Melons thrive in the warm climate of southern Russia. However, by choosing the right variety, melons can be grown in other parts of the country as well. To do this, prepare the seedlings at home in advance.
This sowing method accelerates plant growth and allows for harvesting in temperate climates. Experts recommend planting watermelons and melons in 2025, following the lunar calendar and taking into account the region's climate.
Landing time
The sowing period for melons depends on the climate in your region and the characteristics of the chosen variety. The cultivation method is also important. For areas where seedlings can be planted outdoors, seeds should be sown two months before planting in permanent beds—in March.
The influence of the Moon
Many gardeners and vegetable growers are aware of the moon's influence on plant growth. When planning seed sowing, transplanting seedlings, or replanting, experienced vegetable growers choose dates according to the lunar phases. Planting on favorable days promotes more vigorous growth and fruiting.
The Full Moon is ideal for root feeding, as nutrients added to the soil during this period are almost completely absorbed. This is also a good time to harvest medicinal herbs. However, planting or pruning during the New Moon is not recommended, as plants take a long time to recover and may die.
The New Moon is also not suitable for sowing seeds or planting seedlings, as plants grow weak and are susceptible to pests and infections. It is recommended to refrain from gardening altogether during the New Moon.
During the waning moon, sap flows to the roots and circulates almost completely in the upper part of the plant. This is the ideal time for organic fertilizers, pruning branches and runners, removing side shoots, and treating the above-ground parts for pests. Wounds inflicted during this time heal more quickly. During the waning moon, crops that bear fruit underground are planted.
During the growth phase, plant sap actively moves upward within plants. This period is optimal for sowing seeds for seedlings, rooting cuttings, and replanting. Grafting and foliar feeding can also be performed during the waxing moon.
| Month | Good days | Bad days |
| February | 12, 19-21 | 9-11, 23-25 |
| March | 17-19 | 9-11, 24-26 |
| April | 13-16 | 7-9, 23-25 |
| May | 11-13, 21 | 7-9, 22-24 |
| June | 8, 9, 17-19 | 5-7, 21-23 |
By region
To obtain early fruits in the Moscow region, early-ripening seedling varieties should be sown before mid-April. Mid-season crops should be planted in late April and the first half of May. After about a month, the seedlings will be strong enough to be transplanted to their permanent location.
In the Urals, only zoned melons are planted. They can be started as seedlings in late April and then transferred to a greenhouse. If planted too early, the seedlings can become overgrown and their shoots can become intertwined, making transplanting difficult. It's also possible to sow melon seeds in a greenhouse covered with plastic in mid-May.
However, in this case, the ripening of watermelons and melons will be delayed.
Only ultra-early or early varieties are suitable for the Leningrad Region. In some cases, mid-season varieties with a growing season of 60 to 90 days are allowed. For open ground, they are planted in late April, and for greenhouses, in the first ten days of May.
In Siberia, only ultra-early maturing varieties are selected for sowing melons. In this climate, only varieties with a short growing season can be successfully grown. Large varieties suitable for southern regions barely have time to develop foliage in the short, cool Siberian summer.
In this region, melons are grown exclusively in greenhouses or under plastic. Seeds are sown for seedlings in the first half of May. After the shoots emerge, a month later, the transplantable seedlings are transplanted to their permanent location.
Preparing seeds and soil
To determine seed quality, a saline solution is used. Watermelon or melon seeds are placed in the solution, stirred, and left for 10 minutes. Seeds that sink to the bottom are suitable for planting, while those remaining on the surface are discarded. Selected seeds are rinsed under clean water and allowed to dry.
They are then heated for three hours at 60°C, which improves germination and stimulates the formation of female flowers, which will later develop into ovaries. To disinfect the seeds, they are placed in a potassium permanganate solution for half an hour. Afterwards, they are wrapped in a damp cloth and wait for the sprouts to emerge.
To grow seedlings, you need to prepare a soil mixture from the following components:
- 1 part humus;
- 2 parts sawdust;
- 6 parts peat.
To disinfect, the prepared soil is steamed or baked in the oven. An alternative treatment is to use a hot solution of potassium permanganate. For convenience, it is recommended to plant the seeds in separate containers to reduce the risk of root damage during transplantation. Plastic or peat cups can be used.
Sowing
Fill the prepared containers halfway with soil. As the seedling grows, gradually add more soil. Moisten the surface of the soil with a spray bottle. Then, make a 4-cm-deep hole in the center and place the sprouted seed into it.
After sowing, cover the cups with plastic wrap and transfer them to a warm place with a temperature of 23°C to 25°C. After the seeds germinate, move the seedlings to a cooler room overnight to prevent them from stretching. When sprouts appear, remove the plastic wrap.
Only the strongest seedlings are left for further growth. The containers are placed in the brightest spot indoors. Supplemental lighting is not required for the seedlings. The containers are positioned so that the seedlings' leaves do not touch each other.
Care
Melons can be transplanted 3-4 weeks after germination, while watermelons require 30 to 40 days. During the seedling growth period, fertilizing is necessary twice. The first fertilization is done a week after germination, using any complex mineral fertilizer, 20 g dissolved in 5 liters of water. After another week, apply organic fertilizer and superphosphate.
Before transplanting seedlings into open beds, hardening is recommended. To do this, reduce the daytime temperature to 15°C and at night to 12°C. Regular ventilation is essential. When the plant has five true leaves, pinch the growing tip to stimulate the growth of lateral shoots, which will more quickly produce female flowers, which are essential for fruiting.
Transfer
Once stable warm weather sets in, the grown melon seedlings should be transplanted to their permanent location. They can be transplanted into the greenhouse two weeks earlier. For planting, prepare holes spaced 1 meter apart. A week before transplanting, add humus or compost to the holes. Water the holes thoroughly to create a slurry, after which the plants are planted. The seedlings should not be planted too deep; they should be 2-3 cm above the soil line.
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Two roots can be planted in each hole, with the shoots growing in opposite directions. In the first few days after transplanting, cover the bushes with plastic film to protect them from the elements. Water the melons again a week after transplanting. Subsequent plant care includes regular loosening of the soil and weed removal, as well as periodic watering. The plants should be inspected regularly, and any shoots that lack fruit should be pruned. Small fruits should also be removed.
Every month the plants are watered with liquid manure for additional nutrition.
Possible difficulties
If melon seedlings begin to wilt, it could be due to improper watering, root damage from pests, or disease. The seedlings may also wilt due to soil that is too cold. If infection occurs, remove the affected plants, and treat the remaining ones with an insecticide solution as a preventative measure. Regular watering should be increased, and to prevent root chilling, place the seedling containers on pieces of foam.
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If brown and yellow spots appear on the leaves, this indicates an infection. Diseased plants should be removed. To avoid infection, it's important to disinfect the soil and seeds before planting and to grow seedlings in warm conditions.
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