Plant Melons. Complete guide to a successful harvest.

Planting melons…is it an art?

We could affirm that this agricultural activity is so enriching and satisfying, that little by little we are becoming patient and dedicated creators of the technical knowledge and all the care necessary to successfully achieve the entire process that represents planting melons, from its beginnings to the harvest and storage.

In this step-by-step guide, we will learn how to plant melons using the best agricultural practices and sustainable techniques such as the use of biodegradable paper mulch, which is very profitable as it considerably reduces costs, optimizes our cultivation, and due to its biodegradable characteristic. It becomes a nutrient substrate for the soil, minimizes environmental impact and serves as a basis for our next crops.

Particularly in Spain, and in regions with a warm climate and long summers, planting melons represents a valuable and appreciated economic activity, which is why this country is one of the main producers and exporters of this high-quality fruit.

Planting melons is a profitable investment for a more productive and ecological agricultural future. It means that developing the maximum potential of our harvest and guaranteeing sweeter and more attractive fruits for the market implies that we thoroughly know everything about the cultivation process, the variables and unforeseen events that may arise, and the agricultural solutions and techniques. advanced such as implementing the use of biodegradable paper mulching that promotes more sustainable and environmentally friendly agriculture. We will have all these key aspects that we will develop in this guide at hand to control and maximize our production and optimal profitability at the market level.

Prerequisites for planting melons: Climate. Floor. Special recommendations.

These factors will be decisive so that our crop is abundant, of high quality, developed in a favorable environment, and thus our investment of time and resources will be optimal and profitable. Let’s analyze each key point:

Climate and soil suitable for planting melons.

These fruits develop splendidly in warm climates, in temperatures ranging approximately between 18° and 25° to achieve rapid and uniform germination. Before planting melons, it is ideal that we select a suitable space in which our crop can receive a good dose of direct sunlight, preferably 6 to 8 hours.

Let’s previously analyze the process of planting melons based on the structure of the plant: We will call this first episode Vegetative Growth.

• During the formation of roots, stems and leaves, and before entering the flowering and fruit production phase, the ideal ambient temperature should be maintained between 22° and 30°C, with a relative humidity of 50% to 70%, and night temperatures should not be lower than 15°C. In this period of vegetative growth, the plant will accumulate energy and all the resources it needs to sustain the future production of flowers and fruits.
• When we decide to plant melons, we must take into account this first planting episode, since it is here where we are going to set the basis for successful and abundant production.
• At this time the roots are going to expand in search of water and nutrients, which is why it will be vital that we achieve adequate root development so that our plants can perfectly sustain their fruiting phase.
• In this first phase, plants store energy in the form of carbohydrates and other essential compounds for the future development of fruits.
• Here we will need a constant supply of nitrogen (N), to promote the growth of leaves and stems, and balanced irrigation that we will guide directly to the roots to avoid excessive growth that could weaken the plant.
• However, we must administer the rest of the essential nutrients such as phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) in adequate doses.
• The optimal soil pH range should be between 6.0 to 6.8, slightly acidic to neutral, to allow proper absorption of all of these nutrients.
• It is advisable to do a prior and periodic analysis to achieve a correct measurement of the soil composition, and correct any imbalance with organic or mineral materials.

Next, let’s review these Links that can serve as support:

https://www.pce-iberica.es/medidor-detalles-tecnicos/instrumento-de-medida-laboratorio/medidor-ph-suelo.htm

https://www.bt-ingenieros.com/otros/128-medidor-de-ph-humedad-y-luz-suelo.html?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAqL28BhCrARIsACYJvkczZ7TudS_UNhWIEf-M9tRNdk26rUDYmU_OjRjv7JX3pJWtr-VzbXQaArYZEALw_wcB

• This vegetative stage usually lasts between 3 and 6 weeks after germination, depending on the variety of fruits we have selected and our climatic conditions.
• The flowering and fruiting stage will begin once the plants acquire an approximate size between 30 and 50 cm, depending on the variety grown, with 10 to 12 leaves that will indicate adequate development of the photosynthetic system.
• As the leaves increase in size, the capacity to maximize photosynthesis will be greater, as well as the possibility of assimilating the sunlight they need, and a good, dense foliar cover will protect the soil and help conserve the correct humidity. .
• The stems should reach a minimum thickness of 1 to 1.5 cm, which provides sufficient support for the fruits that will begin to develop, and in the trailing varieties, the guides should reach the same length, 1 to 1.5 cm.
• It is important that at this stage we maintain an average temperature between 22° and 30°C to obtain a production of high-quality melons that are valuable in our market.

