What Grows Well With Watermelon: Companion Plants Explained

Companion Plants For Watermelons

Watermelons are delicious and refreshing fruits that thrive in warm climates. While they can grow well on their own, planting them alongside certain companion plants can enhance their growth, deter pests, and attract beneficial insects.

• One of the best companion plants for watermelons is nasturtium. These flowers not only add a vibrant color to the garden but also act as a natural repellent for pests such as aphids and squash bugs.

• Marigolds are another excellent companion plant for watermelons. They release a pungent scent that deters harmful insects like nematodes and beetles, protecting the watermelon plants from potential damage.

• Basil is a beneficial herb to plant alongside watermelons. Not only does it improve the flavor of the fruit, but it also repels pests like mosquitoes and flies.

• Borage is a great choice as it attracts bees and other pollinators to the garden. These insects help in the pollination process, leading to better fruit production in watermelons.

• Another common companion plant for watermelons is radish. Radishes act as a trap crop, luring away pests like cucumber beetles and leafhoppers, thus protecting the watermelon plants.

By strategically planting these companion plants alongside watermelons, you can ensure better growth, natural pest control, and increased pollination, leading to a successful harvest of these delicious fruits.

Growing Watermelons With Corn, Garlic, And Radishes

One excellent companion plant for watermelons is corn. The tall stalks of corn provide shade to the watermelon plants, reducing their exposure to direct sunlight and preventing soil moisture evaporation. This shade also helps to keep the soil cool, which is beneficial for watermelon growth. Additionally, corn and watermelons have similar nutrient requirements, making them compatible companions in terms of soil fertility.

Garlic is another beneficial companion for watermelons. Garlic is known for its ability to repel pests, including aphids, which can damage watermelon plants. Planting garlic around your watermelon patch can help keep these destructive insects at bay. Similarly, radishes can deter pests like cucumber beetles and squash bugs, making them a great companion for watermelons.

Beneficial Plants To Plant With Watermelons

In addition to corn, garlic, and radishes, there are several other plants that can be beneficial when planted alongside watermelons.

• Marigolds have strong scents that repel many insect pests, such as nematodes and aphids. These vibrant flowers can also attract pollinators that help with watermelon fruit development.

• Lavender, borage, and certain herbs like dill and mint are also known to attract beneficial insects such as bees and wasps, which are vital for pollination.

• Catnip is another herb that can be planted near watermelons to repel pests like ants and mosquitoes.

• Nasturtiums, with their vibrant flowers and trailing vines, make excellent companions for watermelons as they attract predators like ladybugs and lacewings that feed on common watermelon pests, including aphids and spider mites. The trailing nature of nasturtiums can also provide ground cover that helps retain soil moisture and prevent weed growth.

Plants To Avoid Near Watermelons

While companion planting can be beneficial for watermelon growth, there are plants that should be avoided when establishing a watermelon patch. One group to avoid planting near watermelons is other members of the Cucurbitae family, including cucumbers, summer squash/zucchini, pumpkins, and winter squash. These plants are prone to similar diseases and pests as watermelons, increasing the likelihood of infections and pest infestations.

Potatoes, tomatoes, and peppers should also be kept at a distance from watermelons. These plants have different nutrient requirements and may compete for resources, leading to stunted growth and lower yields for both the watermelons and the companion plants.

Members of the aster or sunflower family, such as sunflowers and daisies, should not be planted near watermelons. These plants may attract pests common to watermelons, such as cucumber beetles and squash bugs.

Lastly, roses should be avoided in the vicinity of watermelons. Roses are susceptible to fungal diseases like black spot, which can spread to the watermelon plants and cause significant damage.

Incompatible Plants For Watermelon Planting

Incompatible plants can hinder the growth and development of watermelons. When planning your watermelon patch, it is best to avoid planting them alongside the aforementioned plants. These incompatible plants can adversely affect the health and productivity of the watermelon plants, making it difficult to achieve a successful harvest.

Companion planting can offer numerous benefits to watermelon growers. Planting watermelons alongside corn, garlic, radishes, and other beneficial plants can improve growth, repel pests, attract beneficial insects, and enhance overall plant health. However, it’s essential to be mindful of the plants to avoid near watermelons, as they can pose various problems.

By carefully selecting companion plants and avoiding incompatible plants, you can create an ideal environment for your watermelons to thrive and produce a bountiful harvest.

• Avoid planting incompatible plants near watermelons
• Plant watermelons alongside corn, garlic, radishes for benefits
• Companion planting improves growth, repels pests, attracts beneficial insects, and enhances overall plant health.

---

Check this out:

---

Frequently Asked Questions

What not to plant next to watermelon?

While watermelon can thrive when planted alongside radishes and lettuces, it is advisable to avoid planting it near cucumbers, zucchinis, and other melon varieties. These plants can hinder the growth and maturation of watermelons, potentially attracting diseases that can harm the crop. It is best to keep a distance between watermelons and related plants to ensure optimal development and health of the watermelon crop.

What does watermelon grow best by?

Watermelon thrives when planted alongside certain crops that provide mutual benefits. For optimal growth, sow cowpeas a few weeks prior to planting watermelon, ensuring that both crops will bloom simultaneously. This companion planting technique encourages pollination and enhances the overall productivity of the plants. Additionally, interplanting with radish, tansy, and nasturtium serves as a natural deterrent for cucumber beetles, reducing the risk of them feasting on watermelons and potentially damaging the harvest. Farmers can also plant buckwheat, cowpeas, or sweet clover nearby to attract predators that prey on watermelon pests, creating a balanced ecosystem that supports the health and vitality of the crop.

What is the best support for watermelons?

To ensure the best support for watermelons, it is recommended to use slings made from materials such as cheesecloth, nylon stockings, or old T-shirts. As the plants start to bear fruit, these slings can be fashioned to cradle and provide necessary support to the growing melons. The slings not only prevent the weight of the melons from putting excessive strain on the plants, but they also offer protection against any damage or irregular shape caused by contact with the ground. Using these versatile materials for slings can be a simple and effective way to promote the healthy growth and optimal development of watermelons.

Is it OK to plant watermelon next to tomatoes?

No, it is not recommended to plant watermelon next to tomatoes. Watermelons require plenty of nutrients and space to grow properly, while tomatoes are also heavy feeders and can quickly turn into large, bushy plants. Planting them together could create competition for resources and compromise the growth and productivity of both plants. Moreover, the sprawling nature of watermelon vines could potentially shade the tomatoes and hinder their development. It is advisable to space these two crops apart to ensure optimal growth and yield.

References: 1, 2, 3, 4