Many gardeners are interested in the question of how to grow melons in the open field, so they have time to ripen for our not very long summer.And this is quite understandable.Still, here in Russia is not such a hot climate like where grown watermelons sold in markets and shops.Yet such a possibility.
Before we find out in practice how to grow melons in the open field, defined with the choice of suitable varieties.In central Russia have time to reach maturity only early-maturing varieties of watermelon.The fewer days must elapse from the fruit set until fully ripe, the better.From major fruit should be abandoned - they can mature only in the south.The seeds for seedlings should be planted no later than the last week of April - first week of May, in plastic or peat pots with a diameter of 10 cm. It is advisable to place them on a window sill windows facing the south side, to not require backlight.Watermelon seeds begin to germinate at a temperature of 17 ° C, but the recommended temperature is 25 - 30 degrees C during the day and about 19 ° C at night.While the plants are on the windowsill, it is necessary to spend two fertilizing.Use the complex mineral fertilizers.Small watermelon leaves should not touch each other, so if you need Expand the pots.Seedlings are planted, when the plants have been three to five true leaves (which corresponds to 25 - 35-day potting seedlings).For a week before transplanting to the wells in open ground watermelons must undergo hardening.To this day the temperature was reduced to 15 - 17 ° C, and in the night time - up to 12 - 15 ° C, however, increase the ventilation of the room.
How to grow melons in the open field?It is best to choose a site where previously grew beans, cabbage or potatoes.They are the best precursors for watermelons.Seedlings planted in the ridges in the wells, planting scheme from 140x70 to 140x140 cm 1-2 plants in the hole.If placed in the hole two watermelons, they whip them with the time to throw in different directions.Previously each well need to make compost and sprinkle it well.Seedlings planted in the resulting slurry, sprinkled on the sides of dry ground, so as not to form a hard crust.If the plants are grown in a plastic pot, it is taken out carefully, trying to leave intact earthen room roots.If the seedlings grown in peat pots, watermelons are planted directly into the soil in them.
first ripe watermelons appear in late July - early August.Gradually, with the crust fruit disappears matte coating, which is characteristic for more immature fruit bracts dry out, the hairs fall off the stalk.If you tapped the ripe fruit of early ripening varieties hear a muffled sound.All these signs indicate indirectly that already you can enjoy treasured juicy flesh.
Even experienced gardeners who know how to grow melons in the open field, not everyone can get the harvest season.Unfortunately, the climatic conditions the middle band not to contribute.So in answer to the question: "How to grow a good watermelon?"You can only recommend planting them in heated greenhouses.
