You can feed watermelons and melons with herbal infusion. Growing melons in open ground, varieties, planting, feeding and care. Video: how to make yeast fertilizer
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 ground 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 in 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 nutrients contained in the grass 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, engraftment watermelon plants passes painlessly. 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 of 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, a 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 highest expense batteries. To get a 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. azofosks;
- 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 compensated by top dressings, which are different in composition and methods of execution (root and foliar). The compositions of the necessary fertilizers can be bought at the store or prepared with your own hands. Deficiency of the main nutrients in the cultivation of watermelons can be identified by general view plants.
Nitrogen
This element takes the most active part in the process of photosynthesis and its deficiency immediately affects general condition plants. 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 cell 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 tint;
- on the main leaves, one can observe a gradual yellowing with the appearance of brown spots between the veins, 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 water balance plants.
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 of the leaf 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. characteristic feature 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 it is formed decent harvest. The level of the content of basic nutrients can be maintained by the introduction of 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 ground, during the entire period of growing a crop, it is necessary to apply 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 many 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 under 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.
It is a complete fertilizer presented in granules. Pink colour containing in a certain ratio nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. On domestic market there are two brands of this fertilizer: diammofoska 10 26 26 and 9 25 25. The numbers indicate the percentage of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in a particular form of fertilizer.
Apart from 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 diseases;
- 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 fertilizing with 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:
- at 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.
Complex "Master", in comparison with other similar fertilizers, is endowed with a number of advantages:
- The growth of watermelon plants is noticeably accelerated. This is due to the excellent degree of absorption of nutrients.
- The balanced composition of nitrogen, magnesium and potassium allows you to get a quality crop in the earliest possible time.
- The low concentration of salts favors the uniform growth of all parts of the plant.
- Under the influence of fertilizer, nice and dense sheets are formed, as well as fruits of an ideal shape.
- 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 balanced nutrition melons and 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 by 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 the 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.
For 1 hectare of watermelon plantations, 250-300 liters of the finished solution are applied. 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 specifically designed for outdoor and greenhouse use in most crops. 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. Doses and application rates of this fertilizer depend on the calcium content in the soil, the specific crop, the expected yield and the technology used.
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 the droppers, with the drip irrigation method;
- 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 found wide application, 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, for top dressing of watermelons, turn to folk remedies. Of these, yeast and ammonia are most often practiced. 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 top dressing of watermelons is best done 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.
IN 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.
They introduce ash into the soil without any pre-training, dry. best term for the introduction of ash - during pre-sowing treatment of the site. Watermelons respond very well to ash top dressing, especially when picking, when seedlings need nutrients for better rooting 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 region of cultivation, type of soil, weather conditions and plant conditions. It is important not to overdo it - because proper nutrition watermelons is the key to a large and high-quality harvest.
Growing watermelons and melons is not an easy process, but an exciting one. Planting and growing southern exotics in unconventional conditions is a real miracle, subject only to the enthusiastic and caring hands of gardeners. Knowing the biological characteristics of gourds, being able to choose the right variety for planting, sowing seeds, planting seedlings in a greenhouse and mastering the subsequent careful care of plants, resulting in a delicious fruit of watermelon and melon - all this is successfully done by Russian summer residents.
To obtain a high yield of watermelons and melons, it is necessary to fertilize plants with slurry, bird droppings, etc., at least twice during the summer.
The correct technology for feeding gourds in a greenhouse is one of the secrets of their cultivation. Top dressing - the introduction of missing nutrients in a certain period of plant development. In order to conduct it competently and grow a tasty fruit from seeds, you need to know the main features and conditions for the growth of gourds.
growth conditions.
Watermelon and melon are annuals with both male and female flowers on the same plant. Female flowers with an ovary form branched stems, which climb the trellis in the greenhouse, clinging with tendrils.