Now, if we decide to implement the use of the biodegradable paper mulching technique, we will have several solutions at hand in a single effect, since the mulch conserves the necessary moisture in the soil, preventing compaction and eventual erosion, and effectively controlling the proliferation of weeds.

• Furthermore, due to its novel characteristic of biodegradation at the end of each harvest, it becomes a rich, environmentally friendly nutrient for future plantings.
• At this point we must not forget that crop rotation is healthy for the soil and plants, especially for melons, legumes and cereals, among others.
• Rotation prevents various diseases, restores and revives depleted nutrients that remain in the soil, and prevents the proliferation of specific melon pests.

Special recommendations to keep in mind before planting melons.

Let’s review the details that we are going to take special care of before planting melons:

• El terreno que seleccionemos debe recibir al menos entre 6 y 8 horas de sol directo, debidamente protegido de ráfagas fuertes de viento, y si es un suelo ligeramente inclinado favorecerá el drenaje evitando el encharcamiento.
• In this way we will be able to provide correct photosynthesis, an optimal accumulation of sugars in our fruits, an adequate and necessary pollination process, and the health of the root system essential for the development of our crop.
• If melons are planted in areas susceptible to frequent or excessive winds, we can install natural or artificial windbreaks.
• Let us keep in mind that if the soil we choose has been previously cultivated, we must make a well-thought-out rotation, with legumes or cereals, for example, so that in this way we can improve the fertility and quality of nutrients and avoid the possible appearance of pests and melon diseases, as we will see later.

Let’s check out these Links too:

https://digital.csic.es/bitstream/10261/11154/1/LOS%20CORTAVIENTOS%20EN%20AGRICULTURA.PDF

https://es.eyouagro.com/blog/windbreak-netting-guide

Planning proper irrigation for planting melons.

Let us be cautious in advance against any eventuality, and thus we will be able to successfully achieve a crop of healthy and perfect melons. An efficient irrigation system is our next key step:

Smart tillage techniques for planting melons.

This plant has the particularity of being sensitive to excess humidity and compacted soil. Therefore, correct aeration of the land in which we decide to plant melons will be vital to successfully achieve our plan.

Prevention:

We must avoid that, by not attending to this part prior to sowing, sensitive roots cannot access adequate oxygen for their growth, which can result in root stress and the appearance of typical diseases such as root asphyxiation or root rot. roots.

Benefits:

• Let us then learn about the different appropriate techniques for tillage, because once we obtain a healthy and conducive soil, we will produce optimal root development, the perfect absorption of the necessary nutrients, the beneficial activity of microorganisms that are also essential nutrients, the vigorous and healthy growth of our plants, and we will make our cultivation much more productive and profitable.
• Likewise, we will improve the structure of the soil by facilitating gas exchange and the retention of moisture necessary for the proper development of the root system.

Previous recommendation:

When selecting the tillage technique that suits us, we will first take into account the type of soil we have, our climatic conditions and the resources we have.

Conventional Tillage:

• It consists of removing the soil completely, using the moldboard or disc plow.
• Result: We will turn the soil to eliminate residues from previous crops, we break up the compacted layers, improving porosity and we create a uniform and correct profile for planting melons.
• Advantages: We effectively improve soil aeration, and allow adequate drainage, especially if we treat heavy soils.
• Disadvantages: We can erode our substrate if we till excessively in this way, and we will lose vital organic matter if we do not combine this procedure properly with conservation techniques that we will explain later.

Vertical Tillage:

In this case, we are not going to turn the land because we are going to use equipment that works vertically to reduce compaction and thus achieve better oxygen distribution. Some tools used for this are:

• Chisel or scarifier: Very effective for compacted soils as it breaks up the hardened layers and allows oxygenation without altering the natural horizons of the soil.
• Rotocultor: Ideal for clay soils because it produces a uniform mixture of the surface layer of the soil.
• Advantages: Better aeration without altering the soil structure, allows the necessary infiltration of water and nutrients, and is appropriate for soils that have been compacted by agricultural machinery.
• Disadvantages: Here we may need specialized machinery, which would generate a greater investment before planting melons, and we should also complement this procedure with organic fertilization to avoid unforeseen events later in our cultivation.

Conservation techniques for planting melons.

