In recent years, practical farming experiences have demonstrated that adopting a new technique involving mulching warm pits and accelerating the harvest of fresh watermelons is a key strategy for achieving early maturity and higher yields. This method, developed through research and improvement on traditional plastic film coverage, is both simple and effective. Its main benefits include: first, it enhances soil temperature and creates a more favorable microclimate for seedling growth; second, it allows earlier sowing—typically 10 to 15 days ahead of conventional methods; third, it leads to earlier maturation, enabling farmers to access the market earlier and enjoy greater profits.
The process begins with the creation of warm pits. First, dig pits along the entire planting ridge at the appropriate spacing. Each pit should be 15 to 18 cm deep, then filled with 0.5 to 1.0 kg of well-rotted organic fertilizer mixed with soil to a depth of 10 to 12 cm and a width of 15 to 18 cm. Next, after watering the pit, plant 2 to 3 pre-soaked or germinated seeds and cover them with 2 to 3 cm of moist, fine soil. Immediately after planting, lay down the mulch film tightly over the ridge, ensuring it is smooth and secure. Each seed hole forms a small underground greenhouse. Under sunlight, not only does the ground temperature rise, but the temperature inside the pit increases significantly, creating a warm environment powered by solar energy.
When using this method, selecting the right variety is crucial. Early-maturing varieties tend to show better results, but both early and mid-to-late maturing types can also benefit, as they mature faster than those grown under regular plastic film. The ideal sowing time is generally 10 to 15 days earlier than normal, typically just before the last frost. However, local climate conditions should guide the exact timing.
Once the seedlings are established, it's important to break the film when temperatures stabilize and the risk of frost has passed. Carefully remove the film from the warm pit, and transplant 2 to 4 true-leaf seedlings. Ensure the roots are covered with wet soil and the film is compacted tightly around the base to allow the plants to grow freely while their roots remain protected beneath the plastic.
To protect against early spring frosts, monitor weather changes closely after sowing. If temperatures drop, sprinkle a layer of dry soil over the film or cover it with straw. When the weather warms, remove the covering. Additionally, during periods of high temperature, especially when external temperatures reach 30°C, the internal pit temperature may climb to about 40°C. To prevent heat damage, create small ventilation holes on the north side of the pit, 3 to 5 cm away from the seedlings. This helps cool the area without exposing the plants to sudden temperature shocks. It’s best to do this between 9 and 10 am, avoiding the intense midday sun. On cloudy days with temperatures below 25°C, the film can remain in place for continued protection. Overall, this method offers a reliable way to boost productivity and profitability in watermelon cultivation.
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