Sun Melon Farming, Cultivation Practices

Introduction to Sun melon Farming

Today, let us disscuss about Sun melon Farming.

This is the one of the members in melon family. The Sun Melon is pink-fleshed seedless watermelon cultivar. It is also called as sarda in Hindi. In Sun melon the calories are low and nutrients are high like vitamin ‘C’ and potassium. It is a juicy and sweet fruit. Sun melon is cultivated in East Asia. It contains a high amount of water similar to watermelon.

History of Sun melons:

Sun melons have been enjoyed in Korea for hundreds of years, with images of the fruits appearing on 12th century celadon from the Goryeo Dynasty. The melons were suspected to be a native of India, eventually making their way to China and Korea via the Silk Road. It is thought that some green varieties, both with and without stripes, have been a result of wild melons growing in ancient China.

Read: Hydroponic Greenhouse Gardening.

Health Benefits of Sun melon:                                            

Anti Aging:

Sun melon is a substance to prevent the effect of the premature aging process. This fruit will surely keep you away from premature aging and makes looks younger.

Diet Solution:

Sun melon is consisting of 90% of water. These high amounts of water give you a rejuvenating feeling and prevent you from getting a sore throat. Sun melons are also low in calorie, fat and cholesterol, so it’s suitable to be consumed if you are on a diet.

Anti-cancer:

Just like the other fruits Sun melon can also prevent you from getting cancer from its carotenoid content. Carotenoid is a natural pigment in fruits. The high content of carotenoid inside this fruit protects you from cancers like lungs and breast cancer.

Prevents Heart Attack:                         

The adenosine content in a Sun melon is not only preventing you from getting cancer, but also prevent the blood sediment lead to heart attack. Adenosine can help you to smother the blood cells so it will minimize the risk of getting a heart attack.

Good for Eyes:

Sun melon is enriched with beta-carotene, which is useful to increase the vision and keeping the health of your eyes. Beta-carotene will be turned into vitamin A. Sun melon used by our body in repairing the eye function, especially in a low light situation.

Nutritional Value of Sun melon:

Sun melons are rich in vitamins A, and C.

Preparing the Planting Area for Sun melon Farming:

1. Choose a Sunny location for sun melon farming:

Choose a place at outdoors, where your seedlings will get a full Sunshine during the day. The ground temperature has to be maintains 70 degrees F (21°C) before you start the planting, or else the seeds will not germinate.

1. Fertilize your soil:

Before starting the plant you have to check the PH valve of the land, it must be 6.0 to 6.8. Once you get the pH valve within a range, fertilize your plant beds using compost or a natural fertilizer from a nursery or home and garden store. This shows that the melons are planted in nutrient-dense in the environment.

1. Cultivate the area where to plant the melons:

You have at least a 4 x 6 feet (1.2 m x 1.8 m) area to plant the Sun melons and cleared sufficient space by removing any sticks or rocks in the vicinity. Prepare the soil in your plant beds by breaking it with a shovel.

1. Consider starting your melon seeds indoors:

If you are living in an area with long winters and short summers, it is best to start growing melons indoors until it is warm enough to transfer your seedlings outside. If you plant indoors, first you place the seeds in containers of compost and peat moss. Transplant your seedlings outdoors once the weather is consistently warm or hot.

Read: Square Foot Gardening Ideas.

How To Maintain Plants in Sun Melon Farming:

1. Water the melon plants every 2 to 3 days throughout the summer:

Sun melon plants need at least 1-2 inches (2.5-5.1 cm) of water per a week, so you have to arrange the water more often if the weather is very hot and dry. Be careful the water must not be overflown to your plants, as this can cause your melons to rot. If the water was stored on top of the soil, add some mulch around the melon plants to help absorb the excess water. Provide the Water less frequently as your melons begin to ripen, as this will allow your fruit to develop more sweetness and flavor.

1. Fertilize your plants for every 3 to 4 weeks:

Use a well-balanced and good fertilizer that can be purchased at plant nurseries or home and garden stores. You can also prepare your own compost to use. Take your fertilizer or compost in a bucket, and simply use your hands to sprinkle the fertilizer about one tablespoon (14.8 ml) in the dirt around each of your plants.

1. Monitor your plants for signs of disease:

If your plants are being disturbed with bugs or insects, use a row of covers to keep them away. Powdery patches or spots the leaves or stems of your plants, these are the signs of powdery mildew. If your plants are affected with powdery mildew, then remove that affected plant parts and spray the remaining part of your garden with a diluted copper spray. To get rid of aphids, early morning on the day, spray a diluted insecticide on your plants. If it is needed. If you are identified the cucumber beetles, apply a pyrethrins mix to the soil or set insect traps for them. Alternatively, use one black plastic instead of mulch to protect your plants and keep the pests away.

Harvesting Sun melons:

Your melons will be ripe and ready to eat by early fall or late summer. You will know your melons are ready for harvest when you through the skin and smell the melon. Once they have been picked from the vine, melons will get softer or smooth, but not sweeter. If you are not eating your melons shortly after harvest, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 12-15 days.               

Applications and Uses of Sun melon: 

The Sun melon has a lower than average brix level (approximately 7 or 8) and slightly vegetal characteristic making, it equally appropriate for savory and sweet dishes. They are most often served chilled and used to make smoothies, ice creams, and other frozen desserts. Use under ripe fruits to make quick pickles. Sun melon pairs well with cucumber, mint, ginger, citrus, berries, shrimp, coconut milk, feta cheese and chili powder. Once cut, refrigerate in a plastic bag.

Bottom Line of Sun melon Farming:

hese melons can be grown in containers, backyads, and in home gardens. Commercial sun melon farming is also very much profitable in most of the sunny areas of the world.

Read: Growing Noni Fruit.