What Can You Plant With Watermelon for Optimal Growth?
What Can You Plant With Watermelon?
Watermelons can be planted with companion plants such as marigold, lavender, borage, pole beans, and a strip of mixed wildflowers.
Marigold, lavender, and borage are good companions because they continuously or intermittently bloom, attracting pollinators like bees that are necessary for watermelon fruit production.
Pole or bush beans enrich the soil by fixing nitrogen.
When planting pole beans, it is important to ensure they do not cast too much shade on the watermelons, so proper placement of bean teepee or trellis is necessary.
Additionally, planting a strip of mixed wildflowers can attract native bees for watermelon pollination.
Key Points:
- Watermelons can be planted with companion plants such as:
- Marigold
- Lavender
- Borage
- Pole beans
- Mixed wildflowers
- Marigold, lavender, and borage attract pollinators like bees necessary for watermelon fruit production.
- Pole or bush beans enrich the soil by fixing nitrogen.
- Proper placement of bean teepee or trellis is necessary to ensure pole beans do not cast too much shade on the watermelons.
- Planting a strip of mixed wildflowers attracts native bees for watermelon pollination.
Did You Know?
1. Did you know that planting marigolds alongside watermelon can help deter harmful pests? Marigolds emit a natural pesticide which repels insects like aphids, nematodes, and cucumber beetles, making them excellent companions for watermelon plants.
2. Another interesting companion plant for watermelon is basil. Not only does basil enhance the flavor of watermelon when eaten together, but its strong fragrance repels pests like mosquitoes, making it an ideal addition to your watermelon garden.
3. Watermelon plants can benefit from the presence of radishes as well. Radishes act as natural soil aerators, breaking up compacted soil and allowing watermelon plant roots to grow more easily. Additionally, their quick growth helps to shade the soil and keep it cool, preventing weed growth.
4. If you’re considering planting watermelon with other vegetables, consider pairing them with corn. Watermelon vines can use corn stalks as natural trellises, utilizing the corn’s height to grow upwards and save space in your garden. Just make sure to provide a sturdy support system for the watermelon vines.
5. Finally, an unexpected companion plant for watermelon is mint. While it may seem unusual, planting mint near watermelon can actually help improve the flavor of the fruit. The aromatic oils released by the mint plant can infuse into the watermelon, creating a unique and refreshing taste combination.
Planting Watermelons: Timing And Preparation
Watermelons are warm-season crops that thrive in temperatures between 70 and 85 °F. Melon seeds do not germinate well in cold soil, so it is crucial to ensure that the soil temperature at a depth of 4 inches is between 60 and 65 °F before planting watermelons.
In regions with colder climates, it is advisable to wait until the last chance of frost has passed before planting watermelons. In the Piedmont area, the recommended planting dates range from April 15 to June 15, while in the Coastal area, it is from April 1 to April 30.
There are two options for planting watermelon seeds – directly in the garden or starting transplants for an earlier start. If planting directly in the garden, it is important to provide ample space for the watermelon vines. Rows should be spaced 6 to 8 feet apart, and within the row, plants should be spaced 5 to 6 feet apart.
For those opting to start transplants, they can be grown indoors or in a greenhouse to get a head start on the growing season. These transplants can be harvested up to two weeks earlier than melons grown from seed.
Using black plastic mulch is highly beneficial when planting watermelons. It helps warm the soil, conserve moisture, control weeds, and reduce fruit rot. Additionally, drip irrigation is recommended when using plastic mulch as it keeps the foliage dry and reduces disease problems. However, it is important to note that row covers used with black plastic mulch need to be removed for pollination to occur.
Watermelon Care: Spacing, Irrigation, And Fertilization
Providing adequate space for watermelon plants is crucial for their optimal growth. They require a lot of room to spread out. It is recommended to plant them in rows spaced 6 to 8 feet apart. Within the row, plants should be spaced 8 feet apart, allowing each plant a total of 24 square feet.
Watermelons are thirsty plants and require consistent irrigation. Given that water makes up 92 percent of the fruit, it is essential to ensure the plants receive enough water. Watermelon roots are predominantly found in the top 12 inches of soil, so it is important to apply only as much water as the root zone can hold.
Drip irrigation is particularly beneficial for watermelon plants as it delivers water directly to the root zone, minimizing water waste and reducing the risk of foliar diseases. Proper watering may require multiple short-duration water cycles during the day to maintain optimal soil moisture levels.
When it comes to fertilization, it is recommended to conduct a soil test to determine specific nutrient requirements. In the absence of soil test results, applying 5-10-10 fertilizer at a rate of 30 pounds per 1,000 square feet before planting is a good general guideline. Side-dressing the melon plants with 34-0-0 or calcium nitrate during the growing season ensures they receive the necessary nutrients for healthy development.
Pollination And Fruit Development Of Watermelons
Proper pollination is vital for the development of watermelon fruit. Bees, including honeybees and native bumblebees, play a crucial role in pollinating watermelon flowers. It is important to have sufficient pollen moved from male flowers to female flowers to ensure fruit set.
