Watermelons are popular fruits that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. They are a great source of vitamins and minerals, and they are also very refreshing. In this article, we will teach you everything you need to know about planting, growing, and harvesting watermelons.
The first step is to choose the right location to grow. They need adequate sunlight and plenty of space. The soil should be rich in nutrients and well-drained, and it is important to avoid areas that are prone to frost.
They are easy to grow, drought-tolerant, and can be harvested throughout the year.
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Perfect time for planting
Your best bet for a successful produce, is planting them after the rainy season, this is because too much water consumption lowers productivity levels.
The soil should be warm and the sun should be shining, but make sure to keep an eye on the weather forecast, as they do not fare well in extreme weather conditions.
If you live in an area with a long growing season, you can also plant watermelons in the summer. Just make sure to choose a variety that is suited for hot weather conditions.
Land preparation key steps
- Before planting your seedlings, remember the first step is to prepare the land. Below are key steps to follow
- Clear a space on your farm for easier sunlight penetration to the plants.
- Make sure the soil is rich in organic matter and well-drained.
- Dig a hole for each watermelon plant.
- Carefully mix the soil in the hole with fully composted manure.
- Be sure to space the plants far enough apart so that the fruit can grow without being crowded.
How to Plant Watermelons
When planting, you will need to choose a location that has adequate sunlight and space. The soil must be well-drained and rich in relevant nutrients. Watermelons are vines, so you will need to give them plenty of space to spread
Dig a hole that is twice as deep as the seedling size and mix it with some organic matter such as compost manure. Place the plant in the hole and carefully put the soil around the plant.
Transplanting seedlings
When it comes to transplanting your seedlings, timing is everything. You want to make sure you transplant them before they get too big. If they’re too big, they won’t be able to adjust to their new surroundings and they might not survive.
Make sure the soil is wet and loosened up before transplanting them.
Watering
Proper watering is essential to the success of your plants. In general, you should water your plants whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. However, you will need to adjust your watering schedule depending on the weather conditions.
If it’s hot and dry, water application should be done more frequently than when it’s cool and rainy. Be sure to keep an eye on your plants, and adjust your watering schedule as necessary.
Fertilizing
When it comes to fertilizing, there are a few different options. That is the application of commercial or organic fertilizer.
Organic fertilizers include cow manure, chicken manure, fish emulsion, and seaweed. Commercial fertilizers include ammonium nitrate, potassium nitrate, and superphosphate.
Compost manure is a great choice because it not only provides nutrients to the plants but also helps to improve the soil structure and drainage.
Flowering and fruiting
When the plant starts to flower, it will produce blooms that are either male or female. The blooms will stay on the plant for two to three days before falling off. If the blooms are pollinated by a bee, they will turn into watermelon fruit.
If you want to know when your watermelon is ready to harvest, look for a deep yellow color on the skin and a dull thumping sound when you tap it. Harvesting watermelons at the right time is crucial for getting the best flavor.
Best methods for caring watermelons
There are a few key things to keep in mind. The most important is to make sure that they have plenty of water. They should be watered regularly, and the soil should be kept moist at all times.
In addition, watermelons need adequate sunlight. Sunlight helps the fruit to produce a sweet taste. Fertilize them regularly, and once the fruit begins to form, give them a boost of nitrogen to help them grow big and sweet.
Best-performing watermelon varieties
There are many different varieties available, but not all of them will perform well in your garden. The best-performing watermelon varieties are those that are tolerant to heat and drought, and resistant to pests and diseases.
Some of the best varieties to consider include Sugar Baby, Jubilee, Crimson Sweet, Charleston Gray, and Honey Dew. Be sure to research the different varieties before you make your final selection.
Harvesting
Before starting to harvest, look
for watermelon that is mostly red or yellow. The rind should be smooth and the netting should be faint. A dull green color means that the watermelon is not ripe yet.
Store watermelons in a cool, dry place. And remember when stored at room temperature they will last for about two weeks.
Pests and diseases
Pests and diseases are major problem for many farmers. They can cause significant damage to the crop, which can lead to serious loss of revenue.
The most common pests that affect watermelon crops are aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. These pests feed on the plant sap and inject toxins into the plant tissue.
This causes leaves to curl up and turn yellow or brown. Aphids also produce honeydew, which attracts ants and other insects that can further damage the plants.
There are many different types of diseases that affect watermelons as well. The most common is bacterial wilt, which is caused by bacteria called Erwinia tracheiphila.
This disease is spread by cucumber beetles or other insects that feed on infected plants or contaminated soil. It causes wilting of leaves in patches along with stunted growth and yellowing of leaves.