• These agricultural techniques are implemented in order to conserve the productive nature of the soil, maintaining its structure, fertility and long-term sustainability.
• We must take into account that, in the worst case, we could experience critical problems before planting melons, such as unforeseen soil erosion and therefore, the loss of organic matter.
• If our land loses its fertile layer, its capacity to retain both the water and the nutrients necessary to develop our crop will decrease, and our agricultural productivity and profitability would be seriously affected.
• This is where the need to implement these effective conservation techniques comes into play. Let’s study its usefulness in detail:

Biodegradable paper padding.

• Agricultural mulch, especially made with biodegradable materials such as paper, is one of the most effective techniques to conserve nutrients from both the soil and our crop, and due to its composition, it degrades without leaving unnecessary or toxic residues, which is why it is It becomes nutrient fertilizer for the soil, very important for our next crops.
• Benefits: Prevents and reduces erosion, as it protects the surface from the direct and unpredictable impact of excessive rain and wind.
• The biodegradable paper padding allows moisture to be preserved. It reduces water evaporation, and in this way benefits us with responsible and intelligent consumption.
• Due to the effect produced by this innovative and sustainable technique, the soil structure will maintain an adequate temperature necessary for the healthy growth of our plants, and also favors the development of the microbial activity that we need in the substrate.

Buy the biodegradable mulch for planting melons online here

Crop rotation.

• This conservation technique allows us to maintain soil fertility and prevent its depletion.
• Rotating crops involves alternating different types of crops on the same portion of land in different cycles, and this procedure avoids the compaction and suffocation of microorganisms and nutrients, as well as the overexploitation of specific nutrients that we have to implement to compensate for the deficit.
• When we rotate crops with Legumes (provide and fix nitrogen and organic matter), Grasses (prevent erosion and improve soil structure), Cruciferous plants (biofumigation and substrate improvement), and combinations of cover crops (maximization of benefits and adapt the specific conditions of the soil and climate), we increase the production of organic matter and enrich poor soils lacking sufficient nutrients without the need to use non-organic products, we help suppress weeds since some are naturally biofumigants, we provide a dense coverage that prevents erosion, improves water infiltration and retention, and serves as a natural barrier against invasive species, among other essential and vital properties.
• Implementing this rotation technique not only favors the productivity of main crops such as melon, but also contributes to more resilient and environmentally friendly agriculture.
• We reduce possible erosion if we incorporate cover crops that protect the surface.
• These cover crops can be: Clover (Trifolium spp.), Vetch (Vicia sativa), Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), Fodder pea (Pisum sativum subsp. arvense), Oats (Avena sativa), Rye (Secale cereale), Barley ( Hordeum vulgare), Ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum), Mustard (Brassica spp.), Fodder turnip (Brassica rapa), Forage radish (Raphanus sativus var. longipinnatus), and combinations of Vetch and Oats, Clover and Rye, or Mustard and Forage turnip. They all have very effective properties to nourish and protect our substrate, and make it productive and sustainable in the long term.

Sowing in Contour or Terraces.

• When we have sloping or sloping land, these contour or agricultural terrace techniques are very useful to reduce soil erosion.
• With these practices we manage to reduce the speed of water runoff and increase infiltration, avoiding the loss of fertile particles and allowing the recharge of moisture in the soil.
• Another key point that benefits us when implementing these techniques on sloping or sloping terrain is that we prevent what we call Leaching of essential nutrients from occurring.

What is Leaching of Essential Nutrients?

It is the process by which the necessary nutrients such as nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), as well as other essential elements for the healthy growth of plants, dissolve in water and are carried to the upper layers. deep in the soil, so they will be out of reach of the root system of the crops. This will affect the yield and quality of our crop.

This phenomenon generally occurs when there is excessive irrigation, abundant and frequent rainfall, excessive fertilization, lack of plant coverage, and the nutrients that will be most affected by this situation will be precisely:

• Nitrogen (N): Nitrate (NO₃⁻) is the nutrient most susceptible to leaching as it dissolves easily in water.
• Potassium (K): It is leached to a lesser extent, but its mobility increases in sandy soils or soils with high sodium content.
• Calcium (Ca) and Magnesium (Mg): They can be washed away in acidic soils or with frequent irrigation.
• Sulfur (S): It is found in the form of sulfates (SO₄²⁻), which are easily leachable.

Consequences of Nutrient Leaching:

• This process can seriously affect our agricultural productivity and the balance of the environment.
• It reduces soil fertility, and as a consequence, causes nutritional deficiencies in our crops.
• Leached nitrates can reach groundwater sources, and this contact will contaminate them and can also affect our health.
• We must compensate for the loss of nutrients with additional applications of fertilizers and this represents an unforeseen cost and sometimes exceeds our budget.

