Watermelon and cantaloupe are a type of melon that belongs to the cucumber family, Cucurbitaceae. They grow under plenty of sunlight and warm temperatures, providing vitamin K, dietary fibre and potassium. Many homeowners and gardeners prefer to plant them in their outdoor garden, but these plants tend to take up a lot of space due to their long, widespread roots.
Since these similar vining plants come from the same family, you can consider planting them together. However, it can be the reason for the same pest-related issues in them, because they attract the same bug - spider mites, which may cause the same pest infestation. Thus, watermelon and cantaloupe shouldn't be planted together.
Reasons Not to Plant Watermelon and Cantaloupe Together
The following are multiple reasons not to plant watermelon and cantaloupe together.
Lack of Space
A small space could be an issue when it comes to planting both watermelon and cantaloupe together. Both consist of long vines which will spread widely to gain more sunlight. This can result in a lack of light, soil moisture and nutrients for both the plants. Additionally, dense vegetation may cause a humid environment on the soil surface, leading to potential fungal diseases.
Cross-Pollination Concerns
Some close-related vegetables like pumpkins (Cucurbita pepo) and Squash (Cucurbita) cross-pollinate with each other's flowers, producing hybrid fruits that don't look great. Watermelon and cantaloupe don't cross-pollinate or produce hybrid fruits. But, different varieties of cantaloupes, honeydews and muskmelons can cross-pollinate with each other, if planted within a closed range in the garden.
Considering the genetics of these plants, cross-pollinating may produce fruits with different qualities, which may not taste good. Therefore, it's better to plant different types of melons separately.
Pest Infestation
Both watermelon and cantaloupe are attacked by many of the same pests. Thus, growing them together could be an issue for your garden. For instance, if stem borers attack watermelon and are not treated, the pest will gradually shift toward cantaloupe vibes, harming the plant as well.
There are many diseases that can be threats to these plants. For example, alternaria blight, bacterial wilt, fusarium wilt, leaf spot, powdery and downy mildews could be potentially harmful. These plants can also be attacked by cucumber beetles, squash vine borers, pickleworms and squash bugs. For example, cucumber beetles spread bacterial wilt around the entire garden.
Hence, it's wise to plant both watermelon and cantaloupe in different garden beds to decrease the risk of diseases and pest infestation.
How to Grow Watermelon and Cantaloupe Together?
It's not practical to grow them together. However, you can still plant them side-by-side in the same garden bed if the area is spacious enough to incorporate both plants. Additionally, the ideal way to grow and produce these plants is to plant them in separate garden beds or on two different ends of a huge garden.
Moreover, gardeners must stay alert and keep a watchful eye on the plants to avoid and treat weeds, disease, pests or other major issues. Also, opt for a chemical-free and bee-friendly garden so that honeybees and bumblebees can pollinate the melon flowers.
You can also place growing melon fruits on a scrap of plywood to avoid surface contact with the moist garden soil. It can prevent rotting and avoid potential insect issues in the ripening fruits.
Alternative Way to Grow Watermelon and Cantaloupe
It is clear to say that watermelon and cantaloupe aren't a suitable pair of companion plants, as it's risky and difficult to grow them together. But you may achieve it with proper monitoring sessions and other suggestions. However, if you prefer a less risky plant growth, opt for suitable companion plants of both watermelon and cantaloupe.
What is Companion Planting?
Companion planting is an appropriate way to fulfil the desirable niches of two or more plants, which prioritises their health and contributes positively to the garden's ecosystem.
Hence, plant watermelon and cantaloupe with their companion plants to gain better plant health and increase productivity by supporting beneficial organisms, including preferable insects, fungi and bacteria. Also, it prevents pests and limits the access of potential diseases.
Companion Plants for Watermelon
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Plant marigolds as they naturally repel aphids and add some colour and variety.
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Plant herbs with radishes and lettuce, where lettuce can grow faster than a watermelon and covers the surface area around it, which easily protects the plant. It is also beneficial for watermelon seeds as it helps them grow better.
Companion Plants for Cantaloupe
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Plant bush beans as they consist of short stems, which allows the cantaloupe to receive plenty of the coveted sunlight and helps it flourish better.
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Plant collard greens, as they can attract aphids, and catch them to protect the cantaloupe.
Since watermelon and cantaloupe could be risky to plant together, their companion plants make the task easy and offer a tasty, ripened fruit.
