Avoid These Bad Companion Plants for Watermelon

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Bad Companion Plants for Watermelon

Watermelons are a delicious and refreshing fruit that is loved by many people around the world. They are easy to grow and require minimal attention. However, if you are planning to grow watermelons in your garden, it is essential to know which plants to avoid planting alongside them as some plants can hinder their growth and yield.

In this article, we will discuss the bad companion plants for watermelon that you should avoid planting in your garden.

1. Brassicas

What are Brassicas?

Brassicas are a type of vegetable plant that includes broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, and Brussels sprouts. They are known for their nutritional value and are commonly grown in gardens.

Why are they bad companions for watermelon?

Brassicas are bad companion plants for watermelon because they release compounds that inhibit the growth of watermelon plants. These compounds include sulfur and other chemicals that can affect the root development of watermelons, leading to stunted growth and reduced yields.

2. Corn

Why is corn a bad companion for watermelon?

Corn is a bad companion plant for watermelon because it has the potential to attract pests that can harm your watermelon plants. Corn earworms and armyworms are common pests that can cause severe damage to both corn and watermelon plants.

What should you plant instead of corn?

Instead of planting corn, you can try planting beans or peas alongside your watermelon plants. These plants will add nitrogen to the soil, which is essential for the growth of watermelons.

3. Sunflowers

Why are sunflowers bad companions for watermelon?

Sunflowers are bad companion plants for watermelon because they produce a chemical called allelopathic, which inhibits the growth of other plants around them, including watermelon. Additionally, sunflowers are known to attract pests such as aphids and spider mites, which can harm your watermelon plants.

What should you plant instead of sunflowers?

Instead of planting sunflowers, you can try planting marigolds alongside your watermelon plants. Marigolds are known to repel pests and attract beneficial insects such as ladybugs, which can help control pest populations.

4. Potatoes

Why are potatoes bad companions for watermelon?

Potatoes are bad companion plants for watermelon because they can compete with watermelons for nutrients and water. Additionally, potatoes are prone to disease, which can spread to your watermelon plants.

What should you plant instead of potatoes?

Instead of planting potatoes, you can try planting sweet potatoes alongside your watermelon plants. Sweet potatoes are not only delicious but also grow well with watermelons.

5. Tomatoes

Why are tomatoes bad companions for watermelon?

Tomatoes are bad companion plants for watermelon because they require similar nutrients to watermelons, which can lead to competition for resources. Additionally, tomatoes are prone to disease, which can spread to your watermelon plants.

What should you plant instead of tomatoes?

Instead of planting tomatoes, you can try planting peppers alongside your watermelon plants. Peppers are known to repel pests and are not prone to disease, making them an excellent companion plant for watermelons.

6. Pumpkins

Why are pumpkins bad companions for watermelon?

Pumpkins are bad companion plants for watermelon because they require similar nutrients to watermelons, which can lead to competition for resources. Additionally, pumpkins tend to grow aggressively, which can shade your watermelon plants and hinder their growth.

What should you plant instead of pumpkins?

Instead of planting pumpkins, you can try planting squash alongside your watermelon plants. Squash is a close relative of pumpkins but tends to grow less aggressively, making it a better companion plant for watermelons.

7. Fennel

Why is fennel a bad companion for watermelon?

Fennel is a bad companion plant for watermelon because it produces chemicals that inhibit the growth of other plants around it. Additionally, fennel attracts pests such as aphids and spider mites, which can harm your watermelon plants.

What should you plant instead of fennel?

Instead of planting fennel, you can try planting dill alongside your watermelon plants. Dill is a close relative of fennel but does not produce the same chemicals that inhibit the growth of other plants.

8. Strawberries

Why are strawberries bad companions for watermelon?

Strawberries are bad companion plants for watermelon because they require similar nutrients to watermelons, which can lead to competition for resources. Additionally, strawberries are prone to disease, which can spread to your watermelon plants.

What should you plant instead of strawberries?

Instead of planting strawberries, you can try planting melons alongside your watermelon plants. Melons are a close relative of watermelons and require similar growing conditions.

9. Cucumbers

Why are cucumbers bad companions for watermelon?