How do we avoid nutrient leaching?

Making use of biodegradable paper mulch to reduce water evaporation, to stabilize and control soil balance and reduce the washout of essential nutrients.

More important recommendations:

• Plan efficient irrigation such as the drip system, which reduces the carryover of these nutrients.
• Rotate crops.
• Implement cover crops such as legumes and grasses.
• Incorporate organic matter such as homemade or industrial compost, or previously crushed crop residues, and decomposed and dried manure, which will improve the ability to retain water and nutrients.

Plant melons in Spain.

Below, we show several very interesting links that will illustrate in detail about the main varieties of melon:

https://www.finedininglovers.com/es/noticia/tipos-de-melon

https://cadenaser.com/castillalamancha/2024/09/27/ultimos-dias-de-la-temporada-de-melon-por-que-consumirlo-ser-toledo

https://www.infobae.com/salud/2024/05/24/que-es-el-melon-cantalupo-y-por-que-hace-bien-consumirlo

https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cucumis_melo

https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mel%C3%B3n_verde

Selecting the right seeds for planting melons.

This aspect is essential to achieve a successful and productive harvest. A melon seed is considered high quality when it meets the following criteria:

Germination rate:

• We recommend checking very carefully that the seeds have a germination rate greater than 90%, to guarantee an adequate and convenient population of plants, and uniform growth.
• For this we must review the germination tests certified by the supplier.

Suitable genetic characteristics and certification approved by regulatory bodies:

• It is very important that we are sure that the seeds we select have gone through control certifications, to guarantee that they produce strong and healthy seedlings, with the ability to tolerate variables such as water stress or fluctuating changes in temperature.
• On each label and visibly, they must present the dates of production, harvest, germination rate, batch number and expiration date.
• These controls must certify that the seeds have undergone sufficient tests of germination, purity and absence of pests or diseases, that they come from healthy mother plants and not mixed with unwanted or non-compatible varieties.
• As we see, there are many variables that we must study and implement to plant melons with successful and profitable results.

In addition to the criteria that we have mentioned here for when we are going to choose the seeds, we present other recommendations that we must take into consideration:

We can do a germination test at home:

We place 10 to 20 seeds on a piece of wet paper and observe how many of them germinate in 3 to 5 days. If the rate is greater than 90%, it will indicate that they are of high quality.

Seeds from reliable and certified suppliers:

We recommend purchasing our seeds from recognized companies that offer technical advice and after-sale guarantee. On the other hand, despite having chosen the correct seeds, there are variables that can affect performance if we do not manage this delicate process properly:

• When we sow at temperatures below 18°, with poorly planned soils in terms of drainage and nutrients, or soils susceptible to waterlogging, or excessive irrigation, or when we have not met all the necessary requirements for it to have the healthy and healthy to receive seeds that can develop as we expect.
• Let’s remember that we are going to do a preventive treatment of the soil before each sowing.
• To protect the seedlings once planted in their final area, we recommend implementing the use of biodegradable paper mulch to control temperature and humidity, prevent weeds and conserve the essential nutrients that allow each plant to develop successfully and safely.
• This benefits us in costs while we continue to be respectful of the environment.

Suitable climate for planting melons:

• It is essential to implement prior field tests and thus we can select the variety of seeds whose plants can adapt to the climatic conditions of the region where we are going to plant.
• Consider that some varieties tolerate high temperatures and drought well, while others adapt to more temperate climates.
• An example of this is the Piel de Sapo melon, which tolerates hot and dry climates very well.

Suitable soil type:

Planting melons requires well-drained soils with a neutral pH and rich in organic matter such as well-shredded compost, or crumbled, loose and dry manure, among others.

Disease resistance:

• We recommend doing prior research around the area where we are going to plant melons, specifically on common diseases in the area, in order to prevent and wisely choose the variety that is resistant or less susceptible to being contaminated.
• Varieties such as hybrids have been developed to resist common diseases that we will explain later, such as powdery mildew, anthracnose and fusarium, and due to their high resistance they can adapt to both different climatic conditions and different soil compositions.
• In addition, hybrid fruits are more uniform in size and shape, have a flavor and texture that is more valued in the market, and their crop cycles are shorter, which allows earlier and more profitable harvests.

Some hybrid varieties are the following:

Piel de Sapo Type Melon, Cantaloupe Type Melon (Cruiser F1), Hami Type Melon (M1131), Harper Type Melon (King RZ and Queen RZ), Galia Type Melon, Canary Yellow Type Melon.

