Growing watermelons and melons is a difficult but fascinating process. Planting and growing southern exotics in unconventional conditions is a real miracle, subject only to passionate and caring hands gardeners. Knowing the biological characteristics of melons, 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 delicious watermelon and melon fruit - all this is successfully done by Russian summer residents.
To obtain a high yield of watermelons and melons, it is necessary to fertilize the plants at least twice during the summer with slurry, bird droppings, etc.
The correct technology for feeding melons and melons in a greenhouse is one of the secrets of mastering their cultivation. Fertilizing is the introduction of missing nutrients at a certain period of plant development. To carry it out competently and grow a tasty fruit from seeds, you need to know the main features and growth conditions of melons.
Growth conditions.
Watermelon and melon are annual plants with male and female flowers on the same plant. Female flowers with an ovary form branched stems, which in the greenhouse rise along the trellis, clinging with tendrils.
Melon crops are capricious; light and warmth are an indispensable condition for them. To grow plants in central Russia, they are sown seedling method, 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, drainage, with a root layer depth of 30 cm.
Protecting crops and seedlings from spring frosts, pinching plants in time when forming a bush and feeding them properly - this is the “secret” care necessary for watermelon and melon.
Mineral nutrition.
The nutritional elements of melons and watermelons included in the soil in the greenhouse are potassium, calcium, magnesium, nitrogen, sulfur and phosphorus. To provide high yield, watermelon and melon must consume these elements in large quantities, which is facilitated by mineral and organic fertilizers. Depending on the growth phase, melons consume nutrients unevenly.
Potassium is of greatest importance in plant nutrition: if there is enough of it in the soil, female flowers bloom actively and steadily, productivity increases, melon and watermelon become resistant to disease, the fruit contains a lot of sugars and ascorbic acid and ripens faster. Plant consumption of magnesium and calcium increases from 4 to 6 weeks (vegetative growth), nitrogen - from 10 to 12 weeks of planting seedlings (fruit formation). Feeding is necessary and effective during these periods.
Fertilizing is done after rain or after watering, and after this the soil is loosened.
Nutrition elements 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 melons.
The technology for 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.
Organic fertilizers.
Organic fertilizers are of animal and plant 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; this is part of the soil formed due to the rotting and decomposition of animal and plant residues. Chernozem contains the most humus.
From animal fertilizers for melons and melons, manure (mullein, bird droppings) occupies a leading position. You just need to use manure in a rotted form, otherwise it will weaken the plant’s resistance to disease, delay the growing season, and make the fruit less tasty.
A concentrated solution of humus and manure must be diluted with water in a ratio of 1/5, and must be applied with plenty of 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 watered, it deoxidizes the soil and destroys its harmful microflora. To prepare an herbal infusion, you can use any herbs.
It is added to alternating infusions and not a large number of wood ash, it makes the fruit of watermelon and melon sweet.
Mineral fertilizers.
Mineral fertilizers contain various mineral salts - nutrients for plants. They are divided into simple (unilateral) and complex (multilateral). Simple fertilizers consist of any one nutritional element: nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus. Complex ones contain several basic nutrients.
From simple mineral fertilizers, superphosphate (40-50 g) is added with each root feeding of melon and watermelon. ammonium nitrate(10-15 g) and potassium chloride (25-30 g). They are dissolved in 10 liters of water. Complex fertilizers are also used.
Feeding scheme.
** In mid-April, after treating the seeds with potassium permanganate, they are sown in pots with a soil mixture of the following composition: 1 part soil, 3 parts humus, 3 tbsp. spoons of phosphorus mineral fertilizer, 1 tbsp. spoon of potassium mineral fertilizer, 1 tbsp. spoon of nitrogen mineral fertilizer.
** Seedlings of melons and watermelons grow in 31-35 days, care is as follows: water warm water and carry out two complex feedings mineral fertilizers. The first feeding 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 have formed, it is time to plant the seedlings in the greenhouse. In the greenhouse, organic fertilizers (compost or humus) are added to the formed holes, and seedlings must be planted in them at a shallow depth.
** After 7-10 days, each hole with seedlings should be carefully watered with two liters warm water with nitrogen fertilizers (20 g of ammonium nitrate per 10 liters of water).
** At intervals of 1-2 weeks, carry out two feedings, alternating infusions of humus, mullein, chicken droppings, herbal infusion, adding wood ash.
The feeding scheme is averaged. Carefully monitor the growth state of your plants, determining when they have enough nutrition and when not, because it is also important not to overdo it with fertilizing.
We wish your watermelons and melons to grow tasty and healthy!
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Properly selected organic and mineral fertilizers for watermelons, melons and pumpkins will ensure a bountiful harvest
Growing watermelons and melons is quite difficult. Requires certain knowledge the right approach, as well as soil fertilization. To engage in this business fruitfully, you need to delve into the characteristics of these cultures and create conditions for rapid growth. These crops are grown both in greenhouses and in open space. In order to nurture big harvest plants of the pumpkin family in a greenhouse, you need to feed them in time, that is, add fertilizer to the soil at the right period of their growth.
