Melon belongs to the melon crops. Loves light, warmth and does not like high humidity. In our latitudes, the melon is grown by seedlings, and when a steady heat sets in, they are planted in the ground.
Sowing and growing seedlings
Melon seeds can germinate at + 17 ° С, but the optimal temperature is + 25 ° С. For successful growth, seedlings need temperatures of + 25 … 30 ° С during the day and + 18 ° С at night.
Melon is drought-resistant. They react negatively to high humidity, which contributes to the development of fungal diseases. The maximum humidity for the melon is 70%. The growing period for melon seedlings is 30–35 days.
Before sowing, the seeds are treated with a biogenic stimulant (aloe extract). You can germinate them before sowing - this will shorten the germination time. For germination, the seeds are soaked in hot water (+ 50 ° C) and kept until they bite. Then they are planted in small pots, two seeds each, deepening them by 3-4 cm.
Melon seedlings should be provided with the sunniest place in the apartment. During the period of growing seedlings, two dressings are carried out. Complex mineral fertilizers are suitable. A week before planting, the seedlings are hardened. During the day, the temperature is maintained at + 15 ° С, at night - + 10 ° С.
Melon seedlings ready for planting should have at least three true leaves. Before planting in the ground, the tops of the seedlings are pinched over the third leaf.
Landing in the ground
Seedlings are planted at the end of May, under a film, according to a 70x50 cm scheme. Before planting, 1, 5-2 kg of humus is introduced into each hole and watered well with warm water. Melon seedlings are not buried when planting, the seedling lump should protrude 1-2 cm above the level of the garden.
Once planted, the melon does not require any special care. Standard weeding, not very frequent watering, loosening.
It is best to grow the melon in a greenhouse. If possible, a greenhouse for this crop is built separately and no other crops are planted in it. The greenhouse is placed in a sunny place and on warm, clear days, be sure to ventilate and open the plants to the sun's rays. If the temperature is above + 30 ° C, you need to air it regularly, and even better, roll up the film at the ends of the greenhouse.
Melon, like all melons, is almost not damaged by pests. For prevention, seedlings are watered with a weak solution of potassium permanganate. Top dressing of the melon is also not required, enough humus introduced into the hole before planting.
If summers are sunny and dry, you can start harvesting in September. In a dry, warm autumn, it is advisable to leave the melons "to reach" in the garden in natural conditions, but if the autumn is rainy, it is better to remove the melons early and put them in a warm ventilated room to ripen.