Seed storage:

They should be reserved in specific temperature conditions, between 10° and 15°, with low relative humidity, between 40° and 50°; this to preserve its vigor and optimal quality of development.

What type of melon is most valued in our surrounding markets?

Here it is convenient for us to carefully study the commercial movement of the surrounding markets, to plan and prevent possible high transportation costs and be accurate in planting melons that bring us economic benefits that we can reinvest in the short term and profitably in nearby areas. This is how we strengthen and extend our production over time.

Proper planting methods for planting melons.

It is vital that we make prior decisions about the planting method that is best for us to use, since in our project this is a vital phase and the one we select will make the difference between a successful and profitable harvest or one with low productivity. We must be patient and study.

Let’s review the different types of planting and the appropriate practices for planting melons, which guarantee the result we expect. We present two types of sowing: Direct Sowing and Sowing in a seedbed with transplant. Let’s analyze.

Direct Sowing:

• It is the most common method in areas with warm, stable climates, with temperatures above 18°C during the germination phase.
• We do it directly in the land where the plants will develop until harvest.

Advantages of direct sowing:

• We reduce costs and eventual labor, since we avoid the transplant process.
• Planting melons this way means less stress for the plants, as they germinate and develop right where we have planted the seeds.
• This method is suitable for well-drained soils, with good nutrient retention (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium), and for areas with long growing cycles.

Requirements for planting melons in direct sowing:

• Previously we must do a good tillage to condition or correct the aeration, and be able to eliminate weeds or remains of previous crops that could potentially affect our new planting.
• We incorporate organic matter or manure, well decomposed and loose, and we adjust the pH of the soil to a range between 6.0 to 6.8.
• We place the seeds at a depth of 2 to 3 cm, and the rows should be arranged at a distance of 1.5 to 2 meters between them. Between the plants we calculate 50 to 90 cm of space depending on the variety of melons we have chosen.
• The initial irrigation is done immediately after sowing and preferably drip to guarantee uniform germination, and we will control the constant humidity level until the first two weeks.
• In this phase, making use of biodegradable paper padding is crucial, as we avoid many inconveniences and costs.
• Mulching prevents the appearance of weeds, prevents soil compaction and maintains constant and correct humidity throughout the growing process.

Sowing in seedbed with transplant:

This type of sowing is very effective for cold climates and short-term growing areas, and allows us the possibility of germinating seeds under controlled conditions and in spaces protected from fluctuating climates with unstable temperatures, or possible unexpected or late frosts.

Advantages of sowing in a seedbed with transplant:

Sowing in seedbeds benefits us in several aspects. We optimize the use of the land, we calculate and control more safely when the conditions are conducive to transferring the seedlings to the final soil, so we will avoid wasting the seeds and the germination process will be more effective.

Requirements for planting melons in seedbeds:

• We prepare growing trays or individual pots. The substrate that we must use must be light, rich in nutrients, with good aeration and adequate capacity to retain water but not susceptible to flooding or leaching, which we have already analyzed previously.
• In each cell or pot we will place 1 or 2 seeds at a depth of 1 to 2 cm.
• We will control a constant temperature between 20° and 25° and we will water moderately, not abundantly.
• The adequate light that they should receive will be 6 to 8 hours a day, in order to strengthen the growth of the seedlings, and when they acquire 3 or 4 true leaves, and a height of 10 to 15 cm, is when we can transplant them into the ground. definitive.
• It is advisable to expose them little by little to the outside climate before transplanting, so as not to subject them to possible stress.
• Likewise, we are going to repeat the same procedure that we did for direct sowing;
• We calculate a distance of 1.5 to 2 meters between rows, and between one plant and the other we leave a space of 50 to 90 cm.

• In both planting methods, the use of biodegradable paper mulch is highly recommended, as we will avoid unforeseen costs to keep our crop healthy and in optimal and safe development, in addition to acting as a physical barrier against insects, soil-borne diseases, and the appearance of weeds that can compete for water and nutrients.

Suitable calendar for planting melons in Spain.

• Depending on the climatic conditions of each region and for sowing in open fields, we can plan our initial project from March to June, and if we are going to sow in greenhouses and want to achieve early harvests, we can advance sowing in February.
• It is always advisable to do field tests, to ensure that the main and definitive plan is carried out successfully.

Tools and materials needed to plant melons.