Fertilizer for watermelons and melons
Nutrients for the pumpkin family are added to the ground when the seeds are planted, as well as at the time of transplanting the seedlings into greenhouse soil. Or under the roots of already planted plants.
To get a good harvest of watermelons, you need to pay attention to them at all stages of growth. The process of caring for melons and watermelons in greenhouse conditions, which includes planting seeds, grown seedlings, as well as the formation of a bush, is accompanied by regular feeding with different types of fertilizers. This includes mineral and organic elements in solutions, as well as in dry form.
Organic fertilizers for watermelons and melons
There are two types of organic fertilizers:
- vegetable fertilizer;
- animal fertilizer.
Both species are fully capable of replenishing the amount of mineral nutrition needed by plants. These are nitrogen, potassium salts, phosphorus, vitamin substances contained in them in a form that is most easily absorbed by plants.
Humus, which is most abundant in black soil, is an ideal fertilizer for watermelons and melons. It is formed due to the decay of plant and animal remains.
Various manures are useful as fertilizer: cow manure, bird manure. But it should be used only after final overheating, otherwise, instead of benefit, it can cause harm: weaken the immunity of plants, delay the growth process, and deteriorate taste.
To water the plants, you need to stir humus in water in a ratio of 1:5, and after that, be sure to water the fertilized soil. This is required so that ripe watermelons do not absorb nitrates that are harmful to our health.
It is necessary to alternate fertilizing with diluted humus and manure with watering with a herbal infusion containing microorganisms that will help in the fight against harmful microflora and make the soil less acidic. Any herbs will do for this. And if you add a little wood ash to such a solution, this will contribute to a greater increase in the sweetness of the fruit.
Mineral fertilizer for melons and watermelons
The name “mineral fertilizers” speaks for itself: they contain mineral salts, which plants love very much. They are simple and multi-sided. Accordingly, simple ones consist of one element, and complex, or multilateral, of several.
With each root feeding of watermelons and melons, simple minerals are added for fertilizer:
- superphosphate in the amount of 40-50 grams;
- ammonium nitrate, 10-15 grams;
- potassium chloride, about 30 grams.
They are diluted in a 10-liter bucket of water and the plants are watered with this mixture every time they apply root fertilizer.
The “diet” of plants grown on melons must contain the following mineral elements: calcium, magnesium, sulfur, phosphorus and nitrogen. Their number should be sufficient for the crops to develop well. If there are not enough of them in the greenhouse soil, then you need to add them artificially in time for sowing. These plants consume mineral and organic substances unevenly, depending on the growth period.
Fertilizing should be done when the soil is sufficiently moist, that is, after rain or after watering. After introducing fertilizing, the soil must be loosened. Regarding the substances necessary for good nutrition watermelons and melons, then potassium comes first. The flowering activity of female flowers and the resistance of plants to various diseases, development stability and harvest intensity.
Taste qualities directly depend on the amount of calcium consumed: if there is sufficient calcium in the soil, the fruits are sweeter, contain more ascorbic acid, and the ripening process occurs faster.
The best time to fertilize watermelons, as well as melons in the form of calcium and magnesium, is from 4 to 6 weeks, during the period of active vegetative growth. During the period of fruit formation, from 10 to 12 weeks after planting the seedlings, nitrogen fertilization will be effective.
Feeding scheme with mineral fertilizers
- In mid-April, the seeds are treated with a manganese solution. Then they are planted in pots with the mixture: 1 component soil, 3 components of humus, 3 spoons of phosphorus fertilizer, 1 potassium, 1 nitrogen.
- After the seedlings have grown a little (after about a month), you need to care for them as follows: water them with water, feed them twice with a mixed mineral composition. The first time is when the first two or three leaves appear, the second time is about a week later.
- Plants are planted in the greenhouse on the 15th of May, when 4-5 leaves are formed on it. First, organic fertilizers are poured into the hole, and then the plants are planted shallowly. After a week, each plant is watered with two liters of water enriched with nitrogen.
- Every next 1-2 weeks, feed the seedlings with compost, chicken and cow droppings, alternating with herbal tincture with the addition of wood ash.
This is an example diagram. You should monitor your plants and feed more when they need it. But you can’t use too much fertilizer either; you need to know when to stop.
Fertilizer doses should be in accordance with the mineral content directly in your soil. If the soil is rich in organic elements, add less nitrogen and more phosphorus. And soil that lacks humus, on the contrary, needs more nitrogen. Equally important is how well your soil absorbs and retains nutrients.
On soil not rich in minerals, watermelon requires about 50 g of ammonium sulfate, 30 g of potassium salt, 40 g of double superphosphate. Moreover, potassium is added in the fall, and nitrogen in the spring.
