Ready-made fertilizer for melon. Proper feeding of watermelons and melons. Video: fertilizing gourds with organic fertilizers

Growing watermelons and melons is not easy, but exciting process. Watermelon and melon can be grown in non-traditional conditions for them, if top dressing is carried out taking into account the quality of soils in separate region. The term “feeding” refers to the introduction of missing nutrients at various periods of plant development. To grow a tasty fruit from seeds, you will need knowledge of the main features and growth conditions. gourds.

Mineral fertilizer should be made after watering or rain and obligatory loosening of the soil.

Mineral nutrition of gourds

The nutrients of watermelons and melons, which are part of the soil in the greenhouse: calcium, potassium, nitrogen, magnesium, phosphorus and sulfur. For getting high yield melon and watermelon should consume the elements in large quantities.

Application mineral fertilizers carried out after rain or watering and involves the subsequent loosening of the soil.

The greatest value belongs to potassium, with a sufficient amount, they bloom actively and stably. female flowers, yield increases, crops become resistant to diseases, and the resulting fruit contains a lot of ascorbic acid and sugars and ripens faster. The intake of calcium and magnesium increases from 4 to 6 weeks, nitrogen - from 10 to 12 weeks, at the moment when the fetus is forming.

Nutrients for melons and gourds are delivered locally to the soil when sowing seeds and planting seedlings in a greenhouse or directly under the roots of growing plants.

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organic fertilizers

Fertilizers of organic type by origin are vegetable and animal. All of them contain phosphorus, potassium, nitrogen, trace elements and vitamins in a form available to plants.

by the most the best option fertilizer for melon and watermelon will be humus, which is part of the soil formed by rotting and decomposing plant and animal residues. Chernozem contains the most humus.

From fertilizers of animal origin, manure (bird droppings, mullein) occupies leading place. It is necessary to apply manure in a rotted form, otherwise it will delay the vegetation, weaken the plant's resistance to diseases and make the fruit less tasty. A concentrated solution of manure and humus for feeding is diluted with water in a ratio of 1/5, when applied, it is necessary to provide abundant watering so that the fetus does not accumulate nitrates harmful to the body.

Herbal infusion is alternated with solutions of manure and humus. It contains microorganisms, when watering, it destroys the harmful microflora of the soil and deoxidizes it. For cooking herbal infusion use any herb. Experts recommend adding a small amount of wood ash to alternating infusions, it gives sweetness.

Mineral dressings contain various mineral salts - essential nutrients for plants. They are divided into simple and complex. The composition of simple fertilizers includes any one nutrient: nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus. Complex contain a number of basic nutrients.

From the category of mineral simple fertilizers, at each root dressing, ammonium nitrate (10-15 g), superphosphate (40-50 g) and potassium chloride (25-30 g) are added, which are dissolved in 10 liters of water.

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Scheme of top dressing of gourds

1. After treating the seeds with potassium permanganate in mid-April, they are sown in pots with a soil mixture, which includes 3 parts of humus, 1 part of the earth, 1 tbsp. spoon of potash mineral fertilizer, 3 tbsp. spoons of phosphorus mineral fertilizer, 1 tbsp. a spoonful of mineral nitrogen fertilizer.
2. Seedlings of watermelons and melons grow for 31-35 days, during this time it is necessary to water it warm water and carry out two top dressings using complex mineral fertilizers. The first feeding is carried out when the seedlings have formed 2-3 leaves, the second - a week after the first.
3. With the formation of 4-5 true leaves in mid-May, the seedlings are transplanted into a greenhouse. In the greenhouse, organic fertilizers (humus or compost) are introduced into the wells.
4. After 9-11 days, each well with seedlings is carefully watered with 2 liters warm water with nitrogen fertilizers (20 g ammonium nitrate per 10 liters of water).
5. At intervals of 7-14 days, two top dressings are carried out, alternating infusions of mullein, humus, herbal infusion, chicken manure by adding wood ash.

From one ton of top dressing, a watermelon receives: 2.2 kg of nitrogen, 3 kg of potassium and 0.7 kg of phosphorus. Doses of fertilizers must be set, taking into account the content of mineral nutrients in the soil. In addition, the ability of the soil to absorb (retain) minerals is of great importance. On soils rich in organic matter, less nitrogen should be applied, giving preference to phosphorus, and on soils poor in humus, reduce the introduction of phosphorus and increase nitrogen.

On the areas of non-chernozem soil, 40-55 g of ammonium sulfate, 25-35 g of potassium salt and 35-40 g of double superphosphate are applied under watermelon. Under plowing in the fall, it is customary to apply part of the phosphorus and potash fertilizers, and the remaining phosphorus and nitrogen fertilizers are used in the spring before sowing. IN spring period it is forbidden to apply a large amount of nitrogen fertilizers, so as not to cause overgrowth of plants.

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We grow a melon: the necessary top dressing

Organic fertilizers are applied in autumn under autumn plowing in the amount of 40-60 t/ha. Plowing under plowing to activate microbiological processes and better decomposition of manure must be carried out no later than mid-September. Additionally, under the main treatment, apply phosphorus-potassium fertilizer in the amount of 80-100 kg AI/ha. Ammonium nitrate or urea is applied to pre-sowing cultivation in the amount of 40-60 kg AI/ha.

Experts point out that fertile soils well-filled with manure, melons can do without mineral supplements. IN this case the yield may be slightly lower, and the taste of the fruit is higher. Fertilizing with mineral fertilizers is advisable if the melon is grown on drip irrigation, in this case, the rates of pre-sowing and main fertilizer are reduced. Top dressing is also advisable to correct the development of plants, they are used in conjunction with stimulants and pesticides, in this situation, top dressing is carried out with a ground sprayer on the leaves.

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Determination of deficiency of calcium, potassium and phosphorus

Chernozems in most cases have a sufficient amount of phosphorus, but it is not always in a form available to plants, so it is regularly applied with fertilizers. The plant needs phosphorus at all stages of development, especially at early stages plant growth and fruit setting. Phosphorus-deficient gourds are small, have a weak root system, the leaves grow small, weak, dark, gray-green. The main leaves at the beginning of the shoot acquire a bright yellow color. Between the veins on adult leaves appear brown spots, which increase in size and occupy the entire surface of the sheet. The number of ovaries is also reduced, which leads to a reduction in yield.

Potassium Deficiency Affects Regulation water regime plants by influencing cell turgor. Cultures with a symptom of potassium deficiency are prone to wilting. Growth of plants with deficiency given element not seriously inhibited, but the quantity and quality of the crop suffer greatly. Potassium deficiency causes burns and yellowing of old leaves. Symptoms appear at the border of the leaf and go between the veins towards the center. After the lower leaf dies, deficiency symptoms form on the leaves located above. The fruits do not fully develop at the base and appear swollen at the ends.

Iron deficiency can be caused by poor drainage, as well as an excess of lime in the soil.

When potassium is added to the soil, the substance will move to the roots only if the soil is moist. Therefore, it is better to fertilize the soil before planting gourds. Deficiency correction can be carried out with foliar water-soluble dressings. Nutrivant Plus with a high content of potassium, which is applied to the soil at the rate of 2 kg/ha per 200 l of water, and Kelik Potassium - 0.5 l/100 l of water, have proven themselves well.
If melons are grown without soil, a solution of 150-250 mg/l of potassium should be used.

Calcium plays a major role in ensuring the functioning of cell membranes. Deficiency most often occurs in plants that grow in hot windy weather, as well as in film greenhouses. Other destructive factors are soil salinity, waterlogging, high ammonium or potassium content, and root diseases.

With a lack of calcium, young leaves of melons and watermelons curl due to the inability of the leaf plate to fully open. With a strong deficiency of calcium, the flowers become infertile, and the ovaries die off. The fruits of such plants are small and tasteless.

Calcium deficiency can be eliminated by foliar spraying with "Calcinite" (800 g / 100 l), complex fertilizer "Nutrivant Drip" with calcium. If the plants grow in hydroponics, use calcium 150-200 mg/l.

Timely feeding of melons in the greenhouse will allow the plant to develop rapidly and form large, juicy and sweet fruits. Melons are not very difficult to grow, but proper care and fertilization is necessary, otherwise they can disappear very quickly. The types of dressings for melons, as well as the methods for their application, will be discussed later in the article.

Is it worth it to fertilize under the melon?

Even when grown in greenhouses, melons need a lot of nutrients. As they grow, they take in useful material from the ground, the soil becomes depleted, the plant slows down growth. Literally in a matter of days, a melon with already formed fruits can begin to rot, dry out if it lacks any trace elements or if there are too many of them. Therefore, it is important to be able to properly fertilize the culture.