Seedless watermelon varieties require more bee visits for pollination compared to seeded varieties. This is because seeded varieties have viable pollen, while seedless varieties do not. Planting a seeded variety within 10 feet of seedless watermelons can provide adequate pollen for fruit set.
It is recommended to establish a honeybee colony on-site to promote proper pollination. It is also crucial to avoid spraying insecticides while bees are foraging, especially between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm, to protect pollinators.
Harvesting And Common Issues With Watermelons
Watermelon varieties typically take between 85 to 90 days from transplant to the first ripe fruit. From fruit set to fruit ripening, it takes approximately 35 days. Signs that a watermelon is ready for harvest include reaching the expected size, a brown tendril close to the fruit, dull skin color, and a large white to cream-colored oval spot on the bottom.
Misshapen fruit is often a result of poor pollination. Adequate pollination is ensured by the presence of honeybees and several species of native bees. To encourage proper pollination, it is recommended to attract pollinators by planting companion plants such as marigold, lavender, and borage. These plants provide continuous or intermittent blooming, which attracts bees.
Blossom end rot, a condition where the bottom of the fruit becomes brown and leathery, is caused by a calcium deficiency in the plant. It is important to note that this does not necessarily indicate a calcium deficiency in the soil. Consistent soil moisture is crucial for preventing blossom end rot.
- Watermelon varieties take 85 to 90 days from transplant to the first ripe fruit.
- From fruit set to fruit ripening, it takes approximately 35 days.
- Signs that a watermelon is ready for harvest include reaching the expected size, a brown tendril close to the fruit, dull skin color, and a large white to cream-colored oval spot on the bottom.
- Misshapen fruit is often a result of poor pollination.
- Honeybees and several species of native bees ensure adequate pollination.
- To encourage proper pollination, plant companion plants such as marigold, lavender, and borage.
- These plants provide continuous or intermittent blooming, which attracts bees.
- Blossom end rot, a condition where the bottom of the fruit becomes brown and leathery, is caused by a calcium deficiency in the plant.
- It does not necessarily indicate a calcium deficiency in the soil.
- Consistent soil moisture is crucial for preventing blossom end rot.
Companion Planting For Watermelons: Attracting Pollinators And Enhancing Soil
Companion planting can greatly benefit watermelon plants. Marigold, lavender, and borage are specific plants that make excellent companions for watermelons. These plants have a continuous or intermittent blooming period, attracting pollinators that aid in the proper pollination of watermelon fruits.
In addition to these flowers, mixed wildflowers can be planted in a strip to attract native bees, which further contribute to watermelon pollination. Moreover, pole or bush beans are considered good companions for watermelons because they enrich the soil by fixing nitrogen. When planting these beans, it is crucial to ensure proper placement of the bean teepee or trellis to prevent excessive shading on the watermelon plants.
Overall, planting companion plants alongside watermelons offers multiple benefits. It enhances pollination, improves soil fertility, and increases biodiversity in the garden.
Check this out:
Frequently Asked Questions
What do you put on watermelon plants?
To nourish watermelon plants, it is advised to apply a phosphorous-rich fertilizer like 10-10-10. This should be done at a rate of 4 pounds per 1,000 square feet or 60 to 90 feet of row. In order to facilitate the application, create a trench approximately 4 to 6 inches deep and position it 2 inches from the side of the row on the planting bed.
What are the best planting conditions for watermelon?
Watermelons thrive in warm and sunny conditions, requiring an average air temperature ranging from 70 to 85 °F. To ensure successful germination, it is crucial to plant watermelon seeds in soil with a temperature of 60 to 65 °F, at a depth of 4 inches. This warm-season crop prefers to be nurtured in an environment that is not affected by cold temperatures, as cold soil can hinder the germination process. By paying attention to the temperature requirements and providing adequate warmth, watermelon plants can be set up for optimal growth and fruit production.
How long do watermelons take to grow?
The maturation period of watermelons typically ranges from 80 to 100 days, but this can vary depending on the specific type of watermelon. It is crucial to properly assess the ripeness of the fruit before harvesting. To determine if a watermelon is ready to be picked, check the bottom of the melon for a cream-colored or bright yellow hue. Conversely, if you notice a white or pale green spot, it indicates that the melon is not yet fully ripe and should be left to mature further.
What companion plants can be grown alongside watermelons to enhance their growth and deter pests naturally?
There are several companion plants that can be grown alongside watermelons toboost their growth and deter pests naturally. One effective option is to plant marigolds as companions to watermelons. Marigolds emit a strong fragrance that repels many insects, including pests that commonly target watermelons. Additionally, marigolds attract beneficial insects like ladybugs, which feed on common watermelon pests such as aphids.
Another excellent companion plant for watermelons is basil. Basil not only enhances the flavor of watermelons when grown together, but it also has pest-repellent properties. Basil helps keep away pests like mosquitoes, thrips, and aphids, which can harm the watermelon plant. Growing basil near watermelons can act as a natural pest deterrent while providing a delicious addition to your garden.