Growing watermelons in the moscow region

16-03-2018

Tips and ideas

Growing watermelons in the Moscow region has its own difficulties associated with the inconsistency of the climate and the requirements of this plant to environmental conditions. Growing watermelons in the zone of mixed forests can be both in the greenhouse and in the open field. However, in any case, this should be done through the preliminary cultivation of seedlings.

Moscow region watermelons in the greenhouse

There are the following methods of growing watermelons in the greenhouses of the Moscow region:

Planting seeds in a greenhouse located right in the greenhouse. This is the most convenient way. The seeds of any heat-loving crops are sown in the greenhouse. Watermelons are sown immediately, taking into account the full cycle of their development, that is, at a distance of at least 50 cm from each other. Planting is carried out in such a way that by the formation of watermelon lashes at the stage of the fifth leaf, all the other neighbors of the big berry are transplanted to other beds.

Growing watermelons in large flower pots of seed. In a pot, the watermelon seed grows to the beginning of weaving, after which the pot moves to the greenhouse, where the lash is fixed on the trellis, and the fruit is subsequently suspended in nets.

Transplanting watermelon seedlings from a greenhouse or a heated room to more spacious beds. This procedure is associated with the risk of injury to the roots, but its advantage lies in the great opportunities to plan the filling of greenhouse space in a more rational way.

Terms of planting seedlings in an unheated greenhouse are determined by the onset of constant temperatures of +15 ° C and above. Landing in a heated greenhouse is determined by the possibilities of heating and lighting. On average, in accordance with the conditions of this region, in the first case, watermelons are planted no earlier than April, in the second - this is done a month earlier.

Growing watermelons in the open ground

The limiting factors for the growth of watermelons in the open field are:

contrast temperature changes throughout the day;
the risk of frost or long-term low temperature;
drizzling cold rains;
frequent cold and strong winds;
the number of sunny days.

Thus, in order that in the open field you could get not only a liana with delicate leaves, but also a sweet berry of 2 kg, you need to keep in mind that the watermelon must always be warm, in the sun and in moderately moist soil.

To plant seedlings in open ground should be in early June, always after the bird cherry cold. Bird cherry tree refers to the period after which the risk of frost is reduced to zero.

Placing watermelons in the open field is easier than in the greenhouse. They can be put on the ground, tied to the trellis, put into a pyramid of boxes, etc. It is best to tie watermelons to trellis in the risk of a shortage of warm days, since it will be chilly on earth.

We plant watermelon seedlings in open ground (video)

Soil, watering and dressing

Watermelon grows quickly and bears fruit well only on fertile, loose soil with a neutral or slightly alkaline pH reaction.

This plant is very sensitive to the lack of such elements as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium. With a lack of nitrogen, watermelon grows poorly, with a shortage of other elements of the berry, I will badly tie and grow. As a result of such a deficit, by the fall you can get a bunch of green berries with apple-sized.

Before planting seedlings, manure or humus must be applied to the soil. After the seedlings take root and grow, you need to carry out the first feeding - pour the young plants with a solution of complex mineral fertilizers (superphosphate or Kemer) and manure. Proportions: for 10 liters of water 0.5 kg of manure and 1 tablespoon of mineral fertilizer. During the summer, such feeding is carried out at least 3 times.

With the rapid growth of lashes, but poor flowering, exclude manure as the main source of nitrogen from top dressing. If there are few flowers, the ovaries are formed poorly, then it is necessary to spray the upper part of the shoots with a special mixture of the “Bud” type.

Water the watermelons at least 1-2 times a week. In rainy and cloudy weather do not water at all, otherwise the watermelon will be watery and unsweetened. Insufficient watering also negatively affects the fruits - they become not juicy and sluggish. Two weeks before harvesting, watering must stop.

Growing watermelons in extreme conditions is troublesome for them. The first step on the road to success is the choice of variety. In the suburbs and similar regions of the climate is best planted the following varieties:

Crisby;
Peasant;
Trophy;
Start;
The cap of the emperor;
Svyatoslav;
Light;
Astrakhan;
Raspberry sweet;
Siberian lights;
Ultra Early.

Proper selection of varieties and care will allow you to get a good harvest of heat-loving berries in a harsh climate. The craftsmen do this even in permafrost, in comparison with which the Moscow region may seem like a watermelon paradise.