How to fertilize watermelons and melons. Feeding watermelon at different stages of development with organic and mineral fertilizers

Watermelon is very tasty and useful product but it takes a lot of work to grow it. The fruits of this culture contain a lot of carbohydrates, vitamins, fiber and other equally useful substances.

Culture during each stage of growth and development requires certain nutrients, without which the normal development of the plant and the formation of a high-quality crop are impossible. In this article, we will try to figure out how and when to feed watermelons in a greenhouse and open field in order to get a decent result.

To obtain large and high-quality fruits of watermelons, you need to adhere to the recommended fertilizer application system for this crop. It should include the main application of organic and mineral feed in the fall, for plowing, pre-sowing, pre-sowing application and several top dressings during the season.

In autumn, under plowing, manure or humus is usually applied, as well as superphosphate and potash fertilizers. Before sowing and during sowing, the missing amount of fertilizer is applied as a starter. During the season, several dressings should be done on watermelons.

Seedling

To grow strong and viable seedlings, you need to carry out top dressing during its cultivation. This period of time is quite short and you can get by with two top dressings. Information on how to feed watermelon seedlings and in what time frame can be obtained by reading this section.

A suitable fertilizer for top dressing is bird droppings. Before use, it requires appropriate preparation. It is mixed with water in a ratio of 1:10 and then the plants are watered with this solution. Another suitable organic fertilizer for seedlings is mullein, which is pre-prepared for application in the same way as bird droppings.

If you prefer mineral fertilizers, then it is better to opt for urea, which is diluted with water in accordance with the instructions. All these fertilizers contain quite a lot of nitrogen, needed by plants at the start.

It is desirable to carry out the first dressing in the phase of two true leaves, and the second 15 days before planting. planting material in a greenhouse or open ground.

In practice, wood ash showed itself well on seedlings of watermelons. It can be diluted in water at the rate of 1 tbsp. ash in a bucket of water and water the plants with this solution.

When transplanting

After planting seedlings in open ground or a greenhouse, it should be fed again after 10-15 days. To do this, you need to know for sure how to feed watermelons after landing in the ground. This time it is better to use ammonium nitrate. To do this, dissolve 20 g of saltpeter in a bucket of water and water the watermelon plants with this solution, 2 liters per bush.

It is allowed to use organic instead of mineral fats. For example, dilute mullein in water in a ratio of 1:10, or chicken manure in a ratio of 1:20, and add 30 g of double superphosphate and 15 g of potassium chloride to a bucket of such a solution.

Then mix everything and use the nutrient solution, pouring 1-2 liters of this composition on each bush.

You can provide watermelon plants with nutrients through herbal infusion. To do this, green grass and water are loaded into the container. The mixture is infused for 2 weeks. During this infusion, fermentation will occur and the nutrients contained in the herb will go into solution.

To increase the nutritional value of the solution, ash or chicken droppings can be added to it. After fermentation, the solution is diluted with clean water in a ratio of 1:10 and pour 1 liter of fertilizer solution into each bush.

Of the folk remedies used in transplanting watermelons, yeast can be used. Thanks to yeast, the engraftment of watermelon plants is painless. The preparation of a nutrient solution from yeast should take place according to the following algorithm:

• take 100 g of dry yeast and pour 3 liters of water into it;
• add 1 teaspoon of sugar there;
• the solution is infused for 1 week;
• diluted with water in a ratio of 1:10.

When carrying out top dressing, pour 1 liter of nutrient solution under each plant.

Bloom

During the flowering phase, watermelon plants begin to consume more nutrition, and timely feeding is very important during this period. Preference should be given to potash fertilizers, without which flowering will not be massive.

At this point, you can apply:

• Nutrivant Plus (2 kg per 200 liters of water);
• Kelik Potassium (half a liter per 100 liters of water);
• magnesium nitrate (2 kg per 200 liters of water).

It is important to replenish the lack of magnesium in a timely manner, otherwise unhealthy spots will appear on the leaves, followed by the death of leaf tissues in them. With a lack of magnesium, fruits are also poorly tied.

Watermelon plants do not tolerate hot and windy weather, in which they lack calcium. This problem is solved by introducing drugs such as:

• Calcinitis (800 gr per 100 liters of water);
• Speedfol Amino Flowering and Fruiting (200 ml per 200 liters of water).

Ovary formation

When forming ovaries, watermelon plants often lack boron, which is very important to replenish. To do this, take 5 g boric acid and dilute it in 5 liters of water. The prepared solution is used to fertilize the leaves of watermelons.

To replenish nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus, in large quantities spent on the formation of a new crop, the application of appropriate fertilizers is required. For this, a complex nutrient solution is prepared, consisting of:

• superphosphate (10 g);
• potassium salt (35 g);
• ammonium sulfate (24 g).

All ingredients are completely dissolved in 10 liters of water and the plants are watered under the root at the rate of 2 liters per bush.

fruit formation

With the transition of a watermelon plant to each next phase of growth and development, it needs more and more nutrients. A lot of nutrition is spent on the formation of a crop of fruits. During this period, plants need to be fed every 10-15 days. It is better to use ready-made fertilizer complexes for this purpose, such as:

• Crystallon;
• Novofert;
• Nutriflex.

These ready-made fertilizers are used in accordance with the instructions, which indicate the phase and dose of application.

If the plant inhibits growth, or has small and yellow leaves, fragile stem, then you need to feed it with ammonium nitrate at the rate of 3 tbsp. spoons of fertilizer in a bucket of water. Under each bush pour 1-2 liters of nutrient solution.

Fertilizer for fruit growth

The phase of growth and filling of watermelon fruits is characterized by the highest consumption of batteries. To receive good harvest, you need to perform top dressing.

Every week, watermelon plantations are fertilized with Uniflor micro. For watering, dilute 2 teaspoons per 10 liters of water.

With the same frequency, a fertilizer mixture is applied under the plants, consisting of:

• 1 st. l. superphosphate;
• 1 st. l. azophoski;
• 1 tsp potassium sulfate.

The use of the Terraflex Universal fertilizer complex provides the plant with the substances necessary for fruiting. The substance is diluted in a ratio of 0.7 kg per 1 ton of water.

It is also mandatory to fertilize watermelons with calcium nitrate at the rate of 0.8 kg per 1 ton of water.

Before ripening watermelons, you need to stop fertilizing with fertilizers and watering. Otherwise, the quality of the fruit will suffer.

Lack of minerals

In the process of growing watermelons, it is very important to be able to determine the deficiency of certain nutrients in the soil in order to replenish them in a timely manner. The simplest method for detecting a lack of the main batteries is sheet diagnostics. The essence of the method lies in the fact that the lack of a particular element is manifested on the leaves of the culture with characteristic spots or a special color.

The lack of nutrients, when growing watermelons, is replenished with top dressings, which are different in composition and methods of execution (root and foliar). Lineups necessary fertilizers You can buy at the store or make your own. Deficiency of the main nutrients in the cultivation of watermelons can be identified by general view plants.

