8424 is a common watermelon variety on the market. Like other watermelons, its cultivation requires vine training and topping. So, how many vines should be left on an 8424 watermelon? Details are as follows:
How many vines should be left on an 8424 watermelon?
For the 8424 watermelon variety, three vines are typically retained: one main vine and two secondary vines. With three vines, one to two fruits are usually left; leaving too many fruits will negatively impact the watermelon's growth. Alternatively, the main vine can be topped, leaving four secondary vines.
What are some methods for trellising watermelon vines?
1. Fence
First, insert a pole every 2 meters on the west side of the watermelon plant. Then, tie 3-4 thinner horizontal bars along the rows of watermelon seedlings to form a sparse, fence-like support structure, about 2 meters high. If it is not particularly stable, you can tie a few more bars.
2. A-frame
In each melon bed, between two rows of melon seedlings, two bamboo poles, about 1.5 meters long, are typically inserted diagonally at opposite angles every 2-3 seedlings, with their upper ends crossing in a "V" shape. The bottoms of the two bamboo poles should be about 66-76 centimeters apart.
3. Tripod
Tripods are typically made of bamboo poles or crop straw. A triangular support is erected around the melon seedlings, with a height of 0.8-1 meter. Three uprights at the top of the support are tied together so that the melon seedlings are positioned in the center under the support. The distance between the bottom poles is 0.4-0.5 meters.
4. Shed
The width of the trellis should be based on the row spacing, approximately 1.2 meters, and the length should be determined by the length of the plot. Each plant should have one stake, ideally 1 meter high, with horizontal beams connecting the tops of the stakes in a north-south and east-west direction. The trellis width should be divided into three equal sections by two wooden sticks about the thickness of an egg , with the length connected and fixed according to the row spacing. Ensure the wooden sticks are sturdy and durable to facilitate later trellising.
5. Plastic hanging rope frame
Plastic tear strips can be used instead of uprights. The base is fixed to the horizontal bar on the ground, and the top is fixed to the trellis frame. One plastic strip is hung on each vine to form a hanging rope frame, which makes management more convenient.