It is not necessary to fertilize melons in greenhouses very often and to do this in limited quantities. The plant should only receive nourishment! Oversaturation with organic and mineral substances does not bode well for him.

How to fertilize the land for planting melons in a greenhouse?

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Before planting a melon in a greenhouse, it is necessary to fertilize the ground, as well-moistened and fertilized land will allow the seedlings to quickly take root. Approximately 5 kg of humus is taken per square meter. From minerals magnesium oxide, potassium, phosphorus and nitrogen can be used. Usually they are taken in the following ratio - 1: 3.5: 2.5: 1.

If the land is being prepared in the fall, 2-3 kg of humus and 90 grams of superphosphate per meter are added to it. square ground. Nitrogen and potassium are not added in autumn, there is no need for this at all, they will not benefit the earth. Usually they are applied immediately before planting seedlings or during the growing season of crops.

How to use minerals?

The simplest and most typical complex top dressing for growing melons in greenhouses is a mixture of nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus, the so-called NPK. They are sold a lot, under different brands and with sonorous names - nitroammophoska, nitrophoska, diammophoska, etc. They are fed at the rate of 10-12 grams of the substance per 10 liters of water. This solution is enough for about square meter site. Such fertilizers are applied once a week during the growth of the crop under the root.

During the development of the plant, other substances can also be used during the planned feeding of melons with minerals. So before the start of flowering and with the growth of fruits, top dressing is carried out with superphosphate (40 g / 10 l of water). After flowering, you can add a little monopotassium phosphate. Usually take 2.5 grams per square meter.

There are a number of factors indicating the lack of certain substances in melons when grown in a greenhouse. The following are signs of certain problems and measures to combat them.

• With a lack of boron, pollen on flowers can appear only in very small quantities. For crops growing in greenhouses, this will be a real problem, because bees can already be difficult to lure there. In order not to encounter such difficulties, about a week after planting the seedlings, foliar top dressing is carried out with a 0.5% solution. boric acid so that the plant has enough of this element to the fullest.
• Nitrogen is essential for sprouts at the beginning of growth, as well as during the formation of fruits (10-12 weeks). If the plant is slowly developing, it is necessary to feed it with ammonium nitrate - 10-20 g is taken per 10 liters of water.
• With a delay in the development and ripening of melons in a greenhouse, it is worth feeding the plants with monopotassium phosphate. 2.5 grams of the substance is taken per square meter.
• Potassium is most often lacking in melons growing in film greenhouses. But this element affects the development of female flowers, productivity, sweetness and usefulness of melons. The crop experiences the greatest need for potassium from the 4th to the 6th week of growth. To solve the problem, 25-30 grams of any fertilizer containing a high concentration of potassium is diluted in 10 liters of water and watered under the stem.
• Magnesium deficiency is expressed in yellowing of the leaves, and then in the appearance of brown burns. At the first sign, it is worth fertilizing with magnesium nitrate - 20 grams of the substance per liter of water.
• A lack of manganese can be seen by the pale green or yellowish color of the leaves. To change the situation, 5 grams of "Kelkat Manganese" is diluted in 10 liters of water and sprayed onto the leaves.

Do melons need organic matter?

If the gardener prefers organic matter to mineral matter, it is worth using them wisely so that the taste of the fruit is not bitter or sour. Top dressing of melons in the greenhouse is carried out with alternating infusions of mullein and herbs. From time to time, wood ash can be added to the infusions, it not only has a beneficial effect on the plant, the earth, but also has a disinfecting effect.

Easy-to-follow tips will allow the gardener to get a richer crop of melons when grown in a greenhouse, regardless of region and local climate.

VIDEO - How to feed watermelons and melons. Preparation of R-K fertilizer

From planting with seeds to ripening, the melon goes through several stages. On one of them, a fragrant, juicy melon in the future moves into open ground. In the new conditions, it is necessary to properly care for it: water, loosen, feed. In today's article, you will learn how to plant and how to feed melons after landing in the ground.

How to transplant melons in open ground?

Melon is transplanted into open ground, on pre-prepared beds. How to prepare the beds for a melon transplant:

• form holes at a distance of 70 cm from each other;
• calculate the same width and length of each bed;
• transplant in warm weather;

When transplanting melons into open ground, you should carefully handle the root system - mechanical damage can become a real problem for the gardener in the future.