Nitrogen

This element takes an active part in the process of photosynthesis and its deficiency immediately affects the general condition of the plant. At the same time, the following signs can be observed in watermelons:

• slow growth;
• thinning and shortening of shoots;
• the formation of too small inflorescences;
• the leaves become smaller, become narrow and there are fewer of them on the stem than usual;
• leaf plates are painted in pale green color;
• the veins on the lower leaves turn yellow with a gradual transition of color to the entire leaf plate, and then the leaves of the upper tier of the plant also become light.

Phosphorus

This element, as a rule, is more than enough in soil compositions, but most of it is in a form inaccessible to plants. However, melons and gourds during the growing season cannot do without phosphorus. This element has a beneficial effect on metabolic processes in cellular structures and, with its deficiency, the following symptoms may appear:

• the roots of watermelons do not develop well;
• the leaves become smaller and acquire a dark green color with a bluish tinge;
• on the main leaves, gradual yellowing can be observed with the appearance between the veins brown spots, constantly increasing in size;
• after the lower leaves, characteristic symptoms appear on the leaves of the upper tier;
• as it dries, the leaves turn black more and more;
• the plant is strongly inhibited in growth;
• there is a later than usual appearance of the ovary; emerging new leaves are small.

Potassium, calcium and magnesium deficiency

These batteries also play an important role in the cultivation of watermelons. The first two elements take part in nitrogen metabolism, and without magnesium, the process of photosynthesis is impossible. In addition, potassium plays an important role in the water balance of the plant.

Potassium

The plant consumes a lot of potassium when filling and forming fruits. With a deficiency of this element, the following symptoms appear:

• leaves become dull, acquire a bluish-green tint;
• a characteristic feature of potassium deficiency is a light edging around the entire leaf;
• yellowing of the leaves starts from the top, resembling a burn;
• the edges sheet plates twist and wrinkle;
• the stem becomes thin and withers;
• the plant is weakened and can be affected by fungal diseases; if potassium deficiency has formed during the flowering phase, inflorescences may not appear at all;
• lack of potassium negatively affects the quality of the crop.

Calcium

The lack of this element is clearly visible on young leaves. They begin to lighten, curl, and then die altogether. The edges of the leaf plates become brown in color. many barren flowers are formed on plants, and the resulting ovaries often die off. With calcium deficiency, watermelons grow small and not tasty. The plant cannot fully assimilate other nutrients, so all signs of exhaustion appear.

Magnesium

Most often, magnesium deficiency is observed in areas with high humidity. A characteristic sign of a lack of magnesium in the soil is leaf chlorosis. The edges of the leaf plates and their veins acquire a yellow, reddish or purple color. After some time, multi-colored spots appear on the leaves, indicating the death of leaf tissues. Fertilization occurs, the fruits are tied, but they are often unable to ripen.

Mineral fertilizers

To get high yields of gourds, you need to know how to feed watermelons in order to grow faster. Plants should be well supplied with macronutrients, thanks to which a decent harvest is formed. The level of content of basic nutrients can be maintained by applying mineral and organic fertilizers in different phases of growth and development of watermelons.

Mineral fertilizers containing nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, calcium and other macro- and microelements can be applied during the main processing, in the spring before sowing watermelons, when sowing a crop, as well as by the method of root and foliar top dressing, during the growing season of the crop.

It is important to consider that mineral fertilizers must be applied after watering or rain. Only in this variant the efficiency of fertilizers will be the highest. After application, the soil should be loosened immediately.

In order to grow a worthwhile crop of watermelons in a greenhouse or open field, during the entire period of growing a crop, it is necessary to make both mineral and organic fertilizers both in liquid and solid form. Next, the main fertilizers used in the cultivation of watermelons will be considered in detail.

Urea (urea)

Among nitrogen-containing fertilizers, urea is one of the most common. It stimulates the growth and development of plants by accelerating the process of photosynthesis. But an excess of fertilizer negatively affects watermelons.

With an excess of nitrogen, plants begin to grow rapidly, directing all the nutrients to the formation of green mass. There will be a lot of leaves and shoots, but there will be few flowers and ovaries, which will necessarily negatively affect the overall harvest. Ripe fruits will have low taste and uncharacteristic color.

Carbamide, during the growing season of watermelons, should be applied 3 times with an interval of 3-4 weeks. The first time it should be applied 30 days after planting the seedlings in a permanent place. Application rate - 10-12 grams per 1 m2. Usually urea is applied for autumn processing or in early spring. Then, the missing calculated part of the fertilizers is applied during irrigation or loosening of the soil in the inter-row spacing of the crop.

Ammonia contained in ammonia can also be useful when growing watermelons. Thanks to the nitrogen compounds in ammonia, watermelon plants, when applied, receive the nutrients that are so necessary for the growth of shoots and leaves.

As usual, ammonia is used on watermelons only in exceptional cases, when the plant is withering, and there are no other effective means impact.

Before use, a working solution is prepared for processing watermelons. For this, 3 tbsp. l. ammonia in a bucket of water. After thoroughly mixing the mixture, carefully water the watermelon plants under the root so that the solution does not fall on the stems and leaves of the culture.

This fertilizer, unlike other nitrogen fertilizers, in addition to nitrogen (21%), contains sulfur (24%), which is so necessary for the growth and development of watermelons. Both elements are in the fertilizer in an easily accessible form. Compared to ammonium nitrate and urea, ammonium sulfate is sold at a lower price. Ammonium sulfate is absolutely safe for humans and animals.

Fertilizer benefits:

• nitrogen and sulfur fertilizers are involved in the creation of enzymes and proteins;
• after fertilization in plants, all processes in cells are regulated, improving metabolism;
• the yield of watermelons increases;
• sulfur, found in the fertilizer, helps to assimilate other macro- and microelements.

Ammonium sulfate works best on neutral and slightly alkaline soils, increasing the efficiency of other fertilizers: nitrogen, phosphorus and potash.

Ammonium sulfate on watermelons can be used as the main and for foliar top dressing. Excellent results from the use of fertilizers are fixed on watermelons. It is better to make application at the same time as irrigation.

This is complete fertilizer represented by granules color pink containing in a certain ratio nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. There are two brands of this fertilizer on the domestic market: diammophoska 10 26 26 and 9 25 25. The numbers indicate the percentage of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in a particular form of fertilizer.

In addition to the three main components, the fertilizer also contains small amounts of microadditives:

• magnesium;
• iron;
• calcium;
• zinc;
• sulfur.

Fertilizer is applied under all garden, field, fruit crops. This fertilizer gives crops a balanced diet, accelerating their growth and formation.

The most important advantages of this fertilizer are:

• composition balance;
• universal fertilizer, suitable for any soil and crop;
• affects the growth of watermelon yields, improves their quality, strengthens resistance to drought and disease;
• has a positive effect on the preservation of fruits;
• fertilizer components do not accumulate in fruits.

