Growing Watermelons? Here are the Best Companion Plants to Help Your Harvest

Oleh Anonymous November 16, 2023 Post a Comment

Table of Contents

If you're planning to grow watermelons this season, you might want to consider planting companion plants. These plants can help improve the growth and yield of your watermelon crop while also protecting them from pests and diseases. In this article, we'll discuss some of the best companion plants for watermelons.

Watermelon Plant Companion List:

1. Beans

Beans are a great companion plant for watermelons because they add nitrogen to the soil. This nutrient is essential for the development of healthy foliage and fruit in watermelons. Additionally, the beans' vines can provide shade for the watermelon plants, which can help prevent sunscald.

2. Corn

Corn is another excellent companion plant for watermelons. Like beans, corn adds nitrogen to the soil, but it also provides shade and support for the watermelon plants. The tall stalks of corn can help protect watermelon plants from strong winds, and the dense foliage can help keep the soil moist.

3. Radishes

Radishes are a natural pest repellent and can help protect watermelon plants from harmful insects like cucumber beetles. Additionally, radishes have shallow roots that can help break up compacted soil, allowing air and nutrients to reach the watermelon roots more easily.

4. Marigolds

Marigolds are another excellent companion plant for watermelons. They produce a strong scent that repels many common garden pests, including aphids, whiteflies, and nematodes. Additionally, marigolds attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, which can help control pest populations.

5. Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are a great companion plant for watermelons because they attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. Pollinators play a vital role in the development of watermelon fruit, so having them around can significantly increase your yield. Additionally, nasturtiums produce compounds that repel some common pests like aphids and whiteflies.

How to Plant Companion Plants with Watermelons:

When planting companion plants with watermelons, it's essential to consider their spacing requirements. Ideally, you should plant companion plants around the perimeter of your watermelon patch, leaving enough space between them and the watermelon plants to prevent overcrowding. Additionally, you should stagger planting times to ensure that each companion plant is at the right growth stage when it's time to harvest your watermelons.

Using Companion Plants to Control Pests and Diseases:

Companion plants can also help control pests and diseases that commonly affect watermelons. For example, planting radishes with watermelons can help repel cucumber beetles, which are a significant pest of watermelon plants. Similarly, planting marigolds with watermelons can help repel nematodes, which can cause root damage and reduce crop yields.

Using Companion Plants to Improve Soil Health:

Companion plants can also improve soil health by adding nutrients and organic matter to the soil. For example, planting beans or corn with watermelons can help add nitrogen to the soil, which is an essential nutrient for plant growth. Additionally, planting radishes with watermelons can help break up compacted soil, allowing air and water to reach the roots more easily.

Growing watermelons can be a rewarding experience, but it's essential to take steps to ensure that your crop is healthy and productive. Planting companion plants with watermelons can help improve soil health, control pests and diseases, and increase yields. By using the right combination of companion plants, you can create a thriving garden that produces delicious, juicy watermelons.

FAQs:

Q: Can I plant watermelons with other melons?

A: Yes, you can plant watermelons with other melons like cantaloupes and honeydews without any issues.

Q: Do watermelons need full sun to grow?

A: Yes, watermelons require full sun to grow and produce fruit. Six to eight hours of direct sunlight per day is ideal for watermelon plants.

Q: How often should I water my watermelon plants?

A: Watermelon plants require consistent moisture to grow and produce fruit. During the growing season, you should aim to water your watermelon plants deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions.

Q: Can I use chemical fertilizers on my watermelon plants?

A: While chemical fertilizers can be effective at providing nutrients to watermelon plants, they can also harm beneficial organisms in the soil and contribute to pollution. Consider using organic fertilizers or compost instead.

Q: When is the best time to harvest watermelons?

A: The best time to harvest watermelons is when the fruit sounds hollow when tapped and the skin has turned from shiny to dull. Additionally, the tendril closest to the fruit should be completely dry.