Melon crops are capricious, light and warmth for them are an indispensable condition. To grow plants in central Russia, they are sown seedling way, which needs to be planted in a greenhouse, maintaining a high air temperature (25-30 degrees during the day, 17 degrees at night) and its optimal humidity (60-70%). The soil in the greenhouse should be fertile, draining, with a root layer depth of 30 cm.
Protecting sowing and seedlings from spring frosts, pinching plants in time when forming a bush and feeding them correctly - this is the “secret” care needed for watermelon and melon.
Mineral nutrition.
The nutrients of melons and watermelons, which are part of the soil in the greenhouse, are potassium, calcium, magnesium, nitrogen, sulfur and phosphorus. To ensure high yields, watermelon and melon must consume these elements in large quantities, which is facilitated by mineral and organic fertilizers introduced into the soil on time for sowing. Depending on the growth phase, melons and gourds consume nutrients unevenly.
Potassium is of the greatest importance in plant nutrition: if it is enough in the soil, female flowers bloom actively and stably, productivity increases, melon and watermelon become resistant to diseases, the fruit contains a lot of sugars and ascorbic acid and ripens faster. The consumption of magnesium and calcium by plants increases from 4 to 6 weeks (vegetative growth), nitrogen - from 10 to 12 weeks of planting seedlings (fruit is formed). Top dressing is necessary and effective during these periods.
Top dressing is done after rain or after watering, and after that the soil is loosened.
Nutrients for watermelons and melons are delivered locally to the ground when seeds are sown and seedlings are planted in a greenhouse, or directly under the roots of growing gourds.
The technology of growing melon and watermelon in a greenhouse (sowing, planting seedlings, forming a bush) involves the combined use of fertilizers: mineral and organic, solid and liquid.
Fertilizers are organic.
Organic fertilizers are of animal and vegetable origin. All of them contain nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, trace elements and vitamins in an accessible form for plants.
For melon and watermelon, humus will be the best fertilizer option, it is a part of the soil formed due to rotting and decomposition of animal and plant residues. Chernozem contains the most humus.
Of the fertilizers of animal origin for melons and gourds, manure (mullein, bird droppings) occupies a leading position. It is only necessary to apply manure in a rotted form, otherwise it will weaken the plant's resistance to diseases, delay vegetation, and make the fruit less tasty.
A concentrated solution of humus and manure must be diluted with water in a ratio of 1/5, it must be applied with abundant watering so that the watermelon or melon fruit does not accumulate nitrates harmful to the body.
Herbal infusion in feeding melons and watermelons alternates with solutions of humus and manure. It contains microorganisms, when watering deoxidizes the soil and destroys its harmful microflora. Any herb can be used to make herbal infusion.
A small amount is added to alternating infusions. wood ash, it makes the fruit of watermelon and melon sweet.
Mineral fertilizers.
The composition of mineral fertilizers contains various mineral salts - nutrients for plants. They are divided into simple (unilateral) and complex (multilateral). Simple fertilizers consist of any one nutrient: nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus. Complex contain several basic nutrients.
From simple mineral fertilizers, superphosphate (40-50 g), ammonium nitrate (10-15 g) and potassium chloride (25-30 g) are added with each root dressing of melon and watermelon. They are dissolved in 10 liters of water. Complex fertilizers are also used.
Feeding scheme.
** In mid-April, after seed treatment with potassium permanganate, they are sown in pots with soil mixture the following composition: 1 part of the earth, 3 parts of humus, 3 tbsp. spoons of phosphorus mineral fertilizer, 1 tbsp. spoon of potash mineral fertilizer, 1 tbsp. spoon of nitrogen mineral fertilizer.
** Seedlings of melons and watermelons grow for 31-35 days, care is as follows: water with warm water and carry out two top dressings with complex mineral fertilizers. The first dressing is carried out when the seedlings have formed 2-3 true leaves, the second - 5-7 days after the first.
** In mid-May, when 4-5 true leaves are formed, it is time to plant seedlings in a greenhouse. In the greenhouse, organic fertilizers (compost or humus) are introduced into the formed holes, and it is necessary to plant seedlings in them at a shallow depth.