Diammofoska is classified as a fast-acting mineral fertilizer. This is due to the fact that the nitrogen in the composition of the fertilizer has an ammonium form.

It is believed that it is better to apply diammophoska on watermelons in a dry form, without preliminary dilution in water. The fact is that the phosphorus contained in it is poorly soluble in water. It is recommended to apply this fertilizer on watermelons in about a month, after planting seedlings in a permanent place, at the rate of 10-15 grams per square meter.

Superphosphate is a phosphorus-containing fertilizer and it is produced in various forms:

• simple;
• double;
• granulated;
• ammoniated.

In some compositions, manufacturers have included additional elements such as magnesium, molybdenum, boron and trace elements. Different types of superphosphate can contain from 20 to 44% active phosphorus. The main advantage of this fertilizer is its water solubility. After fertilizing with superphosphate, plants get the opportunity to use
phosphorus for growth and development.

Potassium plays an important role in plant life. Additional feeding potash fertilizers, during the growing season of watermelons, will not be superfluous. From potash fertilizers The most widely used on watermelon plantations is potassium chloride.

This fertilizer gives watermelons greater resistance to adverse growing conditions and to a number of. In addition, potassium chloride has a positive effect on the roots of watermelon, strengthening them. Potassium chloride contains 65% of water-soluble potassium and chlorine, which is then washed out by precipitation and irrigation water from the soil composition.

Ammonium nitrate is a fairly common nitrogen fertilizer containing 34% of nitrogen available to plants. Carry out top dressing gourds this fertilizer is not recommended, because nitrates that are harmful to human health are concentrated in the fruits.

However, it has long been established that an excess amount of nitrates in watermelons is detected only when increased doses of ammonium nitrate are added. And if you do not exceed the recommended doses of fertilizers, no accumulation of nitrates in watermelons occurs, as well as harm to the human body.

Currently, a number of mineral fertilizers are produced, ready for use, which contain in their composition all the nutrients necessary for plants. One of these products is Teraflex fertilizer.

The use of this drug on watermelon plantations makes it possible to significantly increase the yield and strengthen the immune system of the plant organism. This is due to the fact that the plant is provided with the entire spectrum necessary elements nutrition, and even in a balanced way.

The fertilizer has a powder form, for use it should be diluted in water. The product dissolves in water without residue. Application methods can be very different:

• with drip irrigation;
• watering fertilizer under the root;
• spraying on the leaves.

The drug never leaves burns on the leaves.

On watermelons, you can use "Teraflex" of the following types:

• "Terraflex start" is more often used when growing seedlings;
• "Terraflex wagon" is used for drip irrigation;
• "Terraflex final" is used during the period of fruit ripening.

The nutrients in the fertilizer are in an easily accessible chelated form. This allows the use of the drug for foliar top dressing.

Treatments with this drug are carried out twice a month, following the instructions for its use.

It is another ready-to-use complete mineral fertilizer in which the nutrients are balanced and in chelated form. This nutritional complex has gained great popularity among domestic melon growers.

It consists of different elements and, depending on the type of fertilizer and the purpose of use, there are different types top dressing.

Each type of fertilizer has in its composition different elements, selected for a particular plant. For proper use of this complex, you need to do the following:

• identify what nutrients the plant needs;
• select the Master complex with the necessary connections;
• read the instructions for use;
• to fertilize watermelon plants.

A positive result from the top dressing will not be long in coming.

The Master complex, in comparison with other similar fertilizers, is endowed with a number of advantages:

1. The growth of watermelon plants is noticeably accelerated. This is due to the excellent degree of absorption of nutrients.
2. The balanced composition of nitrogen, magnesium and potassium allows you to get a quality crop in the earliest possible time.
3. The low concentration of salts favors the uniform growth of all parts of the plant.
4. Under the influence of fertilizer, nice and dense sheets are formed, as well as fruits of an ideal shape.
5. The watermelon plant never undergoes chlorosis due to the presence of magnesium in the fertilizer.

This list of advantages makes the drug one of the leaders in the fertilizer market.

For a balanced nutrition of gourds in 2010 in Italy, the production of a series of water-soluble complex fertilizers "Green-Go" of a new generation was launched.

This kind of complete mineral fertilizer has the following characteristics:

• perfectly balanced composition;
• compatibility with many pesticides in tank mixes;
• slightly higher phosphorus content than in analogues;
• a higher content of trace elements in an accessible form;
• acidifying effect;
• economy.

In addition, this fertilizer contains the amide form of nitrogen, which can be quickly absorbed by plants when processed along the leaves.

The highest efficiency of using this complex of fertilizers on watermelons was recorded when it was applied using the method drip irrigation. Together with water, the necessary nutrients are simultaneously supplied to plants. When preparing the nutrient solution, take 1.5 kg of fertilizer per 1000 liters of water. It is enough to water the watermelons with drip irrigation in the morning and evening, one hour each time.

Nutrivant Plus is a top dressing series from Israeli manufacturers for various crops both in the open field and in the greenhouse. characteristic feature This complex of fertilizers is that the nutrients are fixed on the surface of the leaf of the plant and act for quite a long time. The complex contains all the nutrients needed by the plant.

Nutrivant Plus is produced in the form of a liquid concentrated solution for foliar applications. This product, in comparison with analogues, has a number of tangible advantages:

• fertilizer is environmentally friendly, and their quality is certified by the relevant certificates;
• the concentrated solution mixes well with water and is evenly distributed on plants;
• the introduction of this complex can be combined with any top dressing and pesticides;
• due to the use of this fertilizer complex, it is possible to increase the yield of watermelons by 15%.

As you can see, the list of benefits is impressive. But the main one is the ability of the fertilizer to be fixed on the leaf surface due to the special component of Fertivant. Due to this ability, there is no need to carry out multiple top dressing, because the drug is not washed off by irrigation water and precipitation.

On the day of treatment, you must first prepare a working solution. Doses of fertilizers are completely dependent on the type of crop and the type of fertilizer.

For watermelons, Nutrivant Plus is used with the following nutritional content:

• nitrogen - 6%;
• phosphorus - 16%;
• potassium - 31%;
• trace elements (magnesium, boron, iron, manganese, zinc, copper and molybdenum).

On watermelons, fertilizer is applied at the rate of 2 kg per 1 ha in the following terms:

• before bud formation;
• 15 days after the first application;
• during the period of mass flowering;
• after another 15 days, when fruit is set;
• 2 more weeks later.

250-300 liters are applied per 1 ha of watermelon plantations ready solution. All components can be mixed directly in the sprayer tank.

Kelik Potassium presented liquid fertilizer in chelated form with 50% potassium content. This fertilizer differs from potassium sulfate or potassium nitrate in that it stimulates the absorption of potassium by the roots of the plant, reduces the likelihood of fungal diseases, activates the metabolism, thereby improving the quality of watermelons.