Cucumbers are bad companion plants for watermelon because they attract pests such as cucumber beetles that can harm your watermelon plants. Additionally, cucumbers require similar nutrients to watermelons, which can lead to competition for resources.

What should you plant instead of cucumbers?

Instead of planting cucumbers, you can try planting radishes alongside your watermelon plants. Radishes grow quickly and help loosen the soil, making it easier for watermelon roots to absorb nutrients and water.

10. Nasturtiums

Why are nasturtiums bad companions for watermelon?

Nasturtiums are bad companion plants for watermelon because they produce chemicals that inhibit the growth of other plants around them. Additionally, they attract pests such as aphids and spider mites, which can harm your watermelon plants.

What should you plant instead of nasturtiums?

Instead of planting nasturtiums, you can try planting marigolds or chamomile alongside your watermelon plants. These plants are known to repel pests and attract beneficial insects such as ladybugs.

11. Mint

Why is mint a bad companion for watermelon?

Mint is a bad companion plant for watermelon because it produces chemicals that inhibit the growth of other plants around it. Additionally, mint can take over your garden quickly and become invasive.

What should you plant instead of mint?

Instead of planting mint, you can try planting basil alongside your watermelon plants. Basil is not only delicious but also attracts beneficial insects such as bees, which can help pollinate your watermelon plants.

12. Garlic

Why is garlic a bad companion for watermelon?

Garlic is a bad companion plant for watermelon because it produces chemicals that inhibit the growth of other plants around it. Additionally, garlic can attract pests such as onion maggots that can harm your watermelon plants.

What should you plant instead of garlic?

Instead of planting garlic, you can try planting onions or chives alongside your watermelon plants. Onions and chives are close relatives of garlic but do not produce the same chemicals that inhibit the growth of other plants.

13. Peas

Why are peas bad companions for watermelon?

Peas are bad companion plants for watermelon because they require similar nutrients to watermelons, which can lead to competition for resources. Additionally, peas can attract pests such as aphids and spider mites that can harm your watermelon plants.

What should you plant instead of peas?

Instead of planting peas, you can try planting beans alongside your watermelon plants. Beans add nitrogen to the soil, which is essential for the growth of watermelons.

14. Broccoli

Why is broccoli a bad companion for watermelon?

Broccoli is a bad companion plant for watermelon because it requires similar nutrients to watermelons, which can lead to competition for resources. Additionally, broccoli can attract pests such as aphids and cabbage worms that can harm your watermelon plants.

What should you plant instead of broccoli?

Instead of planting broccoli, you can try planting cauliflower alongside your watermelon plants. Cauliflower is a close relative of broccoli but is not prone to the same pests and diseases.

15. Eggplant

Why is eggplant a bad companion for watermelon?

Eggplant is a bad companion plant for watermelon because it requires similar nutrients to watermelons, which can lead to competition for resources. Additionally, eggplant can attract pests such as flea beetles and spider mites that can harm your watermelon plants.

What should you plant instead of eggplant?

Instead of planting eggplant, you can try planting peppers alongside your watermelon plants. Peppers are not prone to the same pests and diseases as eggplants, making them an excellent companion plant for watermelons.

In choosing the right companion plants for your watermelons is essential for their growth and yield. By avoiding planting bad companion plants, you can ensure that your watermelon plants have access to the nutrients and resources they need to thrive.

Remember, when planning your garden, always consider the needs of your watermelon plants and choose companion plants that complement their growing conditions.

FAQs

1. Can I plant watermelons with other melons?

Yes, you can plant watermelons with other melons such as cantaloupes and honeydews.

2. Can I plant watermelons with herbs?

Yes, you can plant watermelons with herbs such as basil, oregano, and thyme.

3. Can I plant watermelons with flowers?

Yes, you can plant watermelons with flowers such as marigolds, zinnias, and sunflowers.

4. How far apart should I plant my watermelon plants?

Watermelon plants should be planted at least 3 feet apart to allow for proper growth and development.

5. When is the best time to plant watermelons?

The best time to plant watermelons is in late spring or early summer when the soil has warmed up to at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

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