** After 7-10 days, each well with seedlings should be carefully watered with two liters warm water with nitrogen fertilizers (per 10 liters of water 20 g of ammonium nitrate).
** At intervals of 1-2 weeks, carry out two top dressings, alternating infusions of humus, mullein, chicken manure, herbal infusion, adding wood ash.
The feeding scheme is averaged. Carefully monitor the growth status of your plants, determining when they have enough nutrition, when they do not, because it is also important not to overdo it with top dressing.
We wish your watermelons and melons to grow tasty and healthy!
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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 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.
Mineral top dressing for watermelons and melons
The nutrients of melons, watermelons, which are part of the soil in the greenhouse, are potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, phosphorus and nitrogen. In order to ensure high yields, melon and watermelon must consume these elements in large quantities, and this is facilitated by organic, mineral fertilizers, which must be applied to the soil in time for sowing. Depending on the growth phase, melons and gourds consume nutrients unevenly.
Potassium is of great importance in the direct nutrition of plants: if there is a sufficient amount of it in the soil, then female flowers bloom actively and stably, productivity increases, and melon and watermelon become more resistant to diseases, the fruit contains large quantity sugars and vitamin C (ascorbic acid), matures faster. The plant consumes magnesium and calcium more from 4 to 6 weeks, during vegetative growth, nitrogen - from 10 to 12 weeks, during fruit formation. Top dressing is necessary, and also effective during such periods.
Top dressing is done after rain or after watering, after which the soil is loosened.
All nutrients for watermelons and melons are delivered to the soil locally when sowing seeds and planting seedlings in a greenhouse, or directly under the roots of melons.
The technology of growing melon and watermelon in greenhouse conditions (sowing, planting seedlings, the process of forming a bush) includes the combined use of mineral and organic, as well as solid and liquid fertilizers.
Organic nutrition for watermelons and melons
Organic fertilizers are divided into animal and vegetable. This type of top dressing includes nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, useful elements, as well as vitamins in a form that is available to crops. 
Humus is the most fertilizing method. It is a layer of soil, which is obtained as a result of decay and decomposition of residues from animals and plants. Most of the humus is in the chernozem, so it is most valued.
Of the fertilizers that are of animal origin, manure is in the lead, for example, from bird droppings. This manure should be used when it overripes, otherwise it can cause a decrease in the resistance of gourds to various diseases, it can also retard the growth of the plant, and the fruit will not turn out so tasty.
From rotted humus and manure, a concentrated solution is obtained, which must be diluted with water in a ratio of 1 to 5. Then the resulting mixture is added to the soil along with irrigation. In this case, the fruit cultures will not accumulate nitrates in the fruit, which adversely affect human health.
A mixture of a solution of humus and manure should be alternated with herbal infusion. Such an infusion includes beneficial microorganisms, which, in the case of watering, deoxidize the soil and fight harmful microflora. This infusion can be prepared from any herbs.
In order for the fruit of the cultures to be sweet, you need to add wood ash to the infusions.
Biohumus is also used as the main organic fertilizer for melons. It is a product of processing by earthworms. organic waste. Plant fertilizers include humus, which is obtained as a result of decay of plant residues. 
Foliar and root top dressing: what is more important?
In total, as you know, two types of top dressing are used in practice: root (normal top dressing, when the fertilizer enters the soil and is absorbed by the roots) and foliar (when the fertilizer is introduced through the leaves, stems, and sometimes even through the trunk). In other words, foliar feeding refers to spraying the leaves with a weak solution of fertilizers. And you and I very often forget that not only the roots feed the plant.
According to the conclusions of experts, we get forty percent of the crop precisely due to foliage. Leaves are able to absorb nutrients that have fallen on them in the form of an aqueous solution, i.e., in the form of foliar dressings. Of course, root top dressing will continue to be the main ones, because the main dose of fertilizer is always applied through the soil. Foliar top dressing, due to small doses of applied fertilizers, is used as additional. But they are no less important. Foliar feeding is more radical, operational way top dressing, it's kinda' ambulance» plants in a critical situation.