This fertilizer complex has the following positive qualities:

• increases the resistance of watermelons to drought by closing the stomata of the leaves;
• stimulates the process of leaf respiration;
• increases resistance to diseases;
• promotes the growth of the root system;
• the size and weight of fruits increases;
• maturation is accelerated;
• improved taste and presentation of fruits;
• crop productivity increases.

On watermelons, Kelik Potassium begins to be applied from the phase of ovary formation to intensive fruiting. During this period, it is recommended to make 4 top dressings with an interval of 20 days. With foliar top dressing, the consumption rate of the drug should be 0.25 - 0.5 liters per 100 liters of water, and with root top dressing, 3 -4 liters per hectare are consumed.

Calcinitis

Calcinite is specially designed for use in open ground and in conditions greenhouse cultivation for most cultures. Calcinite provides a long-term interaction of nitrogen and calcium with the plant, especially when grown on unfavorable soils. Thanks to him, the walls of plant cells are strengthened, which gives them greater resistance to diseases.

The composition of this fertilizer includes the following components:

total nitrogen - 15.5%, including: nitrate - 14.4%, ammonium - 1.1%;

The fertilizer is produced in the form of loose granules, soluble in water. The main benefits of fertilizer are as follows:

• stimulates root development, growth and development a large number cultures;
• increases the resistance of crops to stress, fungal and bacterial diseases arising from a lack of calcium;
• the safety of vegetables during storage and transportation is improved;
• increases productivity by 15%, improves the presentation and taste of watermelons.

Calcinite is used for root and foliar top dressing of watermelons through any irrigation systems. The doses and application rates of this fertilizer depend on the calcium content in the soil, the specific crop, the expected yield and the applied technology.

With drip irrigation, dissolve 1-2 kg in a ton of water. For foliar application, a 2-3% solution is made by diluting 4 kg of fertilizer in 100 liters of water. A total of 25 to 40 kg of the drug is consumed per hectare.

Nutrivant Drip

This product of Israeli manufacturers is represented by a fine, crystalline powder, highly soluble in water. The product is made from quality ingredients and may contain varying amounts of nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus. Along with the three main nutrients, Nutrivant Drip also contains calcium with trace elements in an accessible chelated form.

Benefits of using Nutrivant Drip:

• provides full nutrition of plants and access to the maximum yield;
• improves the quality of the crop;
• the introduced batteries are evenly distributed on the site;
• fertilizer along the way cleans droppers, while drip method glaze;
• provides normal plant nutrition even when using poor irrigation water;
• with constant use, soil salinity decreases;
• improves the functionality of the root system.

organic fertilizers

Organic fertilizers are also widely used when growing watermelons in a greenhouse and open ground. All organic matter can be divided into substances of plant and animal origin. Both contain nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus in small amounts. When using organics, you must also adhere to the recommended doses. For plant dressings, humus, grass infusion, biohumus and wood ash are used.

Humus

An excellent way to feed melons is humus. This product is obtained in the process of decomposition and decay of the remains of the animal and plant origin. The best humus obtained from horse, cow and rabbit manure.

Yeast

Sometimes melon growers, to perform top dressing of watermelons, turn to folk remedies. Of these, yeast and ammonia. For watermelon dressings, as usual, baker's yeast is used. By introducing yeast into the soil, melon growers pursue the following goals:

• improve soil fertility;
• stimulate plant growth.

In yeast, there are many single-celled bacteria that have a beneficial effect on the growth of watermelon roots. Yeast supplements watermelons are best produced when transplanting plants. It has been established that the picking of watermelon seedlings with yeast proceeds painlessly.

Yeast fertilizer is prepared according to the following recipe:

• take 100 g of yeast and pour them with 3 liters of water;
• for a better reaction, add a spoonful of sugar;
• the solution is infused for 7 days;
• the resulting solution is diluted with water again in a ratio of 1:10.

When watering plants, the consumption rate of such a solution should be 1 liter for each bush.

Mullein

What is a mullein every gardener knows. This is one of the most practiced organic fertilizers in our time. In fact, this is an infusion of cow dung, often used when carrying out top dressing. This environmentally friendly product is saturated with nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and other macro- and microelements.

For top dressing, you need to prepare a solution of mullein according to the following recipe:

• cattle manure is soaked in water at a ratio of 1 bucket of dry mullein per 100 liters of water;
• infuse the solution for 2 weeks.

The resulting solution is watered with watermelons every 2 weeks. Under each watermelon plant, 1-2 liters of nutrient solution are added.

Bird droppings, especially chicken droppings, are also widely used organic fertilizers. This product contains the main macronutrients (nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium), so necessary for plant nutrition. The organic matter of chicken manure quickly decomposes and mineralizes, becoming available to plants.

When using chicken manure, it must be remembered that, in comparison with mullein, it is a more concentrated product and is not suitable for use in its pure form. The uric acid contained in this fertilizer can scorch watermelon leaves.

AT autumn time chicken manure can be applied dry, under the main tillage. And in other periods of time, it should be diluted with water in a certain proportion and introduced in the form of a solution. The solution is prepared according to the following recipe:

• take 1 bucket of dry chicken manure and dilute it in 20 liters of water;
• within 10 days insist the product in an open environment.

After that, the fertilizer is ready for use. The nutrient solution is applied to the aisles of watermelon crops.

Chicken manure is three times more concentrated organic fertilizer than mullein or humus. Its aftereffect is manifested within 3 years from the date of application.

wood ash

Wood ash is quite popular among gardeners and melon growers as a fertilizer. This natural material devoid of chlorine, harmful compounds and easily absorbed by plants. If you analyze the composition of furnace ash, then you can find such batteries as:

• magnesium;
• calcium;
• phosphorus;
• zinc;
• sodium.

Ash applied to the soil has a positive effect on increasing the overall yield of the crop, resistance to the most common diseases and the quality of the crop.

Ashes are introduced into the soil without any preliminary preparation, in a dry form. best term for the introduction of ash - at pre-sowing treatment site. Watermelons respond very well to ash top dressing, especially when picking, when seedlings need nutrients for better rooting of seedlings.

The main mistakes when growing

When cultivating watermelons, individual melon growers, especially beginners, make a number of mistakes that do not allow them to end up with a good and high-quality crop. Below is a list of the main errors and recommendations for correcting them:

1. When fertilizing, the crop should always be irrigated. For better absorption of nutrients from fertilizers, before feeding gourds, the area should be poured abundantly with warm water.
2. Regardless of the weather, every day you need to pour up to 2 liters of water under each root. Water for irrigation should have a temperature of 20 to 26 degrees. When cold irrigation water is used, root hairs die off in watermelon plants, due to which water and nutrients are absorbed.
3. Never overestimate the application of fertilizers, especially those containing nitrogen. This can lead to burns, inhibition of crop growth, an increase in the content of nitrates in fruits. The effect of top dressing may depend on the type and amount of fertilizer applied, the timing of application, as well as soil moisture, climate and soil type.
4. Many amateur melon growers prefer to fertilize with organic fertilizers and almost never use mineral fertilizers. This is also not correct, the best harvest, of proper quality, is obtained when a reasonable combination of organic matter and mineral fertilizers is used. It has been established that when only organic fertilizers are used on watermelons, the quality of watermelon fruits leaves much to be desired.
5. Most effective way Irrigation is drip, since nutrients and water are simultaneously supplied to the soil. Watermelons should not be watered the day before harvest.
6. Watermelons are not recommended for cultivation in areas where herbicides were previously heavily used, otherwise the fruits will absorb these toxins and become unsuitable for consumption.

