In order to enhance the availability, quality, and profitability of watermelon farming, we have developed an early-maturing watermelon cultivation technique tailored to the specific conditions of our hometown. This method builds upon previous experiences with early-maturing watermelons grown under simple two-layer plastic coverings. With this new technique, watermelons can be harvested as early as mid-June to July, yielding approximately 3000–4000 kg per mu.
**I. Variety Selection**
For high-quality watermelon production in our area, varieties such as Zhongdongting No. 3, No. 6, or the medium-late and late varieties like Zhongdongting No. 1 and Shaoyang 304 are recommended.
**II. Seedling Cultivation**
Early-maturing watermelon seedlings are typically raised from late February to mid-March. Due to low temperatures during this time, strict adherence to technical guidelines is essential. The seedbed should be located in a sheltered, sunny, and well-drained area. A three-layer greenhouse covering system is used for insulation. The main shed is 3.7 meters wide, with bamboo arches extending 5 meters from east to west. Two smaller arches, each 1.3 meters wide, are installed, with 50 cm walkways between them. The sheds are spaced 25–30 cm apart. If possible, 15–20 cm of pig manure is placed at the bottom of the seedbed to raise soil temperature. Black plastic nutrition pots (99 or 1010 size) are used. The seedbed should be leveled, compacted, and treated with carbofuran to control pests. A layer of used newspapers is laid to prevent root penetration into the subsoil, followed by nutrient soil made from paddy field topsoil, decomposed manure, and superphosphate (in a 2:1:1 ratio), ensuring it is free of bacteria, insects, and weeds. The soil is soaked in carbendazim or thiophanate solution before sowing. Seeds are planted flat with radicles facing down, covered with 0.5 cm of fine soil, and then the film is applied. Small arch sheds are fixed, and at night, they are insulated with straw mats. After germination, 50% of the mulch is removed.
**III. Timely Planting**
When the seedlings have 3–4 leaves and the outdoor temperature stabilizes above 15°C, planting can begin. In our region, this usually occurs around April 10th, when a double-layer plastic cover is applied. In the previous winter, the melon land should be deeply plowed 30 cm, and drainage ditches should be dug—40 cm wide and 30 cm deep. A second ditch, 30 cm wide and 25 cm deep, is also prepared. About 300 pounds of fertilizer and 200 pounds of fresh lime are added per mu for disinfection.
**1. Pre-planting Preparation**
A. Disinfection: Due to continuous cropping or small arch sheds, high temperatures can lead to disease issues. Therefore, 200–300 kg of quicklime is sprinkled per acre, followed by plowing and forming beds 4 meters wide and no more than 20 meters long.
B. Base Fertilizer: Apply half the base fertilizer to the bottom layer first, mix, then apply the second layer to ensure balanced nutrient absorption.
C. Mound Formation: The surface is shaped into a turtle-back style.
**2. Planting**
A central single-row planting method using small arch double-layer plastic covers is commonly used. Spacing is 70 cm between plants, with 35 cm between individual seedlings. Approximately 450–500 plants per mu are planted. After planting, root watering is done, followed by application of fungicides such as Enjoi No. 1, thiophanate, or carbendazim.
**3. Film Covering**
After planting, a 80 cm layer of plastic film is applied, followed by arch installation. The arch is 0.8–1 m wide and 60 cm high, suitable for a 2 m wide agricultural film. The structure is secured with rope nets.
**4. Early Stage Management**
Post-planting, insulation-based ventilation is practiced. On sunny days when temperatures exceed 30°C, proper ventilation is maintained, while on cloudy or rainy days, insulation is increased. During cold spells, additional coverage is used. On warm days, care is taken to avoid high midday temperatures. Ventilation is adjusted based on weather changes, gradually increasing air flow and rotating vents to ensure consistent plant growth.
**5. Mid and Late Stage Management**
Once the fruits begin to develop, heavy fertilization is required to promote fruit enlargement. Two applications are recommended: 30 kg of urea and 25–30 kg of potash per mu, applied every 5–7 days. Fertilizer is dug into the soil beneath the plastic, dissolved in water, and then covered. Irrigation is necessary if dry. Top dressing is stopped 7–10 days before ripening to improve quality. Pest and disease management involves integrated agricultural practices, timely monitoring, and pesticide use when necessary.
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