How to transplant a melon into the ground:

1. Fill the hole with water, let dry a little.
2. We transplant together with an earthen clod, leaving it barely on the surface of the soil.
3. Water the melon again open field and sprinkle with earth (dry).
4. Shade for two days.
5. Cover with foil if temperature fluctuates.

How to care for a melon after planting in the ground?

We have left an important stage - transplanting melons in open ground - now we are focusing all our attention on caring for melons after planting in the ground. For normal development, a melon in the open field needs standard care:

• Soil loosening
• Watering
• top dressing
• Pinching
• Hilling

Loosening the soil mixture usually combined with watering or top dressing. You need to loosen to a depth of up to 15 cm. With each procedure, the loosening depth decreases - up to 10 cm, then 8 cm, etc. After the first side shoots appear, the melon is spudded.

Water melon in the open field rarely possible, since melons grow quite normally even without abundant moisture. If there is dew on the beds (in the morning), then watering for that day is canceled.

Pinch melon on the site when about 5-7 leaves appear. Later pinching is not done. The gardener should pay attention to the side loops, removing unnecessary inflorescences, leaving 3-4 pieces. for fruit set. To avoid thickening of fruiting, leave the ovaries at a distance.

So we come to the most interesting topic - how to feed melons after landing in the ground.

First dressing of melon: ammonium nitrate, mullein or chicken manure. Carry out 2 weeks after transplanting in open ground.

Subsequent feeds: wood ash, chicken manure and complex mineral fertilizers alternately. After the first feeding, the next ones are carried out after 10 days.

Top dressing of melons in the open field is stopped when the fruits are ripe. Combine top dressing with weeding of the soil mixture in the beds and between the rows.

The main points for the care of melons in the ground:

• Protect from temperature extremes and frost.
• Form by pinching and hilling transplanted melons.
• Timely, regularly carry out top dressing, weeding and watering to stimulate the growth of melons in the open field.

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 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 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 during this period it is very important timely top dressing. 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, 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. 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 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 become light upper tier plants.

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 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 lower leaves, characteristic symptoms also occur 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 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. 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

For getting high yields 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 to different phases 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 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 seedlings on 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. 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.

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 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 fertilizing with potash fertilizers during the growing season of watermelons will not be superfluous. Of the potash fertilizers, potassium chloride is the most widely used on watermelon plantations.

This fertilizer gives watermelons greater resistance to adverse conditions growth and to a whole range. 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. It is not recommended to fertilize gourds with this fertilizer, 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 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 nutritional series from Israeli manufacturers, for different cultures both outdoors 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, compared 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 is a 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 the development of roots, growth and development of a large number of crops;
• 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 animal and vegetable 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. organic matter chicken manure quickly decompose and mineralize, becoming available to plants.

When using chicken manure, you need to remember that, in comparison with mullein, it is a more concentrated product and in pure form unsuitable for use. 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 - 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 feed organic fertilizers and almost no mineral fertilizers are used. This is not right either. 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 to be grown 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.

Feed melons in accordance with the quality of the soil during certain periods of crop growth. Mineral and organic compounds are used, always according to the indicated dosage. In the article we will tell you how to produce melon fertilizer in accordance with all the rules in order to achieve a good harvest.

Organic fertilizer for melon

Organic fertilizers contain the whole complex of necessary substances for melons. They are of animal and vegetable origin. Animal fertilizers include manure ( cow dung or chicken manure). It is used only in a rotted form, otherwise it weakens the immunity of the plant.

During the summer period, melons are fed twice

But more often, vermicompost is used as the main organic fertilizer for melons. It is a product of the processing of organic waste by earthworms. Plant fertilizers include humus, which is obtained as a result of decay of plant residues. Melons grown in humus-rich soil produce a good harvest. Read also the article: → "". This fertilizer is found in large quantities in the black soil.

Tip #1 Humus and manure are applied simultaneously with abundant watering. Fertilizers are diluted with water in a ratio of 1:5.

The use of biohumus in the cultivation of melons

Biohumus is a universal remedy that is used as a fertilizer and growth stimulator. It is useful for growing melons due to its composition. The fertilizer contains humates, vitamins, fulvic acids, all the necessary micro and macro elements, phytohormones and amino acids.

Biohumus is very concentrated, so do not exceed the dosage.

