation and storage, then it is better to pick the berries a couple of days before ripening. They will then ripen, being in a warm and dry room. At the same time, watermelons will not lose their qualities.

Video - Growing watermelon seedlings

Growing watermelons in open ground with seeds and seedlings

You can grow watermelons using seeds and seedlings. Of course, in order for good and tasty fruits to grow in the end, the planting technology should be carried out correctly.

In addition, the subsequent care of the plant largely affects the quality of ripened fruits. Therefore, it is best to familiarize yourself in advance with all the secrets of growing watermelons using seeds and seedlings.

Place to land

For growing watermelon choose sandy or sandy soil. Its acidity should be 6-7 units.

Since watermelons are a thermophilic plant, a place for planting should be chosen warm, sunny, so that it constantly warms up. Planted in warm soil up to +12 +15 degrees.

Watermelons will grow well after the following crops:

• potato;
• cabbage;
• carrot;
• legume crops.

In no case should you plant a plant in places where solanaceous or melon crops have grown before, since these plants have common pests.

It is important to know: it is recommended to prepare a site for watermelons in the fall, it needs to be dug and loosened. Then, on the dug up land, the berry will grow well and give an excellent harvest.

Digging the earth should be done in conjunction with rotted manure or humus. For 1 square meter the following amount of fertilizer is applied - 5-6 kg of humus or rotted manure, superphosphate 50 grams, potassium salt 35 grams and ammonium sulfate 40 grams.

Sand is poured into the weighted soil - 2 buckets per 1 m2. It is not advisable to use fresh manure for fertilizer. When digging, all weeds and roots are removed, because watermelon does not like these unpleasant "neighbors".

If a further landing will be produced under the film, then you should also purchase necessary material and cover the ground with them.

Planting a watermelon

There are two ways to plant watermelons:

1. In a seedless way.

For planting watermelons in open ground, you should choose cold-resistant seeds with a ripening period of 90 days. Varieties are perfect - "Spark", "Gift to the North", "Chill".

Seeds should be soaked in water before planting. The water temperature must be at least 50 degrees. It is necessary to soak until the seeds sprout.

Then they are planted in the soil. The soil should be warmed up to +12 +15 degrees. They are usually planted in early May, by the time the seeds germinate it will become warmer, and the soil will warm up with the sun.

After 8-10 days, the first shoots should appear. If the earth is cold, then germination will be delayed for a long period, and as a result, the seeds may die.

It is worth noting: before landing, be sure to pay attention to the weather conditions. If it is cool in early May, then planting should be postponed to the end of the month.

In order to grow a good crop, the following planting technology should be observed:

• each well is filled with a mixture of ash, earth, humus and nitroammophos (1 teaspoon). Pour 1 tablespoon of the mixture into the well. This will help increase productivity in the future;
• then we lay the seeds in the soil to a depth of 6-9 cm;
• sprinkle with humus so that a crust does not form on top. This crust can harm the sprouts when they come to the surface, and they will die.

Below, we suggest you watch a video on how to transplant watermelon seedlings into open ground:

2. Growing seedlings.

Seeds are planted for seedlings in late April - early May. It is desirable that the room maintains a temperature regime of +25 +30 degrees.

Seed germination begins at temperature regime from + 17 degrees, but in order for them to grow and develop fruitfully, it is recommended to maintain at least 25 degrees in the daytime, and at +18 degrees at night. Seedling picking is not necessary.

The soil in which the seedlings grow should be fertilized. This will provide fast growth sprouts. For all the time the soil needs to be fertilized twice, mineral fertilizers are used as top dressing.

Important to remember: when planting, seedlings cannot be completely covered with soil. On the surface, sprouts of 3-4 cm should be left.

The sprouts should not come into contact with each other, otherwise they can be severely damaged when planting. Therefore, you should watch the sprouts, and as they grow, the cups should be moved away. Shoots ready for planting must have at least 3 leaves.

Seedlings are planted in the soil in late May or early June. Be sure to follow the landing technology. Sprouted seedlings are planted in prepared beds to a depth of 9-11 cm.