Fertilizer for melon
To fertilize the soil for planting melons in the fall, organic matter is added to it, approximately 40-60 tons per hectare. In this case, plowing is carried out on the 15th of September, no later. This is necessary so that the decomposition processes of manure go faster and microorganisms become more active. The introduction of phosphorus and potassium will also be required. In the period before sowing, it is necessary to add saltpeter and urea, approximately 40-60 tons per hectare.
However, there is an opinion that on good soil fertilized with manure, melons feel great even without fertilizing. This will probably reduce the intensity of the harvest, but the fruit will be tastier. And knowing the benefits and harms of melon, many will prefer a tasty harvest to a bountiful one. In case it is used drip irrigation, the main fertilizer for melon in the period before sowing should be applied in smaller quantities.
Fertilizer for pumpkin
The best soil for good growth pumpkins - containing clay or sand. It should be light, organically enriched and with good air permeability. It is better to plant pumpkin seedlings, which are fed twice depending on its condition.
- The first feeding occurs a week or 10 days after the seedlings emerge. The ideal fertilizer for pumpkin is diluted bird or cow droppings. Cow droppings are diluted in water 1:10, and bird droppings 1:20. It is more useful to perform the procedure in the morning, while watering.
- Feed in the same way two days before planting in the ground. Potassium sulfate and superphosphate are also suitable. It is ideal to mix organic matter and mineral fertilizers.
If your soil is well fertilized, you will need a total of 3 fertilizers per season. They are combined with irrigation, diluting fertilizers with water.
- Fertilizing is done with a solution of cow manure 1:10 or chicken manure 1:15 with the addition of 1 tablespoon of mineral fertilizer. This happens two weeks after planting in the ground. Or use an infusion of herbs or only mineral nutrition for the first feeding. Fertilizers are applied not at the root, but in a depression at a distance of 20 cm from the pumpkin.
- The second time is watered with a solution of superphosphate and potassium sulfate. This is done when the plant blooms.
Growing watermelons and melons is considered a difficult but fascinating process. Planting and growing southern exotics in conditions that are unconventional for them is a real miracle, which can only be achieved by the passionate, caring hands of gardeners.
To get a high yield of watermelons and melons, you will need to fertilize the plants at least 2 times during the summer with bird droppings or slurry, etc.
The correct technology for fertilizing melons and melons in greenhouse conditions is one of the secrets of growing mastery. Fertilizing is the introduction of missing nutrients at a specific period of plant development. For proper implementation and cultivation from seeds delicious fruit you need to know the main features and growth conditions of melons.
All growth conditions
Both watermelon and melon are annual plants with male and female flowers on the plant. Thus, female flowers with an ovary create branched stems that rise along a trellis in the greenhouse, clinging with tendrils.
As you know, melons are very capricious; warmth and light are an indispensable condition for them. To grow plants in conditions middle zone in Russia, its sowing is done by seedlings, which need to be planted in a greenhouse, providing support high temperature air (25-30 degrees during the day, 17 degrees at night) and its optimal humidity (60-70%). In the greenhouse, the soil should be drainage, fertile, and the depth of the root layer should be 30 cm.
Protecting crops and seedlings from spring frosts, timely pinching of plants when forming a bush and proper feeding - this is the “secret” care required for both watermelon and melon.
Mineral nutrition
The nutritional elements of melons and watermelons, which are part of the soil in the greenhouse, are potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, phosphorus and nitrogen. In order to ensure high productivity, 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, melon culture consumes 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), ripens faster. The plant consumes more magnesium and calcium from weeks 4 to 6, during vegetative growth, nitrogen - from weeks 10 to 12, during fruit formation. Feeding is necessary and also effective during such periods.
Fertilizing is done after rain or after watering, after which the soil is loosened.
All nutrients for watermelons and melons are delivered to the ground locally when sowing seeds and planting seedlings in a greenhouse, or directly under the roots of melons.
The technology for growing melon and watermelon in greenhouse conditions (sowing, planting seedlings, the process of bush formation) includes the combined use of mineral and organic, as well as solid and liquid fertilizers.
Organic fertilizers
Organic fertilizers are of animal or vegetable origin. They contain nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, trace elements and vitamins required quantity for plants.
Humus for melon and watermelon will be the best option fertilizers After all, this is part of the soil that is formed due to rotting, decomposition of animals, as well as plant residues. And chernozem contains a larger amount of humus.
For melon crops and animal fertilizers, manure occupies a leading place. Manure should be used only in rotted form, otherwise it will weaken the plant’s resistance to disease, delay the growing season and make the fruit less tasty.
The solution of humus and manure should be diluted with water in a ratio of 1/5; application must be done with abundant watering so that the watermelon or melon fruit does not accumulate nitrates that are harmful to the body.
Herbal infusion in feeding melons and watermelons is alternated with solutions of humus and manure. It includes microorganisms, deoxidizes the soil when watering, and destroys harmful microflora. To prepare a herbal infusion, you can use any herbs.
Wood ash as a fertilizer has been known to people since time immemorial. So, you need to add a little wood ash to alternating infusions, which makes the fruit of watermelon and melon sweet.
