Watermelons are one of the tastiest and most popular summertime fruits, but they require a bit of extra care when it comes to what you plant next to them. When deciding what to plant next to watermelon, there are a few things to consider. One is that watermelons need full sun, so any plants that shade them should be planted carefully. Additionally, watermelons need plenty of room to spread, so avoid planting anything too close. Finally, companion planting can help attract beneficial insects and deter pests. With that in mind, there are several options for what to plant next to watermelon!Some good varieties of plants to grow next to watermelon include squash, cilantro, okra, bush beans, and sunflowers. These plants will help to provide beneficial shade and nutrients for the watermelon plants. Additionally, they can also act as a natural pest repellent to discourage certain critters from preying on the watermelons. To further benefit the watermelons, you can also add a few marigolds or nasturtiums to ward off pests and add some color to the garden.
Vegetables That Thrive Beside Watermelon
Growing watermelons requires plenty of space, as the vines themselves can reach lengths of up to 30 feet. While it is possible to grow watermelons in a small garden, the ideal situation is to plant them alongside other vegetables. This way, the growing space is maximized and other vegetables can benefit from the shade created by the watermelon vines. Planting other vegetables beside watermelons also helps to encourage pollinators such as bees and butterflies who are attracted to the flowers of both plants. Here are some vegetables that do well when planted near watermelons:
Squash: Squash varieties such as zucchini, butternut, and pumpkins are all good companions for watermelons. They thrive in similar conditions and benefit from each other’s presence. The vines of squashes can be trained along the ground or trellised up a wall or fence for extra support.
Cucumbers: Like squash, cucumbers also require plenty of space and will grow quickly when planted near watermelons. Cucumber vines need something to climb on such as a trellis or fence so they do not crowd out other plants in the garden.
Peppers: Peppers come in many shapes and sizes and thrive when planted near watermelon. They will benefit from the shade created by the vines while also providing a good source of nutrients for their nearby neighbor.
Beans: Beans are another great companion plant for watermelon because they help fix nitrogen into the soil which helps with overall plant health. Bush beans or pole beans both work well when planted alongside watermelon.
Radishes: Radishes are a fast-growing vegetable that love warm soil temperatures and full sun exposure. When planted near watermelon, they will benefit from its shade during hot summer days while also helping to control weeds in their vicinity.
These vegetables are all great choices for growing alongside watermelons in your garden. By choosing plants that complement each other’s needs, you can maximize your growing space and enjoy a bountiful harvest!
Herbs Ideal for Planting Next to Watermelon
Growing herbs can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Herbs are a great addition to any garden, and when planted next to watermelon, they can provide a number of benefits. Herbs are known for their ability to repel pests, attract beneficial insects, improve soil structure, and provide extra flavor and nutrition for your watermelons. Some of the best herbs to plant near watermelon include basil, oregano, rosemary, mint, thyme, and dill.
Basil is an annual herb that produces large leaves with a sweet aroma. It’s an excellent companion for watermelon because it helps repel aphids and other insects that may harm the plants. Additionally, it attracts bees and other pollinators which help improve pollination of the watermelons.
Oregano is an aromatic herb that produces small purple flowers with a pungent flavor. It helps repel aphids and spider mites from the garden while attracting beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings which help control insect pests.
Rosemary is a perennial herb that has needle-like leaves with a strong aroma. It’s great for improving soil structure as it helps break up compacted soils while adding essential nutrients like nitrogen. Additionally, it helps repel some types of caterpillars from the garden which can damage watermelon plants.
Mint is a low-growing herb with fragrant leaves that have a cooling sensation when eaten raw or cooked. It’s known for its ability to attract bees which help improve pollination of nearby plants including watermelon plants. Additionally, it helps keep away ants which can damage the fruits of nearby plants like watermelons.
Thyme is another perennial herb with small fragrant leaves that have an earthy flavor when eaten raw or cooked. It attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs which help control insect pests while also helping to prevent fungal diseases from developing on nearby plants including watermelons.