• We recommend that before starting our planting project, we have the appropriate inputs on hand, such as duly certified and high-quality seeds, biodegradable paper mulch in sufficient quantity, soil prepared with all the nutrients, and correct irrigation and drainage routes. , stakes or stakes to support and serve as support during the development of the plants, the necessary and environmentally friendly fertilizers, and basic tools such as hoes, rakes and very clean pruning shears, to avoid dragging possible contaminations from previous uses.

Essential care that we must implement to plant melons.

Let’s start with Pruning.

• This agricultural practice is vital to maintain adequate control during vegetative growth, and directs the energy of our plants towards balanced and high-quality fruiting.
• The appropriate time to do pruning is early in the morning or at dusk.
• This way we avoid stress on the plants.
• Let us remember that we use clean and disinfected tools before and after each use, to avoid unexpected contamination.
• Now, when we observe that the structure of the plants shows unusual signs, that is when we should prune. Let’s analyze each type.

Pruning guides or secondary branches:

• Here we must eliminate, with very clean pruning shears, the secondary branches that we consider non-productive, such as the lateral ones that we see as weak or those that do not have flowers. This to avoid competition for nutrients. We only have to leave the main guides so that the plant continues its normal development.

Pruning excess flowers or fruits:

• Let’s prune the small fruits or those that we see deformed and the additional flowers, since we are going to concentrate the resources and energy of the plant on the main fruits. In this way we will be able to benefit both the size, shape and flavor of our melons.

Pruning old or diseased leaves:

• We cut off yellowed, dry, withered, deformed, damaged leaves to improve air circulation, reduce excess humidity in the plant structure and, very importantly, prevent the appearance or spread of fungi and diseases.

Signs of stress in melon plants.

• This is another aspect that we must attend to carefully, and it can be caused by nutritional deficiencies, excessive or inefficient irrigation, and the appearance of pests or diseases.
• We recommend carefully observing the development process of our crop to recognize these signs and be able to take action in time.
• Let’s analyze these signs:

Yellowed or wilted leaves:

• They appear due to excessive or inefficient irrigation, and due to insufficient nutrients such as nitrogen specifically.
• Nitrogen (N) is considered a macronutrient, as it is a vital element for the production of healthy leaves and the process of healthy plant metabolism.
• When crops lack this nutrient or it is deficient, the development of the plants is delayed and the leaves lose their color and shine, so production will be defective.
• This element is responsible for the production of chlorophyll, photosynthesis, and the bright green color of the leaves. It is a component of the amino acids that form the proteins necessary for cell growth, and of the enzymes that regulate plant metabolism.
• Fertilizers such as compost, manure, peat and worm castings provide appropriate amounts of nitrogen to properly balance the substrate.
• Other natural alternatives to provide nitrogen are Compost Tea or Nettle Manure that stimulate vegetative growth by making applications to the foliage, rotating the crops to refeed the substrates, alternating the sowing with legumes, clover, alfalfa, beans, which through their Roots fix nitrogen in the soil.
• Likewise, it is good to know that during the fruiting stage we must increase the proportion of potassium (K) and phosphorus (P) to improve the quality of the fruits.

Small or deformed fruits:

• This is due to insufficient pollination and competition between fruits.
• In these cases we recommend building hives near the growing area, thus favoring the pollination necessary for the development of flowers and fruits, as well as giving priority to the main and healthiest fruits, eliminating secondary or additional ones.

Spots on leaves and fruits:

• They appear due to excessive humidity on the leaves or due to diseases such as powdery mildew and anthracnose, which we will see later.
• To do this, we must apply preventive treatments with organic fungicides, such as sulfur and potassium bicarbonate, and improve air circulation between the plants by pruning and having previously defined the space between them.
• Effective organic insecticides that we can also use are neem oil and potassium soaps.

Slow plant growth:

• It occurs due to soil compaction and lack of nutrients in the correct amount.
• In this case we must do light tillage to allow more air flow in the substrate and add well-shredded compost, as well as fertilizers that contain essential microelements such as iron, zinc and magnesium.

Additional recommendations for planting melons:

• This “art” requires continuous dedication from us, which in the end will provide us with many benefits and satisfaction; Therefore, part of this dedication will consist of regular observation of our plants to detect the appearance of pests or diseases. Let’s do prevention in time with all the details that we have described here.
• On the other hand, and if this is our case, in vertical crops it is very important to use stakes or meshes that can support the guides and the fruits, in order to promote adequate growth and the quality of our planting, and we will also facilitate the phase of the harvest.