Mineral fertilizers
Mineral fertilizers contain various mineral salts, which are nutrients for plants. These fertilizers are divided into simple and complex. Simple fertilizers include one nutrient: nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus. Complex ones consist of several batteries.
Feeding scheme
After treating the seeds with potassium permanganate in mid-April, they are sown in pots with a soil mixture consisting of: 1 part soil, 3 parts humus, 3 tbsp. spoons of phosphorus mineral fertilizer, 1 tbsp. spoons of potassium 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 feeding should be done when the seedlings have 2-3 true leaves, the second - 5-7 days after the first.
When 4-5 leaves form in mid-May, it is time to transplant the seedlings into the greenhouse. Organic fertilizers are added to the formed holes in the greenhouse, and seedlings need to be planted in them at a small depth.
After 7-10 days, carefully water each hole with seedlings with warm water and nitrogen fertilizers. So, two feedings are carried out at intervals of 1-2 weeks.
The feeding scheme is averaged. It is necessary to carefully monitor the state of plant growth, determining when they have enough nutrition and when they do not, since it is important not to overdo it with fertilizing.
To get tasty and high-quality watermelon fruits, you will need to make a lot of effort. At each stage of development, a crop needs a certain nutritional element, and if it is not added on time, not only the plant, but also the future harvest will suffer. Watermelon can be fertilized with mineral and organic fertilizers, or it is better to combine them, which will ensure adequate nutrition for the plants.
How to Identify Nutrient Deficiencies
When growing watermelon, fertilizing is an important procedure. This crop can be fertilized with various compounds, which are easy to purchase in finished form, and cook it yourself. In order for a berry to grow tasty and of high quality, when it is cultivated, the soil must contain certain elements, the deficiency of which can be determined by the condition of the plant:
- Nitrogen. Since this element is involved in the process of photosynthesis, its deficiency manifests itself in the form of slow plant growth, the formation of thin and short shoots, small inflorescences, and leaves with a pale green color. In addition, yellowness of the veins appears on lower leaves, and then on the top ones.
- Phosphorus. Despite the fact that this element is present in large quantities in chernozem, it is not found in the form in which plants need it, that is, they cannot absorb it. Melon crops require phosphorus throughout the entire growth period. If there is a deficiency of this element, the root system of the plants will be weak, the leaves will be small with a characteristic gray-green or bluish tint. The main leaves located near the shoot gradually turn yellow, and spots appear between the veins Brown. Then the upper leaves are affected. After drying, the leaf apparatus turns black. In addition to the fact that the growth of the plant slows down, the ovary also appears late, and new leaves are formed of small size.
- Potassium. This element controls water balance. Its deficiency manifests itself in the form of plant wilting. If the plant lacks potassium during the fruiting period, the quality of the berries will be reduced. To compensate for the deficiency of this element in the soil, it is necessary to apply fertilizers containing potassium.
- Calcium. Thanks to this element, the vital activity of cell membranes is ensured. The lack of the substance manifests itself in the form of barren flowers and the death of the ovaries. Fruits that lack calcium grow small and tasteless, and also have an underdeveloped end of the inflorescence.
- Magnesium. The deficiency of this element manifests itself in regions with high humidity. A lack of substance is indicated by the yellowness of the leaves and brown spots between the veins.
Video: signs of lack of nutrients in plants
Mineral fertilizers for melons and melons
To achieve high yields of melons and melons, macroelements must be absorbed by plants in increased doses. Mineral fertilizers are applied to the ground during sowing. The introduction of one or another component depends on the phase of cultural development. One of important elements What provides watermelon nutrition is potassium. With a sufficient amount of this substance, flowering will be stable, productivity will increase, and plant resistance to pests and diseases will improve.
It is worth considering that mineral fertilizers are applied after moistening the soil, i.e. after watering or rain, after which the soil is mandatory loosen. If you add nutrients without prior moistening, then the effectiveness of their use approaches zero. To obtain a full harvest of melons and melons throughout the growing season, it is necessary to add both minerals and organic matter. Fertilizers can be in liquid or solid form. Let's take a closer look at what these or other nutritional elements are.
Nitrogen
Quite common mineral fertilizers are urea (urea), ammonium nitrate and ammonium sulfate.
Urea
Urea is a popular nitrogen fertilizer that has a beneficial effect on plant development by accelerating the process of photosynthesis. However, excessive content of the substance in the soil contributes to the rapid development of green mass. As a result, the watermelon will grow leaves and shoots, and the number of flowers will be minimal. The harvest with large doses of urea will be characterized by an unusual color and deterioration in taste. 
The most popular mineral fertilizers among nitrogen fertilizers include urea.
Ammonium nitrate
A nitrogen-containing fertilizer such as ammonium nitrate consists of 34% nitrogen. It is not recommended to feed melons with this substance, since nitrates accumulate in the fruits, which negatively affect human health. However, if you look closely, increased doses of nitrates can be formed only when saltpeter is added in excess quantities. Based on this, we can say that adding saltpeter to watermelon in small quantities will not cause any harm to human health.