Root dressing of watermelon and melon
During the growing season of gourds, it is effective to carry out 1-2 root dressings: the first - in the phase of two or three true leaves, the second - at the beginning of lash formation. For top dressing, nitrogen-phosphorus fertilizers are used, which are applied simultaneously with loosening the soil at the aisle to a depth of 12-14 cm and at a distance of 8-10 cm from the row. Very effective foliar top dressing combined water-soluble fertilizers Teraflex, Master, Kristallon, Novofert, Nutritech, etc. Foliar top dressing complex fertilizers, as well as a 0.5% solution of urea or an extract of superphosphate (0.2%) increases the yield, resistance of gourds to diseases and improves product quality. 
Foliar feeding of watermelons and melons
Once every two to three weeks I do foliar top dressing (I spray lashes, foliage, fruits and all mulch) with a solution of the Fitosporin-M with Gumi biological product, which prevents outbreaks of fungal diseases. Such prevention, and in the presence of the disease and the destruction of fungi, I spend 3-4 times per season.
Feeding scheme for watermelons and melons
In mid-April, after seed treatment with potassium permanganate, they are sown in pots with a soil mixture of the following composition: 1 part of the earth, 3 parts of humus, 3 tbsp. spoons of phosphorus mineral fertilizer, 1 tbsp. spoon of potash mineral fertilizer, 1 tbsp. spoon of nitrogen mineral fertilizer.
Before planting seedlings in the ground, it is necessary to add Ecochudo biohumus to the soil, then mix thoroughly, water and plant the plants. Then you need to do two top dressing: on the 15th day after planting the seedlings, the next top dressing in 10-15 days. During the season, watermelons and melons are watered in a severe drought with water. room temperature. High level soil moisture and air, can lead to rotting of the root system. When watering, do not allow water to enter the root collar.
If the soil was not well fertilized before planting, then good gardener it’s time to think about how to feed melons and watermelons additionally. Foliar top dressing with microelements should be carried out. At 10 l. water is thoroughly mixed (until completely dissolved) 3–4 g of zinc sulfate, boric acid 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. 
For top dressing, chicken manure or slurry is very suitable. 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.
Growing watermelons and melons is considered difficult, but exciting process. Planting, growing southern exotics in conditions that are unconventional for it is a real miracle, which is subject only to the enthusiastic, caring hands of gardeners.
To obtain high yield watermelons and melons, it will be necessary to fertilize plants with bird droppings or slurry at least 2 times during the summer, etc.
The correct technology for feeding gourds in greenhouse conditions is one of the secrets of growing skill. Top dressing is the introduction of missing nutrients in a specific period of plant development. For its competent implementation and cultivation of a tasty fruit from seeds, you need to know the main features, the conditions for the growth of gourds.
All growth conditions
Both watermelon and melon are annual plants with men and women's flowers on a plant. So, female flowers with an ovary create branched stems that rise in a greenhouse along a trellis, clinging with tendrils.
As you know, gourds are very capricious, warmth and light for them is an indispensable condition. For growing plants under conditions middle lane in Russia, it is sown in seedlings, which needs to be planted in a greenhouse, supporting high temperature air (25-30 degrees in daytime, 17 degrees at night) and its optimal humidity (60-70%). In the greenhouse, the soil should be drainage, fertile, the depth of the root layer should be 30 cm.
Protection of sowing and seedlings from spring frosts, timely pinching of plants during the formation of a bush and competent feeding - this is the “secret” care required for both watermelon and melon.
mineral nutrition
The nutrients of melons, watermelons, which are part of the soil in the greenhouse, are potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, phosphorus and nitrogen. In order to ensure high yields, melon and watermelon must consume these elements in large quantities, and this is facilitated by organic, mineral fertilizers, which must be applied to the soil in time for sowing. Depending on the growth phase, melons and gourds consume nutrients unevenly.