One or two shoots are planted in the hole. If 2 shoots are planted in the hole, then they are bred according to different parties so that their lashes do not intertwine.

Before planting, up to two kilograms of compost or humus are poured into the hole and poured with water. It should be planted in a gruel of soil and fertilizers, sprinkling with dry soil.

Care

In addition to landing, you must follow the rules of care. It is from proper care future harvest depends.

Care consists of the following:

1. Shelter. In order to accelerate the growth of the plant, covering materials can be used. Under the film, an elevated temperature is maintained and due to this, the plant begins to grow faster.

In addition, the fruits will appear 2-3 weeks earlier. Also covering material will provide protection against various pests. To cover with a film, you can make not high racks on the sides and put covering material on them. It should be removed in early June and preferably on a cloudy day, otherwise the plants may burn out under the scorching sun.

2. Irrigation procedures. Since watermelon has a very powerful root system, which can go to a depth of more than 1 meter, it should not be watered very often. Once a week is enough. He gets the missing moisture from the ground himself.

3. Soil fertilization. The first top dressing is done 7 days after planting seedlings or seeds. The next two are done at intervals of 2-3 weeks. For the first top dressing, the following can be used as fertilizers - a solution of ammonium nitrate, 20 grams per 10 liters of water. For subsequent dressings, it is best to use mineral fertilizers.

4. Work on the formation of bushes. The fruits are formed on the main stem. In order for them to ripen quickly, it is best to leave no more than 6 ovaries on the stem of the plant, it is recommended to remove the rest.

Also, do not forget about loosening the soil. Beds with watermelons should be periodically loosened. It is advisable to do this after rain or watering.

Overgrown lashes can be tied to special racks or lightly sprinkled with earth. This will protect them from the wind and speed up the growth of the fruit.

Harvesting

Fruit picking begins around August. Before cutting a watermelon, check it for maturity. Usually a ripe fruit has a glossy skin and a dry tail.

There are no hairs on the stalks. Usually, when you knock on the fetus, a dull sound is heard. All these signs are conditional, so it is recommended to use them in combination.

Growing watermelons is a rather laborious process, so it should be approached responsibly. Be sure to prepare the landing site well, pre-dig the soil and fertilize with top dressing.

Do not forget about further care behind the plant. It is from all right technology cultivation depends on the future harvest.

We offer you to watch a video on how to properly plant watermelon seeds for seedlings:

Originally from Africa, this summer berry was known to the ancient Romans and Egyptians thousands of years ago. It has been popular for its diuretic properties. medicine. Watermelons are grown on adjoining plots, in the country, in the fields and farm enterprises. It is important to know that planting watermelons, like other plants, has different ways: in open soil or in a greenhouse. The process of planting watermelons is unpretentious, it is not difficult to grow a watermelon at home, but negligence and violation of the main agrotechnological rules can destroy the plant even before the flowering stage. How to plant watermelons different ways What mistakes to avoid when planting and caring for watermelon in order to get a rich harvest, read below.

Soil preparation

It is clear that soil preparation is milestone in growing this plant. After all, this is the environment in which the plant will develop until fruiting. But first you need to say a few words about the selection and preparation of seed. Initially, choose the right variety or hybrid that suits your climate. Hybrids are usually already treated with fungicides, so they do not need the seed preparation method described below.

Before sowing, place watermelon seeds in cheesecloth and dip in a warm solution of potassium permanganate. Place this container in a plastic bag and place it in a room at room temperature. Change the solution every day. Seed preparation does not take much time. In a couple of days you will see how the seeds hatch - this is a signal that you can plant them in the ground.

Plant this plant in a warm, well-lit place. Watermelon needs sandy or sandy soil. It’s good if before the watermelon in this area, onions, cabbage, and legumes were previously planted.