Finally, dill is an annual herb with feathery foliage that has a pungent flavor when eaten raw or cooked. Dill helps attract beneficial predators like lacewings which feed on insect pests while its foliage provides shade to nearby plants including watermelons during hot summer months reducing sunscald damage on fruits.
Fruit Trees That Grow Well Beside Watermelon
Growing fruit trees and watermelons together can be an excellent way to maximize space in a garden. While watermelons are vigorous and fast-growing, many other fruit trees can thrive in the same space. Here are some of the best fruit trees to grow with watermelon:
Apple Trees
Apple trees are a classic choice for growing alongside watermelons. Apple trees are easy to care for, and they produce delicious fruits that can be enjoyed fresh or used in recipes. Apple trees are also relatively low-maintenance, requiring only occasional pruning and fertilizing.
Peach Trees
Peaches are another great option for growing with watermelons. Peach trees produce sweet, juicy fruits that can be eaten fresh or used in cakes and pies. Peach trees require regular pruning to keep them healthy, but they’re otherwise low-maintenance.
Cherry Trees
Cherry trees are a great choice for growing beside watermelons. Cherry trees produce tart but sweet fruits that can be enjoyed fresh or used as ingredients in jams and pies. The cherry tree does require more maintenance than other fruit trees; it needs regular pruning and fertilizing to keep it healthy and productive.
Fig Trees
Fig trees are an excellent choice for growing with watermelons. Figs have a sweet flavor that is reminiscent of honey, making them perfect for eating fresh or using in desserts. Fig trees require little maintenance; they only need occasional pruning and fertilizing to stay productive and healthy.
Growing a variety of fruit trees alongside watermelon is an excellent way to maximize space in your garden while also enjoying the delicious flavor of different fruits at the same time! With careful maintenance, these fruit tree varieties will thrive beside your watermelons for many years to come!
How to Determine What to Plant Next To Watermelon
Planting other crops next to watermelons can be beneficial for several reasons. Growing companion plants alongside watermelons can help deter pests, improve soil fertility, and provide shade for the watermelons. It is important to take into account several factors when deciding what to plant next to watermelon, including the plants that grow well in your climate, the space available, and the amount of light each plant needs.
First, research what types of plants are best suited for your climate and growing conditions. Watermelons require warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine so they’ll do best when planted in a sunny area with well-draining soil. Take into consideration how much space you have available when choosing companion plants; some vegetables need more room than others while some may spread out or become invasive if not kept in check.
Next, consider which plants will benefit watermelons most. Plants that are known as “trap crops” can be effective at deterring pests such as cucumber beetles and squash bugs which can damage or even kill a crop of watermelons. Marigolds and nasturtiums are two popular trap crops used by gardeners because they attract these pests away from the watermelon patch.
Finally, think about the light requirements of each plant before planting them together; some vegetables need more light than others so it may be best to alternate them throughout the garden bed rather than planting everything side by side. Additionally, interspersing taller crops like corn or sunflowers among shorter ones like lettuce or cucumbers can create shade for the shorter plants while providing additional food sources for pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Growing Watermelon with Companion Plants
Watermelons are a favorite summer fruit, but can be tricky to grow. One way to help ensure a successful crop is to plant companion plants alongside the watermelons. Companion plants can help keep pests away, improve the soil, and even attract beneficial pollinators. There are several great companion plants for growing watermelon, such as: radishes, marigolds, bush beans, nasturtiums, and cucumbers.
Radishes are an excellent choice for growing with watermelons. They help protect the vines from beetles and other pests that can damage the fruit. Radishes are also quick-growing and will mature in as little as four weeks. Planting them near your watermelons will give you a quick harvest before the melon vines take over the area.
Marigolds are another great companion plant for watermelon vines. They provide bright colors and fragrant blooms that attract beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies. Marigolds also repel certain pests like aphids and nematodes that can damage both the melon vines and the developing fruit of your watermelons.
Bush beans are also great companion plants for watermelon vines because they fix nitrogen in the soil which helps promote healthy growth of both plants. Plus, you get a double benefit by harvesting both beans and melons from your garden!