Despite some difficulties, growing juicy and sweet watermelons is accessible to everyone. To do this, you do not need to move to a permanent place of residence in warm regions. Watermelons can be grown wherever you live, all you need to do is choose the right variety.

Each melon grower must determine for himself when, with what and how to apply fertilizers, taking into account the growing region, soil type, weather conditions and the condition of the plants. It is important not to overdo it - after all, proper nutrition of watermelons is the key to a large and high-quality harvest.

The fruit and berry season continues. The entire second half of summer and the beginning of September are marked by watermelons and melons - in July they appear, in August they are already enjoyed with might and main. In order for watermelons and melons to grow well and give the desired harvest, it is necessary to provide them with proper care. Care measures include regular feeding. These cultures love a large number of organic matter in the soil. Therefore, feeding should be taken especially seriously. For growth, watermelons and melons, like all other plants, need the following substances - nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium and sulfur. These needs must be met by plant nutrition. There are two types of fertilizers - mineral and organic. Mineral, as a rule, are sold in stores for summer residents, and organic ones can be made with your own hands right on your site. And so in our article we will tell you how to feed watermelons and melons so that they grow faster?

The need to feed watermelons and melons

Throughout the entire period of growth of watermelons and melons, they need to be fed at least twice. It is best to do this with manure slurry or bird droppings.

Secret successful cultivation consists of right technology fertilization process. Indeed, thanks to this, the plant receives all the missing elements throughout all stages of development. To delay the formation of the fetus and reduce the size, you need to know the numerous nuances of crop growth, as well as how to feed melons in July and May.

Feeding scheme for watermelons and melons

Feed melons and watermelons 5-7 times per season. It should be remembered that you need to plant seedlings in pre-fertilized soil, this is not considered top dressing.

First feed. The first dressing is done while growing seedlings on the windowsill. Feed immediately when the seedlings grow 2-3 leaves. As a top dressing, a urea solution is best suited. It contains a lot of nitrogen, which is so necessary for plants during this period of growth. To prepare top dressing, you need to take a tablespoon and mix in 10 liters of water. Now you can water the seedlings.

Second feed. The second top dressing is carried out after planting seedlings in open ground. Feed after the appearance of 5-6 true leaves. At this time, plants also need a large amount of nitrogen. You can also feed with urea, as during the first feeding. You can use a solution of cow dung. To prepare such a solution, you need to take a container and fill it halfway with manure, then fill it with water. After 2-3 days, top dressing will be ready. For watering plants, you need to take 0.5 liters of the resulting liquid and mix in 10 liters of water.

Subsequent feeding. Subsequent top dressing is carried out with solutions of mullein, chicken manure, biohumus, etc. Alternate such top dressing every 7-14 days.

With this approach, watermelons and melons will grow well and give a good harvest.

Mineral and organic fertilizers for watermelons and melons

Watermelon responds well to mineral and organic fertilizers. Even before planting the seeds, manure, chicken droppings or mullein are introduced. There are many folk ways watermelon fertilizer:

• To improve soil fertility, an infusion is prepared using yeast. For 3 liters of water take 5 tbsp. l. sugar and 40 g of yeast. Leave to ferment for 3 days. Separately, a shovel is placed in a 200 l barrel wood ash, sand and compost, 5 kg of manure or chicken manure, 10 kg of rotted leaves and 1 liter of whey. Pour the contents of the finished mash. They insist a week. Dilute with water to double the volume and water the wells a week before sowing the seeds.
• Infusion for fertilizer is prepared in another way. In a 200 l barrel, fresh manure or chicken manure is placed in a third and filled with water. They insist two weeks. The infusion is diluted in a ratio of 1:10.
• As an alternative to ready-made mineral fertilizers, wood ash is used. It contains up to 74 trace elements, including potassium, calcium, manganese, silicon and phosphorus. The ash does not contain chloride compounds. When burning birch firewood, the ash contains 40% calcium. To obtain ash, young twigs and logs, tops and the remains of garden crops are burned.

You can not fertilize watermelons in such cases:

• good soil fertility;
• unrooted or diseased plants;
• hot weather.

Soil preparation before planting watermelons and melons

If you fertilize the soil well before planting, then this watermelon may well be enough for the season. Therefore, if you are a busy person, then this is a great way for you to spend the only top dressing. And then just water and enjoy the delicious sugary pulp. What is required for this:

• half a bucket of humus is brought in with digging, this is the amount per 1 m2;
• wood ash 250 g per 1 m2.

At the same time, when planting, useful minerals are added to the hole:

• superphosphate 1 tbsp;
• azophoska 1 tbsp;
• potassium sulfate 1 tsp

They are well mixed with the soil, and then poured with water. Now it's time for the seeds. Germinated or dry seeds are laid out on a moistened and fertilized bottom of the hole.

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Seeds are treated with potassium permanganate before planting. Sown in specially prepared soil, consisting of:

• land - 1 part,
• humus -3 parts,
• superphosphate 3 tbsp. spoons,
• potash fertilizer -1 tbsp,
• ammonium nitrate -1 tsp

Watermelons at the seedling stage need 2 feedings:

• the first - at the exit of the first 3 true leaves;
• the second - a week after the first.

The seedling period lasts 35 days. When watermelons already have 5 leaves, they can be transplanted into a greenhouse or open beds. Organic matter must be added to the wells.

How to feed watermelons and melons for fruit growth

Wood ash can be applied immediately when preparing the soil for seedlings. And you can make a solution and water in the process:

• 200 g of ash mixed with 10 liters of water;
• insist 6 - 7 days;
• water under the root.

The second way is more time consuming:

• pour 1 kg of wood ash into 10 liters of water;
• boil for 15 minutes;
• dilute 1/10.

Water or spray plants.

Feeding watermelon with folk remedies

Among the whole variety of fertilizers, no less popular for top dressing folk remedies. These include yeast and ammonia.

Feeding watermelon and melons with yeast

For yeast dressings, ordinary baker's yeast is used. A nutrient solution based on such a component performs the following functions:

• increases soil fertility;
• stimulates plant growth.

Improving fertility occurs due to the content of beneficial microorganisms in the yeast, and root system develops with such top dressing several times faster. As a result, a more powerful plant develops, which at the same time receives large quantity nutrients.