How do you know if melons are ready to harvest?

The process of planting melons reaches a crucial moment here, since cutting the fruits at their exact moment of ripeness will guarantee not only their sweet flavor and correct texture, but also the possibility of storing them properly to prolong their useful and profitable life. Here are some indicators that can serve as a guide to identify the point of ripeness of our melons:

The harvest should always be done at the time of ripening.

• The Cantalupo melon variety will present more pronounced reticulations of the peel with color changes towards a golden tone.
• The Piel de Sapo variety shows signs of change in the intense green skin towards a more yellowish tone.
• In general, the union of the fruit with the plant (peduncle) will present light cracks and will separate easily.
• Ripe melons should have a uniform color, free of spots and no visible damage.
• The sweet aroma towards the area near the peduncle is another indication of maturity.
• If no odor is emitted, it means that the fruit is not ripe enough to be separated.
• The point of maturity of the Galia melon, for example, we will see in its peel. When pressing it gently towards the end opposite the peduncle, we feel it slightly soft.
• When the melon feels heavy to the touch and in proportion to its size, it indicates that it has a good water content and juiciness.

• Now, let’s see how to harvest properly to ensure you get fruits without damage. For this we must use tools such as sharp and disinfected knives or scissors, which we will use to cut the peduncle carefully, without damaging the plant or the fruit, leaving between 2 and 3 cm of peduncle attached to each melon, to prolong its freshness.
• It is very important that we handle the fruits with special attention, to prevent bumps and injuries, as we reduce their useful life and can facilitate the entry of harmful microorganisms.
• Harvesting should preferably be done early in the morning when temperatures are cooler, as the heat will degrade its quality.

Storage and Transportation:

• We recommend in advance having padded trays or boxes covered with some protective, clean and preferably organic material, for the storage and transport of our melons, and even at this time it is prudent to check them one by one to verify that they are in perfect condition. Proper transportation must be done in trucks refrigerated at 10°.
• Another advisable step will be to classify the melons by size and level of maturity, for the purposes of their distribution, marketing and consumption, but we are not going to place them one above the other as we can cause pressure damage to the fruits.

Let’s talk about storage temperature.

• To preserve whole melons, a temperature between 7° and 10°C is ideal, plus a relative humidity between 85° and 90°. This way we can maintain its freshness for 2 or 3 weeks.
• For cut melons stored in the refrigerator, the recommended temperature is 2° to 4°C, placed in an airtight container. This way we avoid the absorption of odors and also the possible entry of microorganisms or other polluting agents.
• Melons have the peculiarity of releasing ethylene. This gas accelerates the ripening of both fruits and vegetables and this is why we must separate them, as it can affect other products stored in the same space.
• Improper storage can produce soft skins on our melons, due to excess humidity or prolonged time in the containers, boxes or trays. Mold stains may appear if we do not control an adequate temperature, and they will lose their aroma when we place them in very low or dry temperatures.

Pests and diseases that can affect our melon planting project.

• It is very important that we develop a preliminary strategy to address unforeseen events and inconveniences such as the appearance of pests and diseases specific to these plants.
• We will take preventive measures such as disinfecting the soil on which we are going to plant melons, using organic products such as Trichoderma: a natural biocontroller of diseases that, among other properties, helps protect plants against pathogenic fungi and promotes the absorption of nutrients. and strengthens the resistance that can come from environmental stress.
• Another preventive measure is the regular inspection of our land to detect signs of the appearance of aphids, red spiders or thrips, common pests in melon cultivation.
• The use of biodegradable paper mulch from the initial stage of planting represents a protective and adjuvant factor that will work for us throughout the process until the final phase of harvest.
• Likewise, pollination is a determining factor during the fruiting process, which is why it is advisable to encourage the production of bees and other pollinators in spaces close to our crop. With this procedure we can increase the yield of our harvest by 30%.
• Pests usually cause serious damage to these plants, as they feed on their leaves, flowers and fruits, weaken their structure and cause a significant deterioration in the yield and quality of the fruits. Here we will give a report on the common pests and diseases that affect cucurbits, among which our melons are identified.

This link helps us learn about Trichoderma: https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trichoderma_harzianum

Aphids (Aphis gossypii and Myzus persicae):

• They are small green, black or yellow insects that feed on the sap
• and the young leaves and shoots are grouped together and deformed.
• They secrete a sticky substance called honeydew, which favors the development of fungi such as sooty mold.
• To combat these pests we must introduce natural predators such as ladybugs (Coccinella septempunctata) or lacewings, and apply garlic extracts, potassium soap or neem oil as organic methods.