Ammonium sulfate differs from other nitrogen fertilizers in that it contains sulfur. The advantage of this fertilizer is its lower cost compared to urea and nitrate. In addition to melons, ammonium sulfate can be used for fruit bushes And vegetable crops. An important feature of this fertilizer is the fact that this substance is absolutely harmless to humans. 
One of the nitrogen fertilizers that is used as mineral supplements, is ammonium sulfate, which in addition to nitrogen also contains sulfur
Phosphate
One of the necessary fertilizers for any plants, including melons, is phosphate or more familiar to everyone - phosphorus fertilizers (soluble phosphates). The most popular ones include ammophos and superphosphate.
Ammophos
Ammophos is light gray granules that contain 12% nitrogen and 52% phosphorus. Do not confuse ammophos with ammophoska, since they are several various fertilizers. Ammophoska, in addition to nitrogen (12%) and phosphorus (15%), also contains potassium (15%) and sulfur (up to 14%).
Some gardeners are of the opinion that ammophos contains not enough nitrogen. However, it is worth considering that this composition is used primarily as a phosphorus feed. The application of fertilizer improves the development of the root system of plants, increases resistance to diseases and weather influences, improves productivity, makes the taste of fruits more delicate, and also has a positive effect on the preservation harvested. Ammophos is especially relevant for arid regions where soils lack phosphorus.
Superphosphate
Fertilizers such as superphosphate come in different types:
- simple;
- double;
- granulated;
- ammoniated.
Some compositions contain magnesium, molybdenum, boron and other elements. The amount of phosphorus in the fertilizer varies from 20 to 50%. The main advantage of superphosphate is that it is a water-soluble fertilizer. This allows the plant to quickly receive nutrition when using fertilizing in the form of an aqueous solution. 
Superphosphate is a water-soluble mineral fertilizer with a high phosphorus content (20–50%)
Potash
Because potassium plays important role in the development of plants, its additional application will not be superfluous.
Potassium chloride
One of the most common potash fertilizers for melons and melons is potassium chloride. This substance increases the resistance of watermelon to adverse effects environment and diseases, strengthens root system. Potassium chloride contains 65% potassium and chlorine, which is washed out of the soil by watering and precipitation over time. Potassium sulfate or potassium nitrate can be used as potassium feed for plants.
Organic watermelon nutrition
Organic fertilizers can be divided into substances of animal and plant origin. They contain nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus. All these substances must be administered in appropriate doses.
Vegetable
Humus, grass infusion, vermicompost, and wood ash are most often used as plant fertilizers.
Humus
An excellent fertilizing option for melons is humus, which is part of the soil formed during the process of rotting plant and animal residues. The highest concentration of humus is found in chernozem soils. Rabbit droppings, horse and cow manure are used as such fertilizer.
Herbal infusion
A fairly simple and at the same time useful fertilizer is an infusion of herbs. Everyone in their own area fights weeds during the season by weeding. However, then it is not necessary to get rid of the herb by burning it - it can be used to prepare an infusion. Although such organic feeding will not replace humus, the complex use of fertilizers will allow you to obtain good harvest.
Video: universal fertilizer made from herbal infusion
Vermicompost
It is worth mentioning vermicompost, because fertilizer prepared on the basis of this component is several times more nutritious than manure and rotted compost. Vermicompost is an organic fertilizer formed as a result of the processing of organic matter in the soil by California worms. After the processing process, organic excrement remains in the ground, suitable for absorption by plants. The advantage of vermicompost is the absence of pathogenic microflora and weed seeds. Fertilizer improves the taste of fruits and increases plant resistance to diseases.
Gardeners and gardeners widely use wood ash, which is a product from the combustion of wood, weeds, straw, and leaves. The ash contains components that ensure the normal development of plants. These include zinc, magnesium, sodium, sulfur, phosphorus, calcium, boron. With timely application of ash to the soil, plant resistance to pests increases, resistance to infections and the taste of the crop improves. 
One of the available fertilizers is wood ash, which contains elements such as zinc, magnesium, sodium, sulfur, phosphorus, calcium, boron
Animals
Among organic fertilizers of animal origin, the most popular are manure, bird droppings, and mullein.
Manure
It can be said without exaggeration that manure is the most valuable and widespread organic fertilizer. Its composition may differ depending on the animal bedding used (sawdust, straw). It is generally accepted that the best manure is one that uses straw bedding. Thanks to straw, the fertilizer receives a good structure, and during the decomposition of organic matter, useful elements are released. Depending on the degree of decomposition of manure, the quality of the fertilizer differs: the higher the degree of decomposition, the higher the quality of the manure, since it is easier for plants to absorb useful substances.
It is also necessary to take into account the fact that manure is not used fresh, but only when rotted. Otherwise, fertilizing with such fertilizer will negatively affect the immunity of plants, slow down their growth, and worsen their taste. In addition, fresh manure releases a considerable amount of heat at the beginning of its decomposition, which can simply destroy the plants. Plus, this fertilizer contains weed seeds and pest eggs, which, if they get into the ground, will only cause harm. 
