primary points
watermelon , the quintessential summertime fruit , are a remunerative craw forcommercial farmer . With their gamy nutritionary value , refreshing taste , and marketplace demand , cultivate watermelonscan be arewarding endeavour . This comprehensive guide will equip you with the cognition and techniques to grow watermelon commercially and reap the benefits of this angelic and profitable crop .
Site Selection and Soil Preparation
The origination ofsuccessful watermelon vine polish liesin select a worthy site with well - drained soil . Watermelons expand insandy loam soilswith a pH between 6.0 and 6.5 . stave off soils that are prone to waterlogging or have high clay content , as this can lead to root rot and scrubby increment . Prior to planting , machinate the soil by till it profoundly and amend it withorganic mattersuch as compost or manure . Thisimproves soil structure , fecundity , and water holding .
Variety Selection
Choosing the rightwatermelon varietyis crucial for commercial-grade winner . Consider factors such asmaturity time , fruit size , disease ohmic resistance , and market need . Some pop commercial watermelon salmagundi include Sugar Baby , Crimson Sweet , Jubilee , and Charleston Gray .
Planting and Spacing
Watermelon seed should be plant directly in the field of study after the last leap rime . works seed 1 - 2inches deepand space them 2 - 3 feet aside in row that are 6 - 8feet wide of the mark . To ensure optimal pollination , flora multiple variety of watermelons in near proximity .
Irrigation and Fertilization
watermelon vine command regular irrigation , especially duringfruit development . Water profoundly and infrequently , allow the soil to dry out more or less between lacrimation . avert overwatering , as this can head toroot rotand blossom - end rot . feed watermelons accord to dirt test recommendation . Generally , abalanced fertilizerwith a proportion of 1:1:1 ( atomic number 7 , P , K ) is applied at the time of planting and again during fruit growing .
Pest and Disease Management
Watermelons are susceptible to various pestis and diseases . Common pest let in aphids , cucumber beetles , and squash bugs . Tocontrol pests , use integrated pesterer direction exercise such ascrop rotation , pest monitoring , and selective pesticide practical app . disease such as anthracnose , powdery mold , and fusarium wilt can also affect watermelon crops . follow out disease prevention measures such as using disease - resistive varieties , practicing crop gyration , and maintaining proper irrigation practices .
Pollination and Fruit Development
watermelon are monecious , meaning they have both male and distaff flowers on the same plant . However , crabby - pollination is necessary for fruit bent . bee and otherpollinators playa lively use intransferring pollenfrom male person to female flower . To further pollination , put up beehives or plant pollinator - pull flowers nearby . yield evolution take approximately 30 - 45 day from pollination . During this time , provide tolerable waterand nutrients tosupport yield growthand prevent bloom - end decomposition .
Harvesting and Storage
watermelon are quick for harvest when the tendril opposite the yield stem work dark-brown and dry . mildly cut the yield from the vine using asharp knifeor shear . Handle watermelons carefully to avoid wound . Store watermelon vine at temperature between 50 - 60 ° F ( 10 - 15 ° C ) withhigh humidity . They can be put in for several week under these conditions .
Maximizing Yields and Profits
Tomaximize yieldsand profits , consider the come after additional tips :
Embracing the Challenges and Rewards
commercial-grade watermelon cultivation presents both challenges and reward . By adopting best recitation , managing risks , and outride abreast ofindustry course , you canovercome challengesand reap the sweet rewards of this profitable crop .
Quick Answers to Your FAQs
1 . What is theideal soil pHfor growing watermelons?Between 6.0 and 6.52 . How often should I water watermelon plants?Deeply and infrequently , allowing the soil to dry out out slightly between waterings.3 . What arecommon peststhat affect watermelon crops?Aphids , cucumber vine beetle , andsquash bugs4 . How can I prevent blossom - oddment putrefaction in watermelons?Provide adequate water and atomic number 20 during fruit development.5 . What is theaverage storage timefor watermelons?Several weeks at temperatures between 50 - 60 ° F ( 10 - 15 ° C ) with in high spirits humidity .
