Who grows watermelons? This profession is very ancient and is called "melon gutter". Watermelons have been growing in our country since the time of the Mongol-Tatar yoke. The most developed melon breeding was in the southern regions of Russia. For good development, pumpkin crops, which include watermelons, require a lot of light and heat.
So now you know who grows watermelons. This profession, among other things, is also quite complicated. You can get a good pumpkin crop only if all the required technologies for their cultivation are strictly observed.
Basic Watermelon Care Rules
Unfortunately, the probability of a good harvest of this wonderful crop in the temperate climate of central Russia is not very high. Even with proper care, with a lack of heat and light (especially in the first stage of growth), there usually are no ovaries on the lashes, and watermelons grow very small. A good harvest can be obtained only in the hot sunny summer, provided good watering. When growing this crop, you must follow these recommendations:
- The variety must be selected most adapted to the conditions of this particular region. In any case, he must be hardy and early.
- Before planting, the soil on the melon should be thoroughly loosened.
- In the wells you need to throw several seeds at once. Subsequently, this will make it possible to select the strongest plants.
- Move watermelons to another place very carefully. This culture does not tolerate transplants. A piece of land on the roots during this procedure should be large enough. Pre watermelons watered. Do not damage the roots in any case.
- The fruits of the watermelon need to be periodically rotated with the bottom to the sun (about once a week). This will ensure even ripening. Sometimes watermelons are simply set “tail” up. This procedure can only be done after the fruits have reached the size of a goose egg.
- To avoid rotting under watermelons, it's nice to put thin boards or plywood.
- Watering is completed 3-5 days before harvest.
- No more than two fruits are left on one lash.
These are the rules that must be observed by those who grow watermelons. The melon-bearer profession, as you see, is quite responsible and requires the presence of certain knowledge and skills.
How to plant watermelons
In the conditions of central Russia, the most effective is the seedling method of growing watermelons. Seeds are soaked and buried in the soil by 2-3 cm. The boxes are placed in a place well-lit by the sun. They feed seedlings once with some organic fertilizer. Watermelon sprouted is watered moderately and only with warm water. They can be transferred to the soil after the appearance of 2-3 leaves.
Those who grow watermelons for a long time, are advised to cover the newly planted seedlings with a film. Otherwise, the plant can freeze. Transfer dates - May 15-20. The average diameter of the holes is 1 meter. Between their edges, in order for the plant where to wander, you need to leave at least 2 m.
Watering
Thus, we have found out who grows watermelons. The name of the profession is “melon grower” - and it has a lot of its nuances. It concerns including watering. In hot weather, the soil under watermelons is moistened at least 2-3 times a week. At the same time, watering should be quite plentiful, but stagnation of water in the wells should not be allowed. Not only in the fields, but also in summer cottages, sprinklers are often installed on the melon. Watermelons grow better if not only the holes are filled with water, but also the space between them. When using this method of watering the sides of the holes need to be done higher. Otherwise, they will simply be washed out. Watering between the holes is necessary because the roots of this culture grow very widely. For the same reason, walking on bahce is recommended as rarely as possible. Loose and weed plants after watering only at the very beginning of the growing season. Later, watermelons grow and weeds are almost not afraid of them.
Top dressing
Those who grow watermelons, flax, vegetables, fruits, etc., know that any cultivated plants need additional nutrition. For watermelons, fertilizers are applied for the first time immediately after 2-3 real leaflets appear on them. In this case, either potash mineral fertilizers or a solution of chicken manure at the rate of one bucket per well are used. Further, watermelons do not need additional fertilizing. Re-solution of chicken manure is used only if the plants are poorly developed. Do this about a month after the first feeding.
By the way, people who grow flax are called "flax growers." There are also such specialties as viticulture, potato grower, vegetable grower and even fruit grower. The general name of the profession may sound like "plant grower."
Topping
The profession of the person who grows watermelons is actually very difficult. To get a good harvest, it is important not only to water the melon on time and to feed it. Care should also be taken for lashes. Pinch them without fail. This procedure is usually carried out once a season. Extra ovaries are removed after they reach the size of an apple. At the same time, the tip of the whip is removed. In this case, after the last ovary leave no more than 3-5 leaves.
Harvesting
Hurrying to pick fruits from the lashes is highly discouraged. Even a large watermelon may turn out to be immature. The three main signs of fetal ripeness are:
- bright, well-developed pattern on the skin;
- withered and blackened “tail”;
- a dull sound when tapped.
Well, now you know what really difficult work is for those who grow watermelons. The profession is called "melon gut" and is considered quite complicated. Growing watermelons is actually a troublesome and risky event. However, the fruit is certainly delicious and very healthy. So take a chance and try to grow this culture, even, for example, in a summer cottage or in the garden of a village house.