Manure is a valuable organic fertilizer that is widely used to improve soil fertility
Bird droppings
Poultry droppings are no less popular, especially chicken droppings. The substance contains many useful elements, in particular magnesium, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The product is also characterized by rapid decomposition and active action. It must be taken into account that in pure form Manure should not be used, since the fertilizer is highly concentrated.
Careless use of chicken manure can lead to plant burns, since the composition contains uric acid. Manure is usually used in the form of liquid nutrient solutions, diluted with water, added dry in the fall, and dug up in the spring. It can also be applied in the spring, but only in the form of well-ripened compost. Compost is biological and organic substances that have decomposed under the influence of microorganisms.
Video: feeding from chicken manure
Mullein
Mullein is a fertilizer beloved by many gardeners, used as fertilizing and in the form of an infusion cow dung. The product is environmentally friendly. It contains large amounts of nitrogen, calcium, potassium and phosphorus, as well as a number of other useful elements. Mullein is a fermented mass, on the surface of which there are always small bubbles. 
Mullein infusion is widely used for fertilizing various garden and vegetable crops.
Which is better: mineral fertilizers or organic matter?
Gardeners have different opinions regarding the use of fertilizers: some prefer only organic matter, others believe that without mineral fertilizers you cannot get a good harvest. What is the actual situation like? It’s worth taking a closer look at this point to understand which fertilizers are more preferable and why.
To begin with, it should be noted that organics are characterized by a longer action compared to mineral fertilizers. This is due to the slow decomposition of organic matter in the soil, which helps improve its structure, and humus accumulates. However, it is worth considering that frequent use organic fertilizers will promote the accumulation of nitrates in plants. This is due to the nitrogen content in such fertilizers.
The advantages of mineral fertilizers include ease of use. Today you can buy necessary compositions for specific plants, but even such fertilizers are unable to solve the issue of soil fertility. In addition, some substances acidify the soil, so the use of minerals on acidic soils without liming will be useless. This is due to the fact that most vegetables and fruit and berry crops prefer neutral, slightly acidic and slightly alkaline soils. Concerning acidic soils, then plants cannot absorb nutrients on them. So, to grow watermelon you need neutral soil, i.e. pH=7.
Organic fertilizers can be successfully used without chemical elements. If you use mineral fertilizers, sooner or later you will have to add compost to improve the soil structure. However, using only organic matter, it is unlikely to achieve high yields, which is due to the lack and incorrect balance of nutrients. Although organic fertilizers contain nitrogen, there is not enough of it in the required time frame. Therefore, fertilizing with minerals in the correct proportions has a positive effect on the growth, development and fruiting of crops. This suggests that organic matter and minerals complement each other and it is necessary to use both types of fertilizers.
Video: mineral or organic fertilizers
Feeding watermelon with folk remedies
Among all the variety of fertilizers, folk remedies are no less popular for fertilizing. These include yeast and ammonia.
Yeast
For yeast feeding, regular baker's yeast is used. A nutrient solution based on this component performs the following functions:
- increases soil fertility;
- stimulates plant growth.
Fertility is improved due to the content of beneficial microorganisms in the yeast, and the root system develops several times faster with such fertilizing. As a result, more powerful plant, which at the same time receives more nutrients. 
For watermelons, you can prepare a nutritious solution from ordinary yeast, which contains beneficial microorganisms
Ammonia or ammonia (ammonia) can sometimes help in the process of growing watermelons. Since the substance contains nitrogen compounds, when processed, plants receive the necessary substances for both shoots and leaves. However, the use of ammonia should be used only as a last resort, i.e. when the plant cannot be saved by other means. 
Ammonia (ammonia) is often used to fertilize garden crops, since the substance contains nitrogenous compounds
Any plants on garden plot can be fed by root and foliar methods. Root feeding- the main method of introducing nutrients into the soil near the root system of a plant, which ensures its normal growth and development. The root method can be used to add both minerals and organic matter in liquid or solid form.
Liquid organic matter can be prepared from slurry, mullein, bird droppings or wood ash. Such substances are introduced during active growth plants, i.e. in May - early June. In addition, liquid organic matter is used for slow growth and noticeable weakening of plants. Solid organic fertilizers, such as manure from farm animals, poultry and rabbit droppings, are placed in upper layer soil in autumn.
If preference is given to mineral fertilizers, then highly soluble substances should be used for root feeding. These include nitrophoska, urea, ammophos and others. Insoluble mineral fertilizers (nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus) are applied to the soil in the fall. By spring, the earth will be fully saturated with these useful substances and the plants will be able to absorb them normally. 
Root feeding is the main way to add nutrients to the soil near the root system of a plant.
Foliar feeding of watermelon, which is also called foliar feeding (leaf feeding), is the application of nutrients through the leaves, rather than through the root system. The peculiarity and advantage of this method of fertilizing is that nutrients enter the plants faster compared to the root method. However, with the foliar method it is impossible to provide plants with a large amount of nutrition. Foliar feeding is most often used to apply microfertilizers in small quantities, i.e. it is additional to root feeding.