Fertilizer is used at the following stages:

• when processing seeds before planting;
• at the time of planting seedlings;
• during the period of culture growth;
• during flowering and fruit formation produce foliar fertilizer and foliar spraying.

The dosage of the drug differs depending on the period of feeding. For processing 1 kg of seed, 500 ml of the prepared solution is used. You need to soak the seeds for a day. When planting seedlings, biohumus is poured into the soil so that the culture takes root faster and begins to grow. It is diluted with water in a ratio of 1:50. You can not do a strong concentration, otherwise you can burn young sprouts.

Tip #2 During the period of crop growth and fruit ripening, the lowest concentration of vermicompost is used for foliar feeding or foliar spraying. It is diluted with water in a ratio of 1:200.

Mineral fertilizers for feeding melons

When growing melons, minerals are important for growth and yield. In the ground in required quantity potassium and calcium must be present, as well as magnesium, nitrogen, sulfur and phosphorus. At each stage of growth, a culture needs different doses of nutrients. The greatest need for flowering and fruit set.

To increase yields, fertilize the soil even before planting the seeds so that the crop grows healthy and does not get sick. There are two types of mineral fertilizers: one-component and complex. The first contain only one substance, for example, nitrogen, calcium or phosphorus. The composition of complex funds includes several mineral elements.

Fertilizers are applied to moist soil.

Among all the substances in the composition of organic fertilizers, potassium is given the first place in the cultivation of melons. If it is in the soil within the normal range, then the melon blooms well, the ovary and fruits are actively formed. The culture itself does not get sick, and the fruits are sweet and ripen quickly. One-component fertilizers are diluted in 10 liters of water. With root top dressing, the consumption is as follows:

• superphosphates - 50 g;
• ammonium nitrate - 15 g;
• potassium chloride - 30 g.

When are mineral melons applied?

Mineral fertilizers are applied during tillage in autumn or immediately before planting crops. Top dressing is poured under the root. In autumn, during the period of plowing the soil, it is advisable to apply complex fertilizers with a content of phosphorus and potassium at the rate of 100 kg/ha.

Before sowing seeds, the soil is fertilized with ammonium nitrate at the rate of 60 kg/ha. Melon needs magnesium and calcium in the period from 28 to 42 days (4-6 weeks with vegetative growth), nitrogen - in the third month (during the formation of fruits). During these periods, top dressing will be effective.

In fertilized soil, the first leaves appear faster.

When fertilizing, it is important to take into account the ability of the soil to retain minerals. In the soil, which contains humus, you need to add less nitrogen, it is better to give preference to phosphorus. Conversely, in soil with a low level of organic fertilizers, it is better to apply nitrogen.

Sometimes you can do without mineral supplements at all, for example, if the soil is well filled with manure. But in this case, the yield and taste will be much worse. Be sure to make organic top dressing in such cases:

1. Poor soil characteristics.
2. Growing melons on drip irrigation.
3. Correction of culture growth using growth stimulants.

Melon feeding scheme

Following this scheme, the yield will be maximum. Gourds are fed according to the following schedule:

1. In mid-April, the treated seeds are planted in a pot or greenhouse. The soil should consist of earth and humus (1: 3 ratio), with the addition of 3 tbsp. l. phosphorus mineral fertilizer and 1 tbsp. l. potash and nitrogen fertilizers.
2. Seedlings grow a month after planting seeds. During this time, two top dressings are made. The first is needed when the culture has three leaves, and the second is produced in a week.
3. Organic fertilizers (humus or biohumus) are applied when planting seedlings in open ground. This happens in the middle of May, when the plant has four leaves.
4. On the 10th day after planting, nitrogen fertilizers are applied to the soil. The norm is 20 g of ammonium nitrate per 10 liters of water.
5. A week later, fertilize with humus and chicken manure diluted in water and ash.
6. Repeat the procedure in a week.

Foliar top dressing is made from a spray gun

Once a week, continue to feed foliar feeding. You can not overdo it with fertilizing. You can deviate from the proposed scheme, depending on the growth rate of the crop and the condition of the soil. In autumn, during the plowing period, preference is given to phosphate and potash fertilizers. Nitrogen fertilizers are used in the spring, but in small quantities, so as not to cause the crop to grow.

Popular melon fertilizers

When growing melons, mineral, organic, solid and liquid fertilizers are used. Before planting, use solid fertilizers; during the growth, flowering and fruiting stage, only liquid foliar feeding will be effective. Among organic fertilizers, liquid fertilizer "Aidar" can be distinguished, which consists of biohumus. We offer feedback on this tool.