Nasturtiums are another good choice for growing with watermelon vines because they help protect against whiteflies which can transmit viruses to your melon crop. The bright colors of nasturtium flowers will also attract beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies which will help increase yields on your melon crop too!
Finally, cucumbers make great companion plants for growing watermelon because they share many of the same soil needs as melons do. They also draw away certain pests like squash bugs that can damage your melon crop before it has a chance to ripen on the vine!
By planting these companion plants alongside your watermelon vines you will not only have a more attractive garden but also give yourself a better chance at producing a successful harvest of juicy sweet melons in late summer!
Planning a Garden with Watermelon and Companion Plants
Growing watermelons in the garden can be a fun and rewarding experience. But it is important to plan the garden carefully, taking into account the companion plants that will help your watermelon crop thrive. Here are some tips for planning a garden with watermelon and companion plants.
Start by choosing an area with good soil drainage, full sun, and plenty of space for the vines to spread. Loose soil that is rich in organic matter is ideal for growing watermelons. Be sure to get rid of any weeds before you begin planting. It’s also important to add some organic fertilizer or compost to your soil to provide nutrients for your plants.
Choose a variety of watermelon that is well suited for your climate and growing conditions. Some varieties are better suited for cooler climates while others are better adapted to warmer climates. Take into account how much space you have available when selecting a variety.
When planting your watermelons, it’s important to plant them far enough apart so that their vines have room to spread without overcrowding each other. Planting companion plants near your watermelons can help increase yields and improve pest control as well as enrich the soil with beneficial nutrients.
Good companion plants for watermelons include squash, cucumbers, okra, beans, onions, corn, marigolds and nasturtiums. All of these plants have different root systems which help improve soil aeration and break up compaction while adding beneficial nutrients to the soil such as nitrogen and phosphorus.
Be sure to keep an eye on your watermelons as they grow and check them regularly for pests or diseases. Make sure you also keep them well watered by providing 1-2 inches of water per week during dry spells or hot weather conditions.
By following these tips you should be able to plan a successful garden with watermelon and companion plants that will provide an abundance of sweet fruit throughout the summer months!
Benefits of Growing Compatible Plants Nearby Watermelons
Growing compatible plants near watermelons can bring a number of benefits to the garden. Such plants help to provide shade, act as a windbreak and help manage pests and diseases. Compatible plants also help with pollination, providing beneficial insects and helping to support natural pest control. Growing compatible plants nearby can help keep watermelons healthy and increase their yields.
Shade provided by compatible plants helps to protect watermelons from the hot sun, which can prevent blossom end rot and sunscald. The shade also helps keep soil temperatures cooler, which can slow down the growth of some pests and diseases. Windbreaks created by surrounding compatible plants can reduce wind damage to the fragile leaves of watermelon plants.
Compatible plants provide food sources for beneficial insects like bees and other pollinators, which are necessary for successful fruit production in watermelons. They also provide shelter for beneficial predators that feed on pests that attack watermelon plants. This form of natural pest control helps keep populations of harmful bugs in check without the need for chemical insecticides or other treatments.
Finally, growing compatible plants near watermelon vines can increase yields by providing more space for fruit development and improving air circulation around the vines. This not only helps protect against disease but also helps ensure that fruits receive adequate amounts of nutrients from the soil as they grow larger.
Conclusion
Growing watermelons in the garden can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. It is important to know what to plant next to watermelon in order to maximize yield and reduce pests. Planting companion plants such as marigolds, nasturtiums, squash, cucumbers, and beans will help to deter pests, add nutrients to the soil, and provide a more diverse garden. Additionally, planting corn and radishes can help with pollination and can also be used for sustenance or decoration. Finally, it is advised to use mulch around the watermelons to control weeds and retain moisture in the soil.
Overall, taking the right steps when it comes to what to plant next to watermelon can help ensure a successful harvest. With careful planning and consideration of companion plants as well as other best practices such as mulching, you can create a thriving garden full of delicious watermelons!