Melon, planting and care in the open ground in the middle zone of Russia. The timing of planting melons on seedlings and reviews of melon varieties
Melon is a one-year melon crop withlarge, juicy, sweet and fragrant fruits of oval or round shape. It grows well on slightly alkaline or neutral soils, prefers moderately moist soil and warm, sunny weather. Poorly tolerates organic matter and an excess of mineral fertilizers, afraid of low temperatures and abundant watering with cold water. In the recent past, only agrarians from the southern regions specialized in growing melons and watermelons. Landing and maintenance in the open ground in the middle zone of Russia was considered a risky enterprise, rarely bringing good results. But today the situation has changed and many varieties adapted to the harsher climate have become frequent visitors to the homesteads of Moscow region and other more northern regions, as well as in Ukraine, Belarus, etc.
Melon: planting on seedlings
60-180 days - this is how much time ripens inopen ground melon. Planting on seedlings begins with the preparation of inoculum. Agrarians with experience recommend not to use last year's seeds, as only the male buds will open on them and the harvest will not be obtained. It is best to take 2-3 summer seeds.
For the southern regions, almost anytypes of melons (for example, Amal), but the owners of the land located in the cooler parts of the country will have to pay attention to early-cold, cold-resistant varieties with fruits of medium size.
First, the inoculum is soaked in a light saline solution. Seeds, surfaced on the surface, are thrown away, and the remaining ones are used for planting.
Terms of planting melons on seedlings
Rules for choosing the timing of planting melons for seedlingsdirectly depend on the variety and climatic conditions in which it is planned to grow the fruit. In the central zone of Russia, seasonal cultivation of melons is begun in the first days of April. It is at this time that the melon seeds are pre-treated for 20 minutes in a solution of potassium permanganate, washed with clean water and wrapped in a damp gauze fabric folded in half. After 2-3 days, the first green sprouts appeared in the individual tanks filled with a mixture of turf and humus. The optimum depth of the hole is 1-1.5 centimeters. Pots are placed in a warm place, watered in a gentle mode and in cloudy weather illuminated by day lamps. Fertilize with a small amount of wood ash. After 20-25 days, young shoots are planted in open ground.
Reviews about grades of melon
The population of melons has many different types. In the middle zone of Russia, agrarians recommend planting early-ripening, not very large fruits, resistant to colds, diseases and pests. According to reviews on grades of melons, the most suitable for this region are:
"Collective farmer" - a yielding grade of medium-term aging. Small round fruits have a smooth, uniform surface of dense orange or rich green color. The snowy juicy pulp has a bright sweet taste and a pleasant, pronounced aroma. The average weight of the fetus is 1.8-2 kg.
«Amber» - a sweet variety of medium-term maturation. The elongated oval fruits are covered with a thin, even crust of yellow color. The layer of pulp is rather thick, but very gentle. Each melon weighs about 2.2-2.5 kg.
"Kazachka" - mid-ripening variety of increased yield. Fruits ripen both round and oval. On a thin orange peel, the net is clearly visible. The pulp has a very pleasant taste and a characteristic melon flavor.
"Altai" - early ripening variety of average yield. Small fruit (average weight 1-1.5 kg) is covered with a thin and dense orange-yellow skin. The pulp is juicy and delicate, refined.
"Pineapple" - A fruitful variety of early ripening. The neat oval-shaped fruit has a bright golden-orange skin and a juicy, fragrant flesh of light pink color.
"Charlotte" - medium-early variety, ideally suitable for open ground. Fruits grow to 2 kg, they have orange dense flesh and an uneven smooth skin.
Melon, planting and care in the greenhouse
Interesting information about the popular and deliciousmelons and melons. Planting and care in the greenhouse - how to grow seedlings, useful tips, options for irrigation and fertilization rules - all these issues are covered in detail by agronomists professionally engaged in growing melons (and watermelons) in the middle zone of Russia, as well as in the Moscow region, Leningrad region, Khabarovsk and other regions of Russia.
