Fundamentals of Agriculture and Sericulture, Volume 3

Inferior soil follows this rule. After harvesting the previous crop, plow the land immediately and turn the soil over frequently.

Planting during the first ten days of the second lunar month roughly March in the Gregorian calendar is considered the best time.
The first ten days of the third month is the median time.
The first ten days of the fourth month is the latest time.
During the fifth month and the first ten days of the sixth month, one may plant melons intended for storage likely winter melons or varieties suited for preservation.

〇 General Method for Planting Melons:
First, wash the melon seeds clean with water and mix them with salt.
Mixing with salt ensures the melons do not die from pests or disease.
First, use a hoe or a louA specialized animal-drawn seed drill or furrowing tool to clear away the dry topsoil.
The reason for clearing the soil is the concern that if the drill goes too deep, it will mix too much dry earth into the seedbed.
Then, prepare the planting pits roughly the size of a chopped cattail mat, about the size of the mouth of a dou a "peck" measure, approximately the size of a large bowl or bucket. Place four melon seeds and three soybeans on the side of the mound facing the sun. When the melon grows several

leaves, pinch off the soybean plants

The melon's nature is weak; the sprouts cannot break through the soil on their own. Therefore, one must use soybeans to help "lift the soil" for them.