Feeding watermelons and melons with ammonia

Ammonia or ammonia (ammonia) can sometimes help in the process of growing watermelons. Since the substance contains nitrogenous compounds, plants receive the necessary substances during processing for both shoots and leaves.

However, the use of ammonia should be resorted to only as a last resort, that is, when the plant cannot be saved in other ways.

It has been practiced for centuries in the southern arid regions of the country. Although in recent times watermelons and melons grow successfully and they remain exotic for this area. And the ability to create favorable conditions for them is considered an indicator of the high skill of gardeners and gardeners.

Favorable conditions - the key to a good harvest

Depending on the varieties of watermelons and melons, as well as on climatic conditions, these crops need from 70 to 130 days to ripen. For good seed germination, the air temperature should rise to at least 15-17 degrees. During active growth plants temperature should be kept at 25-30 degrees. In order to comply with these important conditions for melons, it is necessary to apply the seedling method of planting and provide plants with frost protection, as well as know how to care for plants and how to feed melons and watermelons.

Seedling growing method

This method involves growing seedlings of watermelons and melons in peat-earthen pots. The seeds are pre-soaked, and then sown 2 pieces in pots, the diameter of which should be at least 10 cm. Planting is carried out in mid-April. For good germination of seedlings, it is provided with a temperature of at least 27 degrees. In order for plants to grow faster, you need to know how to feed watermelon seedlings. It turns out that before landing in the ground, it requires double feeding. mineral fertilizers.

In mid-May, seedlings in the stage of three to five true leaves are planted in the ground. A week before, it is hardened by gradually lowering the temperature and frequent ventilation. By the way, it should be pinched over the third or fifth sheet.

Seedlings are planted together with a pot in deep holes filled with rotted manure, on which a layer of earth is laid. Mounds of earth are poured around the holes, a piece of glass is placed on top to protect the plant from frost.

Watermelons and melons - from seeds

Gourds are best grown in areas after perennial crops, potatoes and legumes. The soil must be dug deep. You also need to know how to feed melons and watermelons before planting them in the garden. In this case, manure and humus are indispensable, from 3 to 5 kg per 1 sq. m. When planting melons, it will be enough, but under watermelons you can add mineral fertilizers, preferably phosphorus and potash.

Watermelons are sown at the end of April, and melons - in early May.

plant care

As soon as shoots appeared, loosening of row spacings, weeding and hilling should be carried out. These procedures are carried out 4-5 times during the summer.

In dry weather, seedlings should be watered, once a week is enough. Watermelons and melons are watered into the furrows dug between the rows.

How to feed melons and watermelons

For top dressing, slurry or slurry is very well suited. The first top dressing should be carried out during the growth period of 3-4 leaves, and during the flowering period - the second. Feeding should be done after watering, and best of all after rain.

If the soil was not well fertilized before planting, then it is time for a good gardener to think about how to feed melons and watermelons additionally. It should be carried out with microelements. In 10 liters of water, 3-4 g of boric acid are thoroughly mixed (until completely dissolved) and blue vitriol. The simplest remedy among what to feed watermelons and melons is fresh ash. In 10 liters of water, it must be diluted with one glass.

Melons and watermelons are considered ripe when a distinct pattern appears on their peels, and a dull sound is heard when struck. So do not rush to remove these fruits from the garden.

It also takes a lot of effort and time to grow watermelons to get really excellent harvest. The main rules for growing watermelons are the constant monitoring of the soil moisture index, the elimination of insect pests and correct application fertilizer into the soil.

To get a good crop yield, every gardener needs to know how to feed watermelons.

Watermelons are annual plants that prefer light, moisture and warmth. However, not all gardeners know what to do when the climate of the region is not suitable for growing gourds. This issue has long been resolved in the agricultural sector with the help of cultivation in greenhouses.

This requires the following conditions:

• optimal lighting system;
• air humidity 60–70%;
• note that the temperature during the day should be from 25 to 30 degrees, and at night up to 17 degrees.
• sowing and planting seedlings are carried out in fertile drainage soil;
• the depth of the root layer is not less than 30 cm.

The disadvantage of this or that useful element in the soil can be seen from the external state of the plant:

1. Phosphorus. Exhausted roots, inanimate-looking leaves of a dirty greenish color, small fruit ovaries, main leaves (located at the base of the process) of a bright yellowish color with brown spots.
2. Potassium. Fast drying, leaves are yellow and burns from the rays of the sun are visible, incorrectly developed.
3. Calcium. Coagulation of young leaves, flowers are barren, ovary is poorly created, small fruits without taste, which are often referred to as "herbaceous".
4. Magnesium. Yellowness of adult leaves, development of brown spots after a burn.
5. Manganese. A dull greenish hue is the plane of the foliage, you can often see their yellowness.
6. Iron. It is expressed in young foliage in a variant of dull greenish chlorosis.

Would you like to get a wonderful harvest of gourds? You should carefully monitor the state of cultures. Timely detected signs of micronutrient deficiencies and fertilization are the key to an excellent harvest.

Do not forget that watermelons must be thoroughly watered in advance, and only after the water is completely absorbed into the soil, you can fertilize the plants. There is another way great opportunity cause plant roots to burn.

Growing watermelons in open ground

To get excellent watermelon sprouts, seeds should be sorted. One with simple methods 5% immersion of seeds in a mixture of water and edible salt is considered.

For sowing, it is necessary to use seeds that are in the liquid at the bottom, the so-called heavy seeds. It has been established that watermelon seeds differ in density. To soften the shell a little, the seeds need to be lowered into a container with water at a temperature of + 30-35 degrees.

Planting a watermelon must be carried out at a soil temperature of up to thirteen degrees, a depth of up to twelve centimeters is also provided. Moreover, the depth for seeds depends on the type of watermelon and the composition of the earth, as a rule, they are laid to a depth of four to seven centimeters.

The area for growing watermelons in the open field should be well lit. Preferably, sands or a composition of sand and 3-10% clay are suitable for planting watermelon. In spring, the following fertilizers should be applied to the soil (proportion per hundred square meters):

• compost or humus (up to a kilogram);
• 4 kg mineral phosphate fertilizer;
• 2.5 kg of potassium chloride - top dressing is carried out before digging the earth.

When growing watermelon and melon in open ground, seeds are planted in mid-May, when the crop was grown in seedlings, then at the end of May. In the second case, the holes must be irrigated with 2 liters of water; when planting, the plants are buried to the cotyledon.

When planting in rows of culture, 1-1.4 m are placed, a distance of 0.5 m is maintained between rows, placing plants in a checkerboard pattern. 3-4 seeds should be placed in the holes - after germination, 1-2 strong crops are retained.

After planting the seedlings, the plants must be shaded, in order for the seedlings to take root better in the new area, during the first 14 days the plants are watered with warm water (watering can be combined with top dressing).

