After years of experimentation and refinement, we have improved the traditional methods of watermelon cultivation. By implementing these new techniques, farmers can boost production by 30% to 40%, and in some cases even over 50%, without any additional costs.
First, we changed the practice of leaving short lateral vines after transplanting seedlings. Traditionally, it was common to leave several short internodes on the base of the plant, with each having a strong ability to spread out. Many watermelon guides suggest keeping these short branches, and many farmers also follow this method. Typically, three vines are left: one main vine and two side branches. However, in practice, it's often observed that these side vines grow vigorously and can surpass the main vine, leading to confusion in growth. Sometimes, the main vine ends up climbing over the side vines, and when female flowers appear, they tend to be small, weak, and produce smaller fruits.
Based on this, we propose eliminating the short lateral branches and instead allowing the main vine to grow freely. We recommend removing all the short internodes, letting the main vine stretch out, and then selecting two nodes along it—about 33 cm apart, symmetrically placed. This creates a clear structure, with the main vine growing thick and strong. The female flowers that develop on the main vine are larger, with longer stems and stronger corollas, which leads to bigger, healthier fruits. The two side vines left on the main vine don't bear fruit but help with photosynthesis, providing essential nutrients to support the main fruit development.
Second, we revised the fertilization technique from single-channel to dual-channel application. Previously, farmers would dig a single trench 20-30 cm deep, fill it with all the fertilizer, and then plant the watermelons on top of the ridge. While some believed this concentrated approach promoted better growth, it often led to problems. The seeds planted directly in the fertilizer could become overly vigorous, sometimes resulting in burnt or dead seedlings. When the plants matured, their roots had already spread into the fertilizer zone, leading to nutrient imbalances and smaller fruits.
To solve this, we introduced a dual-trench system. Two trenches, 20-30 cm apart and also 20-30 cm deep, are dug and filled with fertilizer. The watermelon plants are then placed between the two trenches. This allows the roots to access nutrients gradually without being overwhelmed, reducing the risk of burning. As the plants grow, most of their root systems remain within the two fertilizer zones, ensuring balanced nutrition and significantly larger fruits.
In addition to these two key changes, several other practices were adopted, such as proper spacing, irrigation management, and pest control. These combined efforts have made it easier for farmers to achieve higher yields with fewer inputs. Most melon growers who have tried these techniques report impressive results and are now eager to continue refining their methods.
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