As for the soil, its preparation involves the following steps:

• in autumn it is better to enrich the soil with compost so that next year she was fruitful;
• before planting in the ground for watermelons, it is worth adding potash, phosphate top dressings and ammonium sulfate in a proportion of 1 m² 20:40:30 g;
• the earth needs to be loosened and the beds prepared in advance.

seedling method

The method is excellent for growing this plant in areas with short and not very hot summers. For planting watermelons by seedling method, you need to select high-quality seeds early hybrids. Keep in mind that after germination, seedlings cannot be planted for another 25 days. Bones should be sown in April. How to plant seeds for watermelon seedlings? For seedlings of watermelons, special peat or plastic cups are used, in which one seed is planted.

Soil for watermelons can be purchased at the store or made by yourself. To do this, mix humus, peat, sand, earth in equal proportions and add wood ash. By the way, this mixture is suitable for all members of the Pumpkin family. Deepen the seed a couple of centimeters into the moistened earthen mixture. Place the cups under the foil. After the emergence of shoots, the film is no longer needed.

Leave the cups on the windowsill in a room with an air temperature of no more than 22 degrees. Seedlings must be constantly monitored. After 5-7 days, remove weak shoots. One and a half weeks after germination, you can feed the seedlings. Dilute mullein, superphosphate, ammonium nitrate in water and carefully water the plant. Do not get the solution on the sheets.

Before planting watermelons outdoors, stop watering for 3 days and lower the temperature in the room so that the plant is ready for a stressful situation.

Growing from seeds

In the southern regions, the plant is planted in open ground with seeds. How to plant watermelons in this way and when is it usually sown? Planted in advance prepared good seeds into the ground 10 cm deep. When landing, the temperature of the earth should be at least 14 degrees. When planting watermelons in the ground, pay attention to its structure. If it is sandy soil, then seeds can be buried by 8–10 cm, and if it is solid, then by 4–6 cm.

To grow watermelon, prepare the soil: mix the top layer of earth with humus and ash and pour it into the hole. Align it all and fill with water. It is recommended to place at least 5 seeds in one hole. This does not mean that 5 individuals will grow from one hole. Just over time, you will need to leave the strongest seedling there.

Landing in open ground

When you see that the seedlings have grown stronger, grown young plants can be transplanted into open ground. The first thing when planting watermelons in open ground is the selection of a place. It is better to choose a well-lit, calm area. If, nevertheless, the place is windy, you can plant watermelons behind a "fence" of corn. Then prepare the ground for the new plant by using organic fertilizers.

People often ask at what distance to plant watermelons? Recommend to adhere the following parameters: between plants there should be a distance not less than a meter. They are usually planted in a checkerboard pattern - standard scheme planting watermelons. Place the seedlings in the holes and tamp down with soil, leaving shoots with leaves on the surface. When all individuals are planted, water each one generously.

Planting and care in the open field include not complicated, but basic actions:

• periodic weeding and loosening of the earth around the base;
• regular watering;
• pinching shoots;
• weed removal;
• fertilizer organic matter added to superphosphate and calcium chloride;
• treatment for diseases and pests.

Store and transport harvested crop also need with right approach whatever the volume. First, you need to understand how resistant your variety is to transportation and storage. Secondly, you must prepare a special place for the watermelon. The room should have a temperature of up to 5 degrees with a humidity of 70-80% and good ventilation system. Cover the bottom with dry moss or sawdust. Constantly monitor watermelons, their condition.

Planting in a greenhouse

How to plant a watermelon at home if the climate is cold? It can be easily grown in a greenhouse. But then the question is: how to plant a watermelon in a greenhouse?

According to this algorithm, you can properly plant watermelons and care for them:

1. Seeds are planted in containers until the sprout appears. Land for watermelons can be taken specialized.
2. The soil for transplanting is being prepared known way- adding organic fertilizers to the soil.
3. Seedlings are placed in pits at a distance of 70–80 cm.
4. Get a couple of bees in the greenhouse for better pollination.
5. Cut off excess shoots.
6. Fertilize with mullein or liquid manure.
7. July-August is harvest time.

Video "How to grow watermelons"

From this video you will learn how to grow watermelons the right way.