Good and Bad Companion Plants for Watermelon

Watermelons are versatile, juicy fruits of the Cucurbitaceae family [1]. They are cultivated both commercially and in small gardens.

Companion planting helps your crops in several ways. It aids pollination, improves taste, and keeps insect pests in check.

Below are plants that grow well with watermelons and some that you should avoid planting near them.

The Best Watermelon Companion Plants

Here’s what to plant next to watermelons:

• Beans, including pole and bush beans.
• Alliums, including chives, leeks, onions, and garlic.
• Cabbage
• Broccoli
• Cauliflower
• Kale
• Mint
• Catnip
• Dill
• Carrots
• Radishes
• Brussels Sprouts
• Okra
• Garlic
• Lettuce
• Lavender
• Lamb’s quarter
• Spinach
• Tansy
• Peas
• Corn
• Nasturtiums
• Blue Hubbard squash

Some herbs and vegetables help melons combat insect pests. These include catnip, dill, and garlic, which prevent aphid attacks.

Additionally, many gardeners like to plant nasturtiums to help keep away garden insects. You can also use mint to deter pests.

Striped cucumber beetles are also a menace to watermelons. However, marigolds can help deal with these pests.

Besides, marigolds also give off brilliant colors and help attract beneficial insects. Scented lavender is another option.

What Not to Plant With Watermelon

These are some of the worst companion plants for watermelons. They tend to attract the same pests and diseases as melons or compete for nutrients and space.

• Cucumbers
• Zucchini
• Pumpkins
• Summer and winter squash varieties.
• Potatoes
• Tomatoes
• Asters
• Peppers
• Roses

Growing Watermelons

This is not as daunting a task as it might appear at first. Watermelons sprawl or curl around borders, trellises, and poles and require plenty of space. Therefore, choosing an appropriate site is the first consideration.

Also, keep companion plants some distance apart to allow the melons to spread. These melon fruits will also need support as they develop, or firm trellises, to avoid the vines collapsing.

Moreover, if using bean poles, ensure that bean teepees do not cast shade and obscure the sun from your crops.

The correct soil is next on the list. Melons will need plenty of moisture when growing. They also prefer well-drained, sandy loam soil with plenty of organic matter. Additionally, maintain a soil pH between 6.0 and 6.5 [2].

Growing pole beans and peas alongside watermelons will help “fix” nitrogen in the soil. Another consideration is exposure to the sun. Watermelons require up to ten hours of direct sunlight daily during the growing season.

When to Plant

Grow watermelons from seed for successful harvests, providing plenty of warm, sunny weather to help them grow.

Melon plants are sensitive to cold, so plant seeds directly outdoors once the frost has passed and the soil has warmed up. You can also plant seeds indoors and transplant them into the ground 6 to 8 weeks later.

Planting

When the soil has warmed up, prepare it and start planting.

In well-drained, fertile soil, rake up soil mounds 18 to 24 inches apart and sow 6 to 8 seeds per mound about one inch deep. Of course, you must thin them out later, leaving 3 to 4 plants per hill.

Cover lightly and water gently until germination occurs, which takes about 10 days. Thin out when they are a few inches tall, selecting the best to keep and thrive.

Pots and Containers

There are many varieties of melons, and some are suitable and decorative to grow in large pots and containers. However, the large vines will need sturdy trellises for support.

Care and Maintenance

Watermelons like Sugar Baby, Crimson Sweet, and Jubilee grow best in well-drained soil and need plenty of sunlight.

Mulch can help preserve moisture and reduce soil erosion during heavy rainfall in hot, dry conditions.

Another key to good growth is frequent and evenly applied water to avoid the fruit cracking. Reduce watering a little after the fruits develop, but never let them dry completely.

Companion planting can help control pests and plant diseases that may cause damage. Plus, you can research other natural ways to prevent these problems.

Pests and Diseases

Companion planting of some of the ‘good neighbor’ plants can help deter aphids, whiteflies, beetles, and other insect pests. Bright, colorful plants like lavender, marigolds, and nasturtiums attract pollinators and beneficial insects.

Moreover, you can practice crop rotation where fungal diseases are apparent. Rotating with non-cucurbits every other year can keep problems to a minimum.

Additionally, the melons need plenty of water. However, overhead watering should be avoided to prevent mildew from developing.

Plant them in nutrient-rich soil to raise strong and healthy watermelons.

Harvesting

Watermelons mature in 80 to 90 days. Because they do not continue to ripen after harvesting, it’s essential to pick them only when fully ripe.

This is a tricky stage; the fruits can spoil if left too long. Therefore, carefully check the vines daily.

When ready for harvesting, the undersides will turn yellowish. The tendrils and leaves nearest to them will also look brown and dry.

Additionally, the skin of the fruits will look shiny when ready to harvest. Furthermore, if the vines look dead, pick them all at once; they will not ripen further.

Takeaway

Watermelons need space, but they are delightful companion plants. Moreover, bright flowers like marigolds attract beneficial insects and add a gorgeous splash of color to the garden.