Andrey, 45 years old. This is not the first year I have been growing melons on my suburban area. I use Aidar liquid fertilizer as top dressing. The tool is effective. It increases the immunity of the culture, due to which it does not get sick, it also accelerates seed germination, crop growth and fruit ripening for 2 weeks. In addition to being a growth activator, fertilizer reduces the content of toxins and heavy metals in the fruits themselves, and also enhances the taste characteristics of the melon.

Fertilizer is sold in containers of various sizes.

When cultivating the soil during the planting of seeds, it is necessary to dilute the agent in a ratio of 1:50. As a foliar top dressing, the agent is used in proportions of 1:20. The processing rate is 100 ml per 1 are. Feed crops every week. Biohumus "Ecochudo" is distinguished among organic fertilizers. The rate of its use is 200 ml per 1 sq. m.

It is used at all stages of crop growth. Before planting, biohumus is added to the soil, then seedlings are planted in the soil or seeds are placed. Fertilizing with the drug "Ecochudo" is carried out on the 15th day after planting the seedlings, and then again in two weeks. Among complex water-soluble mineral fertilizers, Novalon is distinguished. Norms for the use of foliar fertilizer and drip irrigation indicated in the table.

Cultural development phase	Drug formulation	Foliar application, kg/ha	Drip irrigation, kg/ha per day
4 large leaves	13-40-13+ME	2	3
vegetation	19-19-19+2MgO+ME	2	5
flowering and fruit set	15-5-30+2MgO+ME	2	5
fruiting	3-7-37+2MgO+ME	3	2-3

The names of leafy organic top dressings that contain the necessary minerals, with their consumption rates, are given in the table.

Tip #3 You can start applying liquid top dressing when the fruits ripen, and you need to finish a week before harvesting.

The amount of top dressing applied is determined depending on the condition of the soil. For example, 3 liters of the Kelik Potassium preparation are used per 1 ha. Foliar feeding is important during the growth stage of the crop. At any time, you can influence the quality and quantity of the future harvest.

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Answers to frequently asked questions about growing melons

Question number 1. What is the best fertilizer to choose?

Melons love phosphate and nitrogen fertilizers. It is better to apply them before planting and after the appearance of the first four full-fledged leaves.

Question number 2. Why is a supplement needed?

Fertilizers help to grow a healthy crop, increase yields and improve the taste characteristics of fruits.

Question number 3. What to use to fertilize?

Fertilizer is scattered by hand into the holes made before planting seeds or seedlings. Liquid dressings are applied under the root of each crop. Foliar dressings are sprayed with a spray bottle.

Question number 4. Is it possible to apply fertilizer during the growth stage of the crop, and not before planting it? What will happen in this case?

Melons respond quickly to feeding. If the soil contains a sufficient amount of humus (in the case of chernozem), then top dressing can, as an exception, be carried out at the flowering stage. But in this case, the yield is reduced by 40%.

Question number 5. How to determine that the culture needs additional feeding?

Mineral deficiency is determined by the state of the plant. When manganese is deficient, the leaves turn yellow or pale green. The formation of pale green chlorosis on young leaves indicates an iron deficiency. If the crop wilts with sufficient watering, then a potassium deficiency may be the cause. With a lack of calcium, young leaves curl, and the ovary does not appear, even when flowering.

Nutrient deficiencies can be seen by the color of the leaves.

Mistakes gardeners make when growing melons

Even experienced gardeners make mistakes when fertilizing gourds. Consider the most common of them:

1. When making potassium, take into account the fact that the substance dissolves and enters the roots of the culture only in moist soil. It is necessary to introduce potassium into the soil only before planting; during flowering, its deficiency is sometimes corrected, and only with the use of water-soluble dressings. Dry products are not effective.
2. Calcium must be added separately from other elements, because when interacting with phosphates and sulfates, these nutrients precipitate and do not benefit. For these reasons, calcium is not included in complex fertilizers.
3. When using liquid fertilizers before sowing, the seeds must be soaked in the solution for a day, and do not water the seeds with them already in the soil. You can not overdo them in the prepared product. Seeds are planted in the ground after swelling.

Fertilizers are applied in moderation so as not to burn gourds. If you have any doubts about the dosage and the timing of top dressing, it is better to contact a specialist.