Potassium is of great importance in the direct nutrition of plants: if there is a sufficient amount of it in the soil, then female flowers bloom actively and stably, productivity increases, and melon and watermelon become more resistant to diseases, the fruit contains more sugars and vitamin C (ascorbic acid), matures faster. The plant consumes magnesium and calcium more from 4 to 6 weeks, during vegetative growth, nitrogen - from 10 to 12 weeks, during fruit formation. Top dressing is necessary, and also effective during such periods.
Top dressing is done after rain or after watering, after which the soil is loosened.
All nutrients for watermelons and melons are delivered to the soil locally when sowing seeds and planting seedlings in a greenhouse, or directly under the roots of melons.
The technology of growing melon and watermelon in greenhouse conditions (sowing, planting seedlings, the process of forming a bush) includes the combined use of mineral and organic, as well as solid and liquid fertilizers.
Fertilizers organic
By origin, organic fertilizers are animal and vegetable. They contain nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, trace elements and vitamins in the required amount for plants.
Humus for melon and watermelon will be the best option fertilizers. After all, this is part of the soil, which is formed due to decay, decomposition of animals, as well as plant residues. And the black soil contains more humus.
For melons and gourds from fertilizers of animal origin, manure occupies a leading position. Manure should only be used in a rotted form, otherwise it will weaken the plant's resistance to diseases, delay vegetation and make the fruit less tasty.
A solution of humus and manure should be diluted with water in a ratio of 1/5, it must be applied with abundant watering so that the fruit of a watermelon or melon does not accumulate nitrates that are harmful to the body.
Herbal infusion in feeding melons and watermelons is alternated with solutions of humus, manure. It includes microorganisms, deoxidizes the soil when watering, destroys harmful microflora. In order to prepare herbal infusion, you can use any herbs.
Wood ash as a fertilizer has been known to people since time immemorial. So, in alternating infusions, you need to add a little wood ash, which makes the fruit of watermelon, melon sweet.
Mineral fertilizers
The composition of mineral fertilizers includes various mineral salts, which are nutrients for plants. These fertilizers are divided into simple and complex. Simple fertilizers include any one nutrient: nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus. Complex ones consist of several batteries.
Feeding scheme
Having treated the seeds with potassium permanganate in mid-April, they are sown in pots with a soil mixture consisting of: 1 part of the earth, 3 parts of humus, 3 tbsp. spoons of phosphorus mineral fertilizer, 1 tbsp. spoons of potash mineral fertilizer, 1 tbsp. spoons of nitrogen mineral fertilizer.
Seedlings of watermelons and melons grow within 31-35 days, their care is as follows: watering should be done with warm water and two fertilizing with mineral fertilizers.
The first dressing should be carried out when the seedlings have 2-3 true leaves, the second - 5-7 days after the first.
With the formation of 4-5 leaves in mid-May, it is time to transplant seedlings into a greenhouse. Organic fertilizers are applied to the formed holes in the greenhouse, and seedlings should be planted in them to a depth of a small size.
After 7-10 days, each well with seedlings should be carefully poured with warm water with nitrogen fertilizers. So, at intervals of 1-2 weeks, two top dressings are carried out.
The feeding scheme is averaged. It is necessary to carefully monitor the state of plant growth, determining when they have enough nutrition, when they do not, since it is important not to overdo it with top dressing.
Anyone who has tried growing gourds at least once knows how laborious this process can be. Soil moisture control, destruction harmful insects, timely feeding of melons and watermelons - these are the basic rules for caring for chestnut crops. The climate of not every region is suitable for growing melons and watermelons in open ground. For example, the southern regions of Russia and Ukraine are considered ideal areas for growing melons. In other territories, cultivation of watermelons and melons in a greenhouse is possible. To collect excellent harvest farmers feed the fields with organic and mineral fertilizers. Let's take a closer look at the question of when and how to feed watermelons.
