There’s nothing quite like the satisfying, crisp, juicy sweetness of a watermelon picked fresh from the garden.
Nothing could be better — except maybe a watermelon that’s even crisper, juicier, and sweeter.
You’ve followed the planting schedules, the watering guidelines, and the mulching recommendations, but are you getting the most out of your watermelon crop? Not unless you’ve tried companion planting.
What Is Companion Planting?
Companion planting involves growing crops or flowers in proximity to benefit one another. These benefits include deterring pests, attracting pollinators, improving soil quality, and saving space.
It’s an age-old technique farmers and gardeners have used for centuries to maximize their yields and create a more balanced and sustainable ecosystem.
Watermelons are heavy feeders. They benefit from the nutrients certain companion plants provide, while other companion plants can repel pests, reducing the need for pesticides.
Companion Trap Crops
Trap crops draw pests away from other crops, sacrificing themselves for the greater good of the watermelons (or whatever).
Companion Soil Enrichers
Watermelons thrive in well-draining, nutrient-rich soil. Some companion plants can improve the quality of your soil by providing nutrients or reducing erosion.
Companion Pollinators
Watermelons rely on pollinators like bees to produce fruit. Companion flowers that attract pollinators can increase fruit set and improve overall plant health.
14 Best Companion Plants for Watermelons
1. Corn
- Corn shades watermelon vines when the sun is at its peak, protecting them from excess heat.
- Plant corn along the outer edges of your garden so it doesn’t compete for water or nutrients.
2. Sunflowers
- The tall stalks of sunflowers act like natural trellises, while their bright blooms attract pollinators.
- Sunflowers should be spaced slightly farther from watermelons to minimize competition for sunlight.
The tall stalks of sunflowers act like natural trellises, while their bright blooms attract pollinators.
3. Radishes
- Radishes discourage common watermelon pests like cucumber beetles and aphids.
- Scatter radishes as a trap crop throughout your watermelon patch early in the season.
4. Nasturtiums
- This flowering plant repels beetles, aphids, and whiteflies, which can damage watermelon leaves and fruit.
- Plant nasturtiums as a living border around your watermelon patch.
Nasturtiums repel beetles, aphids, and whiteflies, which can damage watermelon leaves and fruit.
5. Marigolds
- Marigolds are pest superheroes, producing compounds that repel nematodes, aphids, and beetles.
- Plant marigolds liberally around your garden’s edges for maximum pest control.
6. Mint
- Mint fends off harmful insects while attracting pollinators like bees.
- Plant mint in containers near your watermelon crop, since it spreads aggressively and can become invasive.
Mint fends off harmful insects while attracting pollinators like bees.
7. Basil
- Basil improves watermelon’s flavor while repelling mosquitoes and flies.
- Place basil in clusters near watermelon plants to get the most out of its pest-repellent oils.
8. Thyme
- Thyme attracts pollinators while deterring damaging insects like cabbage worms and cutworms.
- Use thyme as a ground cover to reduce weed growth around watermelon vines.
Use thyme as a ground cover to reduce weed growth around watermelon vines.
9. Cilantro
- Cilantro’s strong scent confuses pests like aphids and spider mites.
- Allow cilantro to flower for maximum pest-repelling benefits.
10. Oregano
- Oregano’s fragrant leaves discourage various harmful insects, and its hardy nature makes it a low-maintenance companion.
- Plant oregano along rows to act as a natural pest barrier.
Oregano’s fragrant leaves discourage various harmful insects.
11. Onions
- Onions repel plant-eating insects and burrowing pests.
- Plant onions in between watermelon vines to fill underused garden space.
12. Garlic
- Garlic’s powerful scent keeps mites, aphids, and beetles away.
- Scatter garlic bulbs beneath watermelon vines for best results.
Garlic’s powerful scent keeps mites, aphids, and beetles away.
13. Beans
- Legumes like bush beans enrich the soil by fixing atmospheric nitrogen.
- Choose bush beans over pole beans to avoid competition with watermelons for sunlight.
14. Lettuce
- Lettuce has shallow roots and grows quickly, making it noncompetitive while providing ground cover to reduce weeds.
- Plant lettuce at the start of the season and harvest early to give watermelon vines room to spread.
Lettuce has shallow roots and grows quickly, making it noncompetitive with watermelons.
Tips for Successful Companion Planting with Watermelons
- Space wisely: Watermelon vines sprawl and require room to grow. Make sure companion plants aren’t crowding the vines.
- Check compatibility: Avoid planting heavy feeders like potatoes and squash with watermelons. They may compete for nutrients.
- Rotate crops: Rotate your watermelon crop and its companions each year to prevent soil diseases.
- Use mulch: Spread mulch over the soil to retain moisture and prevent weeds.
FAQs: Watermelon Companion Planting
Q: Can watermelon vines be planted next to tomatoes?
Tomatoes and watermelons aren’t ideal companions. Both are heavy feeders and can compete for nutrients.
Q: What should I not plant near watermelons?
Avoid potatoes, squash, and zucchini. These can attract pests like squash bugs, which may harm watermelons.
Q: How much sunlight do watermelon plants need?
Watermelons require full sun, at least 6–8 hours daily.
Q: Do watermelons need a support system?
Watermelons typically grow on the ground, but smaller varieties can be trellised.
Q: Can two watermelon varieties grow together?
Yes, but cross-pollination may affect the seeds of the next generation, not the current fruit.
Q: How often should I water my watermelon plants?
Water deeply 1–2 times a week, but avoid overwatering, especially as fruits begin to mature.
Q: Do marigolds attract pollinators?
Yes, marigolds attract pollinators like bees and butterflies while repelling harmful pests.
Q: When should I plant watermelon seeds?
Plant watermelon seeds after the last frost when soil temperatures reach at least 70°F.