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Early spring greenhouse seed watermelon
In recent years, the cultivation of premium watermelons in greenhouses and other controlled environments has expanded significantly across major regions such as Shanghai, Zhejiang, Shandong, and Beijing. More recently, southern provinces, particularly those in the Yangtze River Basin, have also begun to adopt this technique through research and promotion, leading to improved economic and social returns. These high-end watermelons are now widely available in large and medium-sized cities nationwide and are highly favored by consumers for their quality and taste.
Using greenhouses during early spring to grow premium watermelons is an effective strategy for boosting income and productivity. The primary function of a greenhouse is to protect plants from rain and provide insulation. Watermelons are highly sensitive to excessive rainfall, and in the south, where spring and summer bring heavy rains, this often leads to unstable yields. By using greenhouses with rainproof coverings, farmers can better manage these challenges.
Greenhouse construction should be done on elevated land that drains well, receives ample sunlight, and is suitable for watermelon cultivation. It’s best to use paddy fields or uncultivated land. A typical greenhouse measures 7–8 meters wide, 25–30 meters long, and 2–2.5 meters high. Materials like bamboo, cement, or steel can be used for the structure. This type of farming requires significant investment, so site selection is crucial. Greenhouses should not be reused in the same location for more than one season; instead, they should be moved to new areas that haven’t been used for melon crops in several years. Therefore, the design should allow for easy removal and relocation.
When it comes to variety selection, early spring greenhouse cultivation should focus on high-quality, premium varieties. One of the most commonly used is the "Early Spring Ruby," while others include "Early Good," "Small Blue," "New Jinlan," "Beautiful," "Elegant," "Ice Crystal," "Flower Beauty," "Hong Xiaoyu," and "Huang Xiaoyu."
Nursery preparation is essential for successful cultivation. Seedlings are typically started between January and February, just before the Spring Festival, on sunny days for 7–10 days. Seedlings are raised in greenhouses using nutrient-rich soil, with multiple layers of coverage to ensure warmth and frost protection. Devices like geothermal cables and high-power bulbs are often used to help with germination and reduce frost damage. In the Yangtze River Valley, temperatures can drop significantly during this period, making frost a serious threat to young plants. It's important to avoid cold waves or implement warming measures. Keeping the seedbed dry is also a key strategy to improve plant resilience.
Mulching plays a vital role in early spring cultivation. Three layers—greenhouse, small shed, and plastic film—are usually used to cover the area. This method improves moisture retention, suppresses weeds, prevents the vines and fruits from sticking to the soil, reduces pest transmission, and enhances fruit appearance. However, full mulch coverage makes fertilization more challenging, so it’s important to apply sufficient base fertilizer before planting. Organic options like composted manure, cake fertilizer, and potassium sulfate compound fertilizer are recommended, but quick-acting fertilizers should be limited. Drip irrigation under the mulch is ideal for top-dressing, with tubes placed 50 cm away from the surface before covering. Fertilizer should be diluted and filtered before application to protect the vines and fruits. After harvesting one batch, additional nutrients should be applied to support continuous fruiting.
Plant and fruit management is critical for optimal yield. When the vines reach about 1 meter in length, pruning is done to keep 2–3 fruits per set. Pruning is best done in the afternoon on sunny days to minimize damage and promote healing. Due to low temperatures and limited pollinators in early spring, artificial pollination or bee-assisted methods can be used to enhance fruit setting. Selling smaller, high-quality watermelons in the morning market can also increase profitability. Any malformed or split fruits should be removed promptly. Small watermelons generally mature well after 20+ days in hot weather. For long-distance transport, carton packaging is recommended to prevent cracking.