It's best to water with a drip or trickle system that delivers water at low pressure at the soil level. Use a rain gauge to check to see if you need to add water. Plants need about 1-2 inches of rain per week during the growing season. Keep plants well-watered during the growing season, especially during dry spells.Cantaloupes have a shallow root system, mulches help retain soil moisture and maintain even soil temperatures.Weeds compete with plants for water, space and nutrients, so control them by either cultivating often or use a mulch to prevent their seeds from germinating. Keep weeds under control during the growing season.Thin to 3 or 4 strongest seedlings in each group when they are 1-2 inches high.Sow seeds 3 inches apart in groups of 4-6.Sow in fertile, warm soil after danger of frost has passed.This hardening off process toughens the plant’s cell structure and reduces transplant shock and scalding. If frost threatens at night, cover or bring containers indoors, then take them out again in the morning. Be sure to protect them from wind and hot sun at first. Accustom young plants to outdoor conditions by moving them to a sheltered place outside for a week. Before planting in the garden, seedling plants need to be “hardened off”.Seedlings do not need much fertilizer, feed when they are 3-4 weeks old using a starter solution (half strength of a complete indoor houseplant food) according to manufacturer’s directions.Most plants require a dark period to grow, do not leave lights on for 24 hours. Incandescent bulbs will not work for this process because they will get too hot. Raise the lights as the plants grow taller.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |