It is rare to manage to grow a good harvest of watermelons in a summer cottage; sometimes this crop just lacks a little summer.
In this case, growing watermelons using seedlings can come to the rescue. Let's figure out how to prepare the seeds and what to do with them before planting.
You should not plant seeds that were selected from a purchased and liked taste watermelon. It is better to buy acclimatized varieties or varieties bred specifically for your region.
1. Preparation.
It is necessary to sort out the seeds, then disinfect (weak solution of potassium permanganate) and soak the seeds, placing them for further germination. Those that do not sprout within a week can be thrown away.
2. Landing
Watermelons should be planted in individual containers so that later on during the development process the seedlings do not have to be replanted. It is advisable to choose containers with a volume of up to 3 liters.
The seeds are planted in a nutrient substrate (or a mixture of garden soil, compost, ash and peat). The soil also needs to be disinfected.
The sprouted seeds are placed at a depth of up to 5 centimeters, sprinkled with compost and carefully moistened.
Then all that remains is to simply monitor the condition of the soil. It should not dry out, but there should not be excess moisture either. The seedlings should grow in a room with a temperature of at least +25 degrees Celsius.
If necessary, use phytolamps, otherwise the seedlings will begin to stretch and then may die.
Air humidity should be maintained at 70%.
3. Fertilizing and replanting
Add a week before transplanting into the soil. A mixture of potassium and phosphorus is used. It is not recommended to add nitrogen before transplanting.