The Whitefly (Bemisia tabaci):

• They are white insects that live and feed on the underside of the leaves, causing them to turn yellow and therefore reduce the photosynthetic capacity of the plant. In addition, they are a source of other viral diseases and contaminants for other plants.
• We can control this pest by installing yellow chromatic traps, and releasing beneficial insects such as Encarsia Formosa, which is a parasitoid of the whitefly.

The Red Spider (Tetranychus urticae):

• They are small reddish mites that weave fine cobwebs, producing yellow dots on the underside of the leaves, drying them out and causing rapid defoliation.
• To eradicate this pest we must increase the humidity of the environment, and thus we can prevent its proliferation.
• Effective treatments such as applying sulfur or vegetable oils such as neem oil are recommended for these cases.

Thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis):

• They are small and elongated insects that suck the cellular content of the leaves, flowers and fruits, producing visible silver spots, deforming the fruits and of course, greatly affecting the commercial quality of our crop.
• In these cases we must place blue sticky traps, and use bioinsecticides based on Bacillus thuringiensis, another biological and ecological insecticide that helps us control the natural pests of our crop.

In this link we can learn more about Bacillus thuringiensis: https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bacillus_thuringiensis

Common diseases in melons and the rest of the cucurbits are caused by fungi, bacteria and viruses that can spread quickly in crops. Let’s analyze these diseases.

Powdery mildew (Erysiphe cichoracearum and Podosphaera xanthii):

• It manifests itself with the appearance of white powdery spots on the leaves and extends to the rest of the plant structure. The leaves dry out, fall off, and photosynthesis will be severely affected.
• In this situation we are going to apply effective organic fungicides such as sulfur and potassium bicarbonate. We must improve air circulation between the plants by pruning, and we will previously plan adequate spacing between them.

Downy mildew (Pseudoperonospora cubensis):

• This disease causes yellow spots on the leaves, which then acquire a brown tone and finally become necrotic. A gray mold also occurs on the underside of the leaves.
• Here we must especially avoid excess humidity by implementing very controlled irrigation, and we will use biological fungicides such as horsetail or copper extract.

Fusariosis (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. melonis):

• In these cases, the lower leaves take on a yellowish color, and this damage extends to the upper part of the plant structure. The root system withers and becomes necrotic.
• To combat this disease we must use varieties resistant to Fusarium, and prior to sowing, we are going to solarize the soil and definitely avoid rotation with crops susceptible to this disease, to prevent its spread in subsequent sowings.

Melon Mosaic Virus (CMV and WMV):

• This virus produces, as its name indicates, deformed leaves with yellow and green mosaics, and deformed fruits with yellow spots.
• To clean up our crop we are going to eliminate infected plants from the roots, and we must control the populations of reproductive sources such as aphids.

Plant melons. An art, a comprehensive and sustainable agricultural activity.

• Throughout this detailed guide on planting melons, we have covered each phase of cultivation, from proper soil preparation to harvesting, storing, packaging and transporting our fruits, and we have learned about how to implement innovative agricultural techniques. to help us optimize and make our production profitable.
• Planting melons goes beyond being just another agricultural activity. It is an art that integrates and asks us for creativity, patience, observation, commitment to the environment, and taking advantage of everything we currently have at our disposal so that this becomes abundance, prosperity and profitability in the long term.
• The not-too-distant future of all agricultural processes has little by little been focusing towards the use of more ecological and efficient methods, and planting melons is no exception. We are currently implementing more advanced agricultural practices and sustainable technology and previously intelligently planned all the details of the cultivation process, considering and learning to control and solve the unforeseeable, and avoiding risks that may represent an unnecessary cost.
• One of these innovative methods is biodegradable paper mulching: sustainable and environmentally friendly technology that we so need to protect.
• From the beginning of our sowing until harvest, paper mulching allows us to solve many of these variables or unforeseen events, as it retains and controls humidity levels and the compaction or eventual erosion of the soil, prevents the proliferation of weeds, preserves the essential nutrients for the perfect development of root systems and the healthy and productive growth of stems, leaves, flowers and fruits.
• In addition, paper padding benefits us in costs and investments that would otherwise imply a loss in our budget. Here we avoid using pesticides, agricultural plastics and toxic substances to eradicate pests and diseases that we have studied in this guide.
• As we see, planting melons under these sustainable parameters becomes a very productive, satisfying and successful investment.

Let’s get to work and much success!