For distribution nutrient solution spraying is used on the stems and foliage of plants. It is best to perform this procedure in the morning or evening hours. In the daytime, you can spray only in cloudy weather, which will allow the composition to linger on the leaves for more long time. Regardless of the fertilizers used, organic or mineral, you need to be careful about the concentration of the solution. Too concentrated formulations, especially with nitrogen fertilizers, can burn the leaves. In spring spraying, i.e. when the foliage is young, weaker solutions should be used than when treating coarse foliage. Urea is most widely used for spraying: it can be used in higher concentrations compared to other nitrogen substances. 
Foliar feeding is applied by spraying the stem and leaves of plants, which allows you to quickly deliver useful elements to the plant
Fertilizer application scheme for watermelon
As the watermelon develops, feed the plant several times. Depending on the phase of crop development, certain fertilizers are applied. When sowing seeds, it is necessary to use fertilized soil mixture, consisting of soil and humus in a ratio of 1:3, as well as potassium, phosphorus and nitrogen fertilizers, 1 tbsp. l.
Fertilizers for watermelon seedlings
When growing watermelon seedlings, it must be provided with nutrition so that the plants do not lack any element. During growth, seedlings need to be fed 1-2 times. One of the most suitable fertilizers for these purposes is bird droppings. To prepare a nutrient solution, the droppings are mixed with water in a ratio of 1:10, after which the plants are watered. In addition to droppings, you can also use mullein, the fertilizer from which is prepared in a similar way. If preference is given to mineral fertilizers, then it is best to use urea. Dilute the substance in accordance with the instructions. The listed fertilizers contain a large amount of nitrogen, which is necessary for plants to initial stage growth.
As for fertilizing directly, the seedlings are fertilized for the first time when two true leaves form, the second time - 2 weeks before planting. open ground or a greenhouse. Wood ash has a good effect on the development of seedlings. It can be applied in different ways: pour a small amount under the root or dilute 1 tbsp. ash in 10 liters of water and water the plants with a nutrient solution. 
First time watermelon seedlings feed when two true leaves form, the second time - 2 weeks before planting permanent place
Top dressing after planting in the ground
2 weeks after planting the seedlings in a permanent place, they are fed with ammonium nitrate. To prepare a solution, dilute 20 g of the drug in 10 liters of water and use 2 liters per plant. Instead of mineral fertilizers, you can also use organic ones: dilute mullein (1:10) or bird droppings (1:20) with water, add 30 g of superphosphate and 15 g of calcium chloride.
You can also provide plants with the necessary nutrition with an infusion based on green grass. The essence of preparing fertilizer is to fill the container large volume green grass followed by adding water and infusing for two weeks or more: the mixture should ferment. You can add wood ash or chicken droppings, thereby increasing the nutritional value of the solution. After fermentation, the resulting solution is diluted 1:10 with water and poured 1 liter per bush.
Resorting to folk remedies, after transplanting, watermelons can be fed with yeast. The use of this type of fertilizer allows plants to tolerate picking almost painlessly. Raw yeast is best suited for preparing fertilizers, but gardeners often use dry yeast. To prepare a nutrient solution from yeast, you must perform the following steps:
- Dissolve 100 g of the substance in 3 liters of water with the addition of a small amount of sugar (1 tsp).
- Leave the solution for 7 days, after which it is diluted with water in a ratio of 1:10.
- 1 liter of fertilizer is poured under each bush.
Video: feeding watermelon with herbal infusion after planting in the ground
Feeding before flowering
During the budding phase, watermelons also need to be fed. As food, you can use 4 g of calcium chloride and ammonium nitrate, as well as 6 g of superphosphate per plant. Fertilizers can be applied in dry form by watering before and after the fertilizing procedure.
Feeding during fruit set
During the ovary period, it is best to use complex fertilizers for melons to feed watermelons. If there are none, then feed the plants 2 times every 15 days. As nutrient use boric acid, which will give the fruits sweetness. To prepare a solution, dilute 5 g of acid in 5 liters of water and carry out foliar feeding. To perform potassium-magnesium fertilizing, you need to dissolve 2 tablets of Asparkam in 0.5 liters of water. The solution is also applied by foliar application.
When setting fruit, fertilizing can be done with the following fertilizer: superphosphate (10 g), potassium salt (35 g), ammonium sulfate (24 g), which are dissolved in 10 liters of water and water the plants at the root, 2 liters per bush. Although superphosphate dissolves in water, it must first be filled with boiling water. Potassium in such feeding accelerates ripening, and phosphorus is responsible for the size of the fruit. However, it must be taken into account that an excess of phosphorus will lead to the formation of small fruits. 