The first time the plants need to be fed approximately a week after planting the seedlings or in the phase of 3-4 leaves. To do this, thirty grams of ammonium sulphate, forty grams of mineral phosphorus fertilizer and fifteen grams of potassium salt are dissolved in a bucket of water.

How can you feed watermelons after they are planted?

The plant is fed with organic elements, using mullein in a ratio of 1:10 in relation to water or an infusion of bird droppings, 0.5 kg of this element per 10 liters of water.

During the formation of ovaries, the III final fertilization is performed. To do this, dissolve in a bucket of water: ammonium sulfate - 20 grams, superphosphate - 10 grams, potassium salt - 35 grams. Given two liters per plant.

In addition to the revised manipulations for the care of watermelons in open ground it is necessary to carry out constant loosening of row-spacings with the elimination of weeds and irrigation.

organic fertilizers

There are 2 types of fertilizers:

• vegetable fertilizer;
• animal fertilizer.

Two types are fully able to compensate for the number mineral nutrition required by plants. These are nitrogen, potassium salts, phosphorus, vitamin elements that are better absorbed by plants. Humus is an ideal fertilizer. It is formed as a result of the decomposition of fragments of plants and animals.

Cow and bird droppings are often used as fertilizer. However, it is necessary to use it only after the final overheating, otherwise, instead of being useful, it can be harmful: weaken the immunity of plants, stop growth, worsen the taste.

It is necessary to stir the humus for watering plants in water 1: 5, and after that you need to water the soil with fertilizers. This is necessary so that ripe watermelons do not absorb nitric acid salts.

It is necessary to replace the fertilizer with diluted humus and manure with irrigation herbal infusion, including bacteria that fight harmful microflora, and also lower the level of soil acidity. All kinds of herbs are suitable for this. And when a little wood ash is added to the solution, then in the future you will get very sweet fruits.

mineral fertilizer

They contain mineral salts that plants prefer. Such fertilizers are of two types - simple and multilateral. In accordance with this, simple ones consist of one component, and complex / multilateral ones, from several.

With any root dressing, simple mineral elements are introduced: fertilizer in the amount of 40-50 grams; ammonium nitrate, 10-15 grams; potassium chloride, about 30 grams. They are bred in a ten-liter bucket of water and the plants are watered every time with root fertilizer.

In the "diet" of plants should be the following mineral components: calcium, magnesium, sulfur, phosphorus and nitrogen. It is necessary to introduce top dressing at a time when the earth is rather wet, that is, after a rain has passed or after watering.

After the introduction of top dressing, the soil should be loosened. As for the elements required for the excellent nutrition of watermelons and melons, potassium comes first. The activity of flowering of female flowers, the stability of plants to various diseases, ripening stability and yield intensity.

Taste qualities also directly depend on the amount of calcium: with sufficient calcium in the soil, the fruits are sweeter, include more ascorbic acid, and the ripening process takes place faster.

The most optimal time to introduce fertilizers for watermelons, and also melons in the calcium and magnesium version, is from 4 to 6 weeks, at the time of intensive vegetative growth. In the period of fetal development, from 10 to 12 weeks after planting seedlings, nitrogen fertilization will be effective.

Mistakes when combining types of fertilizer when growing watermelons

Do not take into account the composition of the earth when calculating the required nutrient compositions for melons. For watermelons, poor land threatens with a sudden decrease in yield, chopping of fruits, deterioration palatability. In a good chernozem, an excess of nitrogen leads to an increase in leaf mass, and the fruits will receive less mineral elements.

Nutritional deficiency during seedling cultivation. Gardeners try to feed watermelons after planting, neglecting to fertilize the soil in the fall.

Do not alternate fertilizing with mineral and organic elements. If we are talking about organic substances, then it is necessary to alternate one type with another during vegetative growth.

They make top dressing in dry land and do not loosen after. You should wait for natural rain or water the soil before feeding watermelons.

The content of mineral elements of the soil is not taken into account. With a huge ratio of organics, more phosphorus and less nitrogen are needed. When there is not enough humus, nitrogen fertilizers will be needed.

Carry out top dressing at the time of prolonged cloudy weather. With a lack of lighting, watermelons do not absorb food well, and this leads to an overdose.

Advice! Apply fertilizer in accordance with the content of mineral components in the soil, in order not to overdose on nutrients.

Read more about nutrition here:

Watermelon is not only tasty, but also useful berry. The main task of a watermelon gardener is to get a rich harvest of sweet, juicy berries. As practice shows, it is impossible to do this without observing the rules of agricultural technology, even if you have chosen the most high-yielding varieties for planting.

big role in proper care they play feeding watermelons, but, alas, not everyone knows what they should be and how to make them correctly. In addition, plants consume nutrients unevenly, much depends on the phase of their development.

So, let's take a closer look at what the nutrition of this culture should be.

Stages of top dressing

1. Spring feed. Organics, or phosphorus and nitrogen are applied before sowing.
2. Fertilizers can be applied at the time of sowing. Having made a hole, a recess of about 8 cm is made in it and fertilizer is applied. This method of feeding will contribute to the development of the plant, accelerate the growth of the root, stem and leaves.
3. Top dressing is carried out during the growing season, until the first days of September.
4. Autumn feeding. Fertilizers are applied while digging the soil. This is convenient, since you can forget about fertilizing in the summer. For 1 sq. m plot, you need to add superphosphate and azophoska as much as indicated in the instructions, as well as about 1 liter of wood ash, and about 5 liters of humus.

Is supplementation always effective?

Perhaps someone may have a question: is top dressing always effective? And is it worth it to attach so much attention? It would seem that it is complicated here, fertilizer was applied, and that's it. In fact, not everything is so simple. Nutrients can be not only beneficial, but also harmful to plants if they are applied without following the recommendations.

Nutrients can have different effects on plants, so when applying them, you need to consider such factors:

• natural conditions of the area (for example, the composition of the soil, weather, etc.);
• it is necessary to strictly follow the recommendations for the introduction of a particular drug (exceeding the indicated dosage leads to the opposite result);
• it is necessary to take into account the form and type of composition;
• on the different stages growing watermelons, fertilizers are applied in different ways;
• nutrient components can complement each other, or vice versa - then their tandem will not affect the growth of the culture in the best way.

Organics - what you need to know

Organic fertilizers are of different origin - it is plant food and animal. Both types provide the supply of nutrients - phosphorus, nitrogen, potassium, vitamin, etc., but in order to get the maximum result, you need to know and remember some nuances.

• Humus

AT fertile soils there is more humus, but, unfortunately, fertile chernozems are not common. Humus is formed in the process of decomposition of the remains of plants and animals. The components contained in the humus provide watermelons with all the necessary nutrients, so humus is the most valuable and effective fertilizer. But you need to remember that first it must be diluted with water, otherwise the root system may suffer. But one humus should not be introduced, top dressing should be alternated.

