Caring for a watermelon plant involves regular watering, consistent feeding, and strategic pruning to encourage healthy growth and fruit production. Here's a comprehensive guide:
Watering & Feeding
- Watering: Water your watermelon plants regularly. Consistent moisture is essential for healthy growth and fruit development.
- Feeding: Feed your watermelon plants weekly with a high potash fertiliser. This promotes strong growth and abundant fruit production.
Pruning & Training
Pruning is key to maximizing yield and encouraging a bushy plant. Here’s how to do it:
- First Pruning: Once your watermelon plant has developed five to six true leaves, pinch out the growing tip. This encourages side shoots to develop.
- Thinning: Thin subsequent side shoots, allowing only four to grow.
- Second Pruning: When these four side shoots each have six leaves, pinch out their tips as well.
Summary of Watermelon Care
| Aspect | Action | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Watering | Water regularly. | Maintains soil moisture necessary for growth. |
| Feeding | Feed weekly with high potash fertiliser. | Encourages strong plant growth and fruit development. |
| Pruning | Pinch out the growing tip after 5-6 true leaves. | Promotes side shoots. |
| Thinning | Thin side shoots to four. | Optimizes growth and resource allocation. |
| Final Pruning | Pinch tips of side shoots after 6 leaves on each side shoot | Encourages further branching and fruiting potential. |
Following these steps will help you grow healthy and productive watermelon plants.
