Watermelons in hydroponics

Watermelons

in hydroponics

The watermelon is considered native to Africa, from where it spread throughout the Mediterranean and was brought to America by Christopher Columbus on one of his trips.

Watermelon is the favorite summer fruit, as it is refreshing, because it is made up of 90% water.

Some experts refer to it as a vegetable, while others consider it as a fruit.In reality the confusion occurs because the watermelon is a cucurbit, it is related to the cucumber and the pumpkins.

It is cultivated as a fruit vegetable and is generally treated as a vegetable for culinary uses.

However, it is considered a fruit because it develops from the plant's ovary after flowering and contains seeds.

Thanks to the hydroponics technique it is possible to cover the requirements of the watermelon and optimize all the resources.

How to grow watermelons in hydroponics?

You need:

·        Watermelon seeds.

·        A grow bed or similar container.

·        A mixture of sandy loam substrate of 70% peat moss and 30% agrolite.

·        Water.

·        Nutritious solution for flowers.

Process:

·        The first step is to locate a place to place the cultivation bed, it must receive at least 12 hours of sunlight a day, since watermelon needs warm climates for its correct growth, then the substrate must be prepared for this, moisten it a little with water and place it inside the container.

·        When the substrate is ready it is time to introduce the seeds.

·        Put one plant per container, that is, put 1 to 4 seeds in the cultivation bed to ensure production success.

·        During its germination period and until flowering, the plant must be watered constantly.

·        The seeds will begin to sprout in the first seven or ten days, when they have reached a height of 10cm or have two pairs of true leaves, it is time to put the nutritional solution at risk to stimulate the growth of the fruits.

·        The harvest takes place after 40 or 45 days after flowering, the point of maturity occurs when the petiole of the fruit is dry.

.Benefits:

Among its main characteristics we can mention:

·        Prevents the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

·        Reduces the risk of eye diseases.

·        Rich in iron, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus and calcium.

·        Relieves muscle pain.

·        Helps to combat fatigue.

·        It is hydrating and laxative.

·        It has an antioxidant effect.

·        It has a high content of vitamins A and C.

·        It favors the proper functioning of the kidneys.

~ Camila García - Gabriela Vesga