Watermelons and melons are annual plants that love light, moisture and warmth. What to do if the weather and climatic conditions of the region are not suitable for growing chestnuts? This question long ago resolved agriculture through the cultivation of melons and watermelons in greenhouses.
This requires the following conditions: good system lighting, air humidity 60–70%, the ideal temperature during the day is 25–30 degrees, and at night - 17 degrees above zero. Sowing and planting seedlings are carried out in fertile drainage soil. The depth of the root layer is at least 30 cm. How to properly care for chestnut trees that grow in greenhouses? According to the recommendations of experienced farmers, it will be necessary to protect seeds and seedlings of watermelons and melons from possible frosts in the spring, timely pinching of crops for growth and formation of a bush, correct watering, maintaining the temperature and the required level of humidity, as well as proper fertilization. Planned top dressing for watermelons and melons is carried out 2 times during the period of sowing and fruit ripening.
Lack of one or the other beneficial substance can be observed by the external state of the plant:
- phosphorus. Weakened roots, lifeless-looking leaves of a dirty green hue, small fruit ovaries, main leaves (located at the base of the shoot) of a rich yellow color with brown spots, gradually increasing in size;
- potassium. Rapid wilt, yellowing foliage and signs sunburn, incorrectly formed and enlarged at the ends of the fruit;
- calcium. Twisting of young leaves in melon and watermelon, barrenness of flowers, poorly formed ovary, small and tasteless fruits, which are often called "herbaceous";
- magnesium. Yellowness of adult leaves, the formation of brown burn spots;
- manganese. The surface of the foliage is pale green, yellowing can often be observed;
- iron. Appears on young foliage as pale green chlorosis.
Wanna have good harvest gourds? Pay attention to condition horticultural crops. Timely identified signs of a shortage of various beneficial trace elements and feeding watermelons with melons is a guarantee of a good harvest. Remember that watermelons should be thoroughly watered first, and only after the water is completely absorbed into the soil, you can fertilize the plants. Otherwise, there is a high probability of provoking a burn of plant roots.
Mineral fertilizers
Mineral fertilizers, also known as mineral salts, are considered the key components of the nutrition of chestnuts.
There are two types:
- unilateral or simple;
- multilateral or complex.
Complex type fertilizers for watermelons and melons include several nutrients. One-sided (simple) top dressing - one type of useful substance. For example, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and others. It is better to feed chestnut plants with the root method. According to the recommendations of professional farmers, with each top dressing, 25–30 g of potassium chloride, 10–15 g of ammonium nitrate (urea or urea) and 40–50 g of superphosphate should be diluted in 10 liters of clean water.
The best type of top dressing, according to agricultural workers, is yeast, which contains proteins, minerals and organic iron.
Yeast is used to accelerate growth and improve the condition of the chestnut.
organic fertilizers
In agriculture, organic fertilizers are widely used, which are of plant and animal origin.
The most popular supplements include:
- humus. A substrate formed as a result of the debate and decay of animal and plant remains;
- manure (chicken or pigeon droppings, mullein) in a rotted state;
- herbal infusion, to which wood ash is periodically added.
The first two types of organic fertilizers (humus and manure) should be diluted with water in a ratio of 1:5.
Watermelon feeding scheme
- mid April. Sowing the seed: humus and earthen soil in a ratio of 3: 1, 1 tbsp. l. potassium and nitrogen, 3 tbsp. l. phosphorus;
- seedling germination. 2 mineral top dressings (after the formation of 2-3 leaves and 7 days after the first top dressing);
- mid May. After planting seedlings - organic fertilizers;
- after 9-11 days. Nitrogen fertilizer (4 g of ammonium nitrate per 2 liters of warm water);
- with a one-two-week break. 2 top dressings (humus, mullein, herbal infusion, chicken droppings with the addition of wood ash).
Video "Feeding watermelons"
From this video you will learn how to properly fertilize watermelons.
