Growing watermelons and melons in the central zone: the specifics of open-ground agronomy

Watermelons can also be grown in the Central Black Earth Region, including in open ground. With proper agricultural practices in the temperate zone, a decent harvest of moderately sweet berries can be harvested by mid-August. Only early-ripening varieties should be selected for planting. Their growing season should be approximately 75 days from germination to full maturity.

Recommendation! In the temperate climate zone, watermelon varieties such as 'Crimson,' 'Sweet,' 'Sakharny Malysh,' and others perform well. Particular attention should be paid to first-level hybrids (F1), which ripen even in St. Petersburg, not to mention the Moscow region.

Key aspects of cultivation

Seeds should be sown for seedlings in advance. Peat-humus or plastic containers are used for this purpose, making transplanting easier. It's important to remember that watermelon and melon roots are extremely fragile, so this should be taken into account.

Recommendation! You can place two seeds in each container at once to determine which one produces the stronger sprout. Then remove the weaker one, leaving only one.

When growing watermelons and melons in temperate climates, it's important to properly prepare the seeds. This should be done in early April, as the seedlings should be about 35 days old by the time they're planted outdoors.

The seeds have a tough shell, so they should be wrapped in a damp cloth and soaked in a weak solution of potassium permanganate. Place them in a bag, inflate it with air, and tie it shut. Store in a warm place, changing the water daily and adding fresh air to the bag. On the third day, the seeds will begin to sprout, and this is the perfect time to plant them in moist soil. The depth of the planting should not exceed one centimeter.

Ideal temperature

The video provides a variety of recommendations for growing watermelons and melons outdoors in the temperate zone, especially considering the air temperature. when planting seedlingsOptimal temperatures are 18-20 degrees, and it's best to place the seedlings in the sunniest spot in the apartment.

It's important to water the plants promptly as the soil dries out. Avoid creating a bog, as this can lead to root rot and the death of the seedlings. Fertilizing is necessary after the first true leaf appears. April provides ample sunlight, but on cloudy days, consider providing additional lighting.

Transplantation to a permanent location

It's difficult to find clear information on professional forums about growing watermelons and melons outdoors in temperate climates, especially regarding the timing of planting seedlings. It's essential to monitor long-term weather forecasts for your region.

Garden beds are usually prepared as early as the first half of May, and the lunar calendar for the current year can be used to determine the best day for planting seedlings. To protect them from the cold, cover them with plastic until the weather becomes consistently warm. Before planting, be sure to spray the plants with a biostimulant. Ten days before transplanting, it is recommended to place the seedlings on the balcony for at least a few hours to allow them to gradually adapt to the cooler temperatures.

What aspects should be considered when growing watermelons and melons in open ground?

1. Grow seedlings on trellises using the traditional technique, but keep in mind that the trellis must be stronger, since watermelons, although small, are still larger and heavier than cucumbers.
2. Before planting the plants in open ground, you should place the cups with seedlings in water so that they are well moistened.
3. Prepare holes 70 cm apart, add mineral fertilizer, wood ash, and compost to each hole. Water the holes thoroughly and mix thoroughly.
4. Place the cup with the seedlings in the hole, cover it with dry soil and be sure to mulch the bed using any available material.
5. The watermelon vine should be tied up when it begins to lie on the ground. Leave only one stem, pinching out all side shoots. The top of the main stem should also be pinched when it produces four fruits. This number of fruits is considered favorable for black soil.

These key points explain how grow watermelons and melons in open ground in the temperate zone. Naturally, you shouldn't expect to harvest large, sweet berries even with ideal care, but such watermelons and melons will undoubtedly have their own unique flavor and charm.