The Ultimate Guide To Watermelon Plant Companions

The Ultimate Guide to Watermelon Plant Companions

Watermelons are a delicious and refreshing summer treat, but they can be tricky to grow. One way to improve your chances of success is to plant companion plants. Companion planting is the practice of planting different types of plants together to benefit each other.

There are many different companion plants that can be beneficial for watermelons. Some of the best include:

• Basil: Basil is a great companion for watermelons because it helps to repel whitefly, which can be a major pest of watermelon plants. It also attracts pollinators, which help to pollinate the watermelon flowers and produce fruit.
• Beans: Beans are nitrogen-fixing plants, which means they can help to improve the nitrogen content of the soil around the watermelon plants. This can help the watermelon plants to grow stronger and healthier.
• Flowers: Flowers can help to attract pollinators to the garden, which is essential for pollination of watermelon flowers. Some good flowers to plant near watermelons include marigolds, nasturtiums, and sunflowers.
• Lettuce: Lettuce is a shallow-rooted plant, which means it will not compete with the watermelon plants for water and nutrients. Lettuce can also help to suppress weeds in the garden.
• Marigolds: Marigolds are another great plant for attracting pollinators. They also help to repel pests, such as nematodes and whiteflies.
• Nasturtiums: Nasturtiums are another good choice for attracting pollinators. They also help to repel pests, such as aphids and spider mites.
• Radishes: Radishes are a fast-growing crop that can be harvested before the watermelon plants get too big. They also help to suppress weeds in the garden.

In addition to these plants, there are a few other plants that should be avoided planting near watermelons. These include:

• Cucumbers: Cucumbers and watermelons are both members of the cucurbit family, and they can cross-pollinate. This can lead to the production of watermelons that are bitter or have a poor flavor.
• Squash: Squash and watermelons are also related, and they can cross-pollinate. For the same reason as cucumbers, it is best to avoid planting squash near watermelons.
• Potatoes: Potatoes can attract the same pests as watermelons, such as aphids and whiteflies. It is best to avoid planting potatoes near watermelons to reduce the risk of pest infestation.

By planting the right companion plants, you can help to improve your chances of growing healthy and productive watermelons. So next time you are planning your garden, be sure to include some of these beneficial plants.

FAQ of watermelon plant companion

Q: What are good companion plants for watermelon?

A: Some good companion plants for watermelon include:

• Sunflowers: Sunflowers attract pollinators, which help to pollinate the watermelon flowers.
• Cucumbers: Cucumbers and watermelon have similar growing requirements, so they can be planted together.
• Marigolds: Marigolds help to repel pests, such as cucumber beetles and squash bugs.
• Pole beans: Pole beans provide shade for the watermelon plants, which can help to keep them cool.
• Herbs: Herbs, such as mint, oregano, and thyme, can help to deter pests and attract pollinators.

Q: What are bad companion plants for watermelon?

A: Some bad companion plants for watermelon include:

• Melons: Melons and watermelon are closely related, so planting them together can increase the risk of disease.
• Potatoes: Potatoes and watermelon compete for nutrients, so planting them together can stunt the growth of both plants.
• Tomatoes: Tomatoes and watermelon attract the same pests, so planting them together can make it more difficult to control pests.
• Cabbage: Cabbage and watermelon compete for water, so planting them together can lead to water stress for both plants.
• Peas: Peas and watermelon have different growing requirements, so planting them together can be problematic.

Q: How do I manage a watermelon plant companion?

A: When managing a watermelon plant companion, it is important to consider the following factors:

• Plant spacing: Watermelon plants need plenty of space to grow, so it is important to space them at least 3 feet apart.
• Watering: Watermelon plants need regular watering, but they should not be overwatered.
• Fertilizer: Watermelon plants need a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 fertilizer.
• Pest control: Watermelon plants are susceptible to a variety of pests, so it is important to monitor them for pests and take steps to control them.

Q: What are the benefits of companion planting with watermelon?

A: There are several benefits to companion planting with watermelon, including:

• Increased pollination: Companion plants can attract pollinators, which help to pollinate the watermelon flowers. This can lead to increased yields.
• Reduced pest pressure: Companion plants can help to deter pests, which can protect the watermelon plants from damage.
• Improved soil health: Companion plants can help to improve the soil health, which can benefit the watermelon plants.
• Enhanced beauty: Companion plants can add beauty to the garden, and they can also provide shade for the watermelon plants.

Image of watermelon plant companion

5 different images of "watermelon plant companion" from Pinterest:

• Marigolds Marigolds are a great companion plant for watermelons because they help to repel pests, such as aphids and whiteflies. They also add a splash of color to the garden.
• Nasturtiums Nasturtiums are another good companion plant for watermelons. They help to attract pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, which help to pollinate the watermelon flowers. They also have edible leaves and flowers that can be used in salads or as garnishes.
• Lettuce Lettuce is a good companion plant for watermelons because it helps to suppress weeds. It also doesn't require a lot of space, so it can be planted around the watermelon vines without crowding them.
• Radishes Radishes are a good companion plant for watermelons because they help to improve the soil drainage. They also mature quickly, so you can harvest them before they start to shade the watermelon plants.
• Herbs Herbs are a good companion plant for watermelons because they help to deter pests. Some herbs that are good to plant near watermelons include basil, mint, and rosemary.

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