• Manure

Bird or cow dung is considered a good fertilizer. But it is brought in in a rotted form, diluted with water before feeding (1: 5). An excess of the components contained in it can adversely affect the growth and development of plants. The immunity of the plant will weaken, the growing season will be prolonged, the berries will be small and not sweet.

It must be remembered that top dressing must be combined with abundant watering, otherwise the content of nitrates in the berries will exceed the maximum allowable concentration.

• Vegetable fertilizers

This group includes such plants: rapeseed, mustard, oats, legumes. Most often, such dressings are used if melons are grown on poor soils. Plants need to be mowed and dug up, mixing with top layer soil.

• Biohumus "Ecochudo"

This natural composition is considered environmentally friendly. Top dressing is applied before planting seedlings. It is added to the soil, mixed with it, after which it is watered and the seedlings are planted. Two top dressings are enough, repeated is carried out in two weeks.

Every gardener wants to grow sweet watermelons. This result can be obtained by adding wood ash to top dressing.

mineral nutrition

Mineral fertilizers are simple and complex. In the first, there is one element, for example, potassium, phosphorus or nitrogen. The complex contains several elements necessary for nutrition.

In order for the berries to grow large, sweet and juicy, potassium, calcium, sulfur, magnesium, nitrogen and phosphorus must be present in sufficient quantities in the soil. But, unfortunately, their content does not always meet the needs of crops, therefore, when growing watermelons, it is recommended to make such mineral compositions: "Terraflex", "Master", "Kristallon", "Novofert", "Nutriflex" and others. The first two drugs, as well as Nutriflex, are used for root and foliar feeding. Them and others complex fertilizers bring in according to the instructions. It is necessary to take into account the phases of plant development. A good result is the use of the water-soluble preparation "Green - Go", it is used for root dressing. This composition most often used during drip irrigation, while no sediment remains on the dropper, even if the water is hard. For one ton of water, you need about 1.5 kg of the drug. Drip irrigation- this is not only effective watering, but also the best way to feed. Watering crops in this way is recommended twice a day - early in the morning and in the evening, after sunset, including the irrigation system for an hour.

Each of these drugs is used according to the instructions, without exceeding the indicated doses and terms of application, only under this condition will the benefit be maximum.

You can use simple fertilizers, for example, add 45-50 g of superphosphate, 10 g of ammonium nitrate and 30 g of potassium chloride under the root. But first, all this must be dissolved in 10 liters of water.

When applying any fertilizer, the main thing is not to overdo it, since an excess of nutrients is no less dangerous than a deficiency.

Let's start feeding

The algorithm of actions can be as follows:

1. As a rule, sowing watermelon seeds for seedlings in pots begins in mid-April, although the timing depends on the climatic conditions of the area. At this time, it is recommended to carry out the first top dressing, the soil mixture can be prepared as follows: mix the soil with humus in a ratio of 1: 3, add 3 tbsp. phosphate fertilizer, 1 tbsp. potash and nitrogen fertilizers.

Do not forget that before sowing, the seeds must be treated with potassium permanganate.

1. Seedlings grow for 30-35 days, during this period they need two top dressings. When 2-3 true leaves appear, mineral complex fertilizers are applied according to the instructions. They are also brought in again, about a week later. Do not forget to loosen the soil.

Seedlings can be fed with a solution of urea, since now the need for nitrogen in plants is especially high. A tablespoon of the drug is dissolved in a bucket of water and watering is started.

1. In May, the seedlings are transplanted to a permanent place of growth, by this time it should already have 4-5 true leaves. As we have already said, compost or humus is added to the wells. Seedlings are planted not deep.
2. A week after planting, 2 liters of nitrogen fertilizer should be poured under each bush. To prepare it, you need to dissolve in a bucket warm water 20 g of ammonium nitrate.
3. In the future, once every 10-14 days, they are applied, alternating organic matter and green fertilizers. You can use infusion bird droppings, herbal infusions, infusion of humus or mullein. Before watering, it is recommended to add wood ash.

Fertilizer compounds can be bought at a specialized store, or you can make it yourself, which is exactly what gardeners grow organic products.

The proposed scheme is not a dogma, it can and should be corrected. Plants need to be observed in order to understand what kind of nutrition they need at this stage of growth.

If the culture receives enough potassium, then its flowering will be active and stable, which means you will get good result. Potassium helps to increase yields, strengthens plant immunity, berries growing on soil with a high content of potassium contain a lot of ascorbic acid and other useful substances, they ripen faster. During weeks 4, 5 and 6, watermelons need additional intake of magnesium and calcium, after 10 weeks they need a lot of nitrogen, but the need for it decreases markedly after 12 weeks.

How to determine the lack of nutrients

1. Phosphorus is a very important element for the growth and development of watermelons. Even if it is present in the soil, this does not mean that the plants absorb it in sufficient quantities. When the fruits are tied, the need for it is especially great. Its deficiency can be recognized by the insufficient amount of ovary, weak roots, as well as by small, weak, yellowing leaves. If fertilizers containing phosphorus are not applied in a timely manner, the fruits will be tasteless, there will be few of them.
2. If the plants lack potassium, then the berries, like the lashes, will be lethargic. In this case, foliar feeding would be appropriate, but it is recommended to apply it before planting, which means that you will no longer be able to influence this year's harvest.
3. If the summer is hot but windy, most often watermelons lack calcium. Proximity may help groundwater or excess salt content in the soil. Foliar spraying would be appropriate, it is better to buy a ready-made preparation.
4. If you live in an area with excess moisture, high acidity of the soil, or sandy soils predominate, then this crop will need foliar feeding with magnesium nitrate. You can find out about this by yellowing leaves, on which, over time, you can see brown burns.

Folk dressing recipes

1. Watermelons can be watered with bread sourdough, this contributes to the rapid growth of plants and the ripening of fruits. She prepares very simply. Dry bread crusts are poured into a bucket, poured with water, oppression is placed on top and placed in a warm place for 7-10 days for fermentation. Before use, it is diluted with water 1: 3, watered every 7-10 days, before harvesting.
2. 100 g of baker's yeast are diluted in 3 liters of water, ½ cup of sugar is added, mixed and left in a warm place for 7-10 days. A glass of infusion is poured into a bucket of warm water and watered (1 liter under a bush).
3. You can grind the dried shell, grind it into powder and apply when planting.

• Many prefer spring top dressing underestimating the value of autumn.
• Top dressing is best done after watering or after rain, after which the soil needs to be loosened.
• In cloudy weather, feeding watermelons is not recommended. Insufficient lighting prevents the complete absorption of nutrients.

Growing and caring for watermelons is not an easy, but rather exciting activity. And, if you really set yourself the task of growing southern exotics in unusual conditions for it, then try to collect as much information as possible on how to do it correctly so that your efforts are not in vain. It must be said that Russian summer residents do this quite well, tasty, sweet and healthy fruits grow from small seeds.