Correct and competent feeding watermelon promotes uniform flowering and good fruit set
To provide watermelon throughout the growing season essential microelements, the plant is fed at intervals of 10–15 days foliar fertilizers. You can, for example, use Uniflor-micro (2 tsp per 10 liters of water) or other preparations: Master, Terraflex, Kristallon, Novofert, Nutriflex. The substances are used in accordance with the instructions, which indicate the required dose and phases of application. If the plant has stopped growing, has small or yellowed leaves, a fragile stem, and no flowering, then it’s time to use an ammonia tincture. To prepare a nutrient solution, dilute 3 tbsp. l. substances per 10 liters of water. Then mix well and water the watermelon bushes, avoiding getting it on the leaves.
You need to understand that there is no universal scheme for feeding melons and any other crops. Much depends on the composition of the soil, the region of cultivation, and the condition of the plants, which must be constantly monitored and the necessary substances added in a timely manner. The main thing is not to overdo it. If mainly organic matter was added to the soil, it is necessary to introduce less nitrogen and more phosphorus fertilizers. If the soil, on the contrary, lacks humus, more nitrogen is required.
Video: feeding melons and melons with organic fertilizers
Despite the apparent complexity, everyone can get sweet and large watermelon fruits in their own way. personal plot. To do this, you will need to follow the rules of agricultural technology and, paying attention to the condition of the plants, carry out timely necessary fertilizing. After all, proper nutrition at the right period of plant development is the key to a high-quality harvest.
Watermelon is a summer, sweet berry that appeals to both children and adults. Today, its cultivation is carried out not only in open ground, but also in greenhouse conditions...
Watermelon and melon are berries that are loved not only by children, but also by adults. Today every gardener on his plot can grow them. At the same time, feeding watermelon and melon remains important. Today there are many fertilizer compositions, and you can either purchase them ready-made or make them yourself.
How to determine nutritional deficiencies
To make watermelon happy high quality and taste, it is necessary that when growing it in the soil there are the following elements:
The video shows feeding watermelons in open ground:
Mineral nutrition
When growing watermelons it is necessary to add mineral compounds, which contain the following elements:
- Calcium;
- Potassium;
- Magnesium;
- Sulfur;
- Phosphorus;
- Nitrogen.
To obtain a high yield, watermelons and melons must absorb these components in high concentrations. It is necessary to add mineral compounds to the soil for sowing. Depending on the growth phase, the melon crop needs nutritional components unevenly.
Very important Potassium plays a role in the nutrition of watermelons. If it is present in sufficient quantities, then the female flowers will bloom actively and stably, and the yield will also increase, and the plant itself will acquire stable immunity to diseases and pests. A sufficient amount of potassium in the soil will allow you to grow watermelon with an increased concentration of sugar and vitamin C. The crop requires magnesium and calcium from weeks 4 to 6, during the period of vegetative growth. But nitrogen will have to be added from 10 to 12 weeks. Here’s how seedlings are fertilized with nitrogen:
It is necessary to apply mineral compounds after rain or irrigation, and then the soil must be loosened.
All components of mineral nutrition for watermelons must be added to the soil when sowing planting material and planting the plant in a greenhouse. Fertilizer is also applied directly under the roots.
The video shows the mineral nutrition of watermelons:
When growing watermelon and melon, it is necessary to add together organic matter and mineral compounds throughout the entire growing season, as well as solid and liquid fertilizers. But this information from the article will help you understand how it is used and how to apply it correctly.
Organic fertilizers I
All organic fertilizers can be divided into two types: animal and plant. They contain nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and vitamins. All of them must be contributed in a certain quantity.
For watermelon and melon excellent option will become humus. It is part of the soil that is formed in the process of rotting, decomposition of animal and plant debris. Chernozem also contains a high concentration of humus.
Among the organic fertilizers for watermelon and melon, you can use the following:
In the video - organic fertilizers for watermelons:
Fertilizer application scheme
It is worth adding organic matter in the fall when plowing the soil. It is best to use manure and peat manure compost for this. At the same time, it adds necessary mineral compounds. Here's how to do it compost heap, and how to properly use such a heap is indicated
For the full growth of watermelon and melon, it is worth using organic matter, and especially humus.
Growing watermelon in open ground or in a greenhouse requires only 3 feedings:
- The first time fertilizing is used 7 days after sowing the planting material or planting the seedlings.
- The second time you need to use fertilizers is 2 weeks after the first. Send 2 liters of solution containing fertilizers into the hole.
- Fertilize for the third time 12 days after the second.
You can also use diammofoska, ammonium nitrate, chicken manure, and humus infusion for fertilizing. All these components should be alternated. This is the only way to avoid excessive saturation of the soil with these substances.
The video shows how to apply fertilizer:
There are situations when melons require additional feeding. It is necessary to constantly monitor the condition of the plant and its growth rate. But you shouldn’t fertilize more often than once every 7-12 days.
Like any other crop, watermelon needs fertilizer. Of course, preference should be given to organic compounds. But sometimes they do not contain enough useful components, so you will have to use mineral fertilizers. The main thing is not to overdo it with them. Otherwise, such care will have the opposite effect and it will be unrealistic to get a high yield.