For centuries, gourds have been cultivated in the southern arid regions of the country. Although recently watermelons and melons have been successfully growing in the middle zone of Russia, they remain exotic for this area. And the ability to create favorable conditions for them is considered an indicator of the high skill of gardeners and gardeners.
Favorable conditions guarantee a good harvest
Depending on the varieties of watermelons and melons, as well as on climatic conditions, these crops need from 70 to 130 days in order for them to ripen. For good seed germination, the air temperature should rise to at least 15-17 degrees. During the active growth of plants, the temperature should be kept at 25-30 degrees. In order to comply with these important conditions for growing watermelons and melons, it is necessary to apply the seedling method of planting and provide plants with frost protection, as well as know how to care for plants and how to feed melons and watermelons.
Seedling method of growing
This method involves growing seedlings of watermelons and melons in peat and earthen pots. Seeds are pre-soaked and then sown 2 pieces in pots, the diameter of which should be at least 10 cm. Planting is carried out in mid-April. For good germination, seedlings are provided with a temperature of at least 27 degrees. For plants to grow faster, you need to know how to feed seedlings of watermelons. It turns out that before landing in the ground, it requires two-time fertilizing with mineral fertilizers.
In mid-May, seedlings in the stage of three to five true leaves are planted in the ground. A week before this, it is hardened by gradually lowering the temperature and frequent ventilation. By the way, over the third or fifth sheet, you should pinch it.
Seedlings are planted with the pot in deep holes filled with rotted manure, on which a layer of land is laid. Mounds of earth are poured around the holes, a piece of glass is placed on top to protect the plant from frost.
Watermelons and melons - from seeds
Gourds are best grown in areas after perennial crops, potatoes and legumes. The soil needs to be dug deep. You also need to know how to feed melons and watermelons before planting them on the garden bed. In this case, manure and mineral fertilizers are indispensable . Humus will require from 3 to 5 kg per 1 sq. m. When planting melons it will be enough, but under watermelons you can add mineral fertilizers, preferably phosphorus and potash.
Watermelons are sown in late April, and melons in early May.
Plant care
As soon as the seedlings appeared, cultivating the aisles, weeding and hilling should be carried out. These procedures are carried out 4-5 times during the summer.
In dry weather, seedlings need to be watered, once a week is enough. Watermelons and melons are watered in the furrows dug in the aisles.
How to feed melons and watermelons
Chicken droppings or slurry are very suitable for feeding. The first dressing should be carried out during the growth period of 3-4 leaves, and during the flowering period - the second. It is necessary to apply dressing after watering, and best of all after rain.
If the soil was not well fertilized before planting, then it is just right for a good gardener to think about how to feed melons and watermelons additionally. It is necessary to carry out foliar top dressing with microelements. In 10 l of water, 3-4 g of zinc sulfate, boric acid and copper sulfate are thoroughly mixed (until completely dissolved). The simplest way to feed watermelons and melons is fresh ash. In 10 liters of water it must be diluted with one glass.
Melons and watermelons are considered ripe when a distinctive pattern appears on their peels, and a dull sound is heard upon impact. So do not rush to remove these fruits from the garden.