1. The best time for growing melons depends on various factors, including the variety, the region, cultivation techniques, and climatic conditions. For instance, melon seeds are typically sown indoors in February for greenhouse cultivation, while outdoor planting usually commences in late March to early April.
2. Selecting the right variety is crucial for high-quality and high-yield melon production. In the Longdong region, popular varieties include Yujinxia, Tianshan Xueyu, Mishengquan, Meiya Jitian No.1, Jiamei No.2, Zhangjindanmantuan No.1, Xiangyu No.3, Yujinxiang, and Jingmi No.1, among others. After years of cultivation and comparison, Tianshan Xueyu, Meiya Jitian No.1, and Jiamei No.2 are considered suitable for planting in the region due to their wide adaptability, strong disease resistance, and high yield, producing melons with a delightful taste, thin skin, and high sweetness.
3. Spring planting is preferred for melon cultivation, typically ranging from February to March, to ensure that the first harvest can be reaped around the Qingming and Grain Rain festivals.
4. To prevent soil-borne diseases and pests, melon seeds should be disinfected before planting. Common disinfectants include copper sulfate solution or Carbendazim. Seed treatment with Fipronil is also recommended.
5. The planting density of melons should be appropriate and varies by variety. A standard spacing of 0.6 to 0.5 meters between rows and 0.5 meters between plants is usually adopted, with approximately 700 to 800 plants per mu. Farmers should be aware of the specific type of variety they are planting.
6. Management during the melon seedling stage is vital as the seedlings grow rapidly. At this stage, it is important to control fertilization and irrigation, maintaining temperatures of around 20 to 25°C during the day and 10°C at night. Fertilization should be done once a week, and treatments with Metalaxyl solution can prevent root rot. Additionally, spraying Bordeaux mixture can help prevent powdery mildew.
