It is best to use organic fertilizers for growing watermelons, such as decomposed animal and plant feces, compost, and leaf mold. These fertilizers are rich in organic matter and nutrients, which are beneficial to improving soil fertility and soil structure, and promoting the growth and development of watermelons. Let’s talk about the fertilizer requirements, fertilization methods, and watering methods of watermelons. You can learn about this knowledge.
- What are the fertilizer requirements of watermelons?
a. Seedling stage: The seedling stage of watermelons is generally 7-10 days after planting. At this time, the plants grow rapidly and require sufficient nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers to promote the development of the root system and enhance the resistance of the plants. Compound fertilizers or single-element fertilizers, as well as organic fertilizers containing trace elements, can be applied to the base fertilizer, while controlling the amount of fertilizer to avoid excessive fertilization.
b. Spreading period: The spreading period of watermelons is generally 20-40 days after planting. At this time, the plants begin to spread rapidly and require a large amount of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers to promote leaf and spread growth. At the same time, an appropriate amount of potassium fertilizer and trace element fertilizer are also needed to enhance the plant’s resistance to stress. Compound fertilizer or single fertilizer can be applied to the base fertilizer, with an application rate of about 15-20 kg per mu.
c. Flowering and fruiting period: The flowering and fruiting period of watermelon is generally more than 40 days after planting. At this time, the plant begins to enter the fruiting stage and requires a large amount of potassium fertilizer and phosphorus fertilizer to promote the growth and development of the fruit. You can choose compound fertilizer or single fertilizer containing high potassium and high phosphorus, with an application rate of about 20-30 kg per mu. At the same time, you can also spray fertilizer on the leaves to provide sufficient nutrients.
- Specific methods for fertilizing watermelon:
a. Application of base fertilizer. Before planting watermelon, base fertilizer should be applied to provide nutrients for watermelon growth. Generally, fertilization is carried out in spring and autumn, with an application rate of about 100 catties per mu each time. Organic fertilizer, compound fertilizer or single fertilizer can be used. Spread the fertilizer evenly over the entire land, then deep plow and loosen the soil to fully mix the fertilizer with the soil.
b. Topdressing. During the growth of watermelon, topdressing should also be applied to meet the needs of its growth and development. Generally, topdressing is carried out every week to ten days, and the amount of fertilizer applied per mu is about 3-5 kg. For topdressing, fertilizers with different contents of nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium can be selected according to the different stages of watermelon growth. When topdressing, the fertilizer should be evenly spread 10-15 cm around the root of the watermelon, and then the soil should be loosened gently to allow the fertilizer to penetrate into the soil as soon as possible.
c. Foliar spraying. During the growth of watermelon, foliar spraying can also be carried out to increase the nutrient content of watermelon leaves. Generally, foliar spraying is carried out in the morning or evening. Fertilizers containing trace elements, organic matter and other ingredients can be selected. The amount of each spray should not be too much to avoid damage to the plant.
- How to water watermelon?
a. Control the amount of watering. Watermelon likes a moist soil environment, but it cannot be overwatered, otherwise it is easy to cause root suffocation and cause diseases. Generally speaking, the amount of water per mu of land should not exceed 50-70 kg each time, and it should be adjusted according to factors such as temperature, rainfall, and soil conditions.
b. Watering evenly. Watermelons need a uniform supply of water to avoid drought or over-wetness in the soil. Generally, irrigation can be carried out through drip irrigation, spraying, etc. to evenly distribute water throughout the land. At the same time, pay attention to avoid water loss and waste, and reduce ground water evaporation.
c. Reasonable watering time. Watermelons require different amounts and times of watering at different growth stages. During the seedling and flowering stages, the soil should be kept moist, and water can be applied once in the morning and evening. During the fruiting period, the amount and frequency of watering should be reduced to avoid fruit cracking and overripening. At the same time, it is also important to avoid watering on rainy or high-humidity days to avoid the growth of diseases.
d. Observe soil moisture. You can judge whether watering is needed by observing the moisture on the soil surface, the state of the plant, the size and color of the fruit, etc. Generally speaking, cracks on the soil surface, drooping leaves, and shrinking fruits all indicate that timely watering is needed.
The above knowledge can help us grow watermelons well and get high yields.
