Advantage of Using Watermelon and Pumpkin Companion Planting
Watermelon and pumpkin companion planting isn’t a bad idea even though both are still in the same cucurbit family. Alongside zucchini, cucumbers, squash, and other melons, watermelon and pumpkins are related because the plant family includes over 900 species. But before making them companion plants to each other, learn about the compatibility and advantages below.
Advantage of Using Watermelon and Pumpkin Companion Planting
A Lot of Space Requirement Is it okay to plant watermelon as a companion plant for pumpkins? It’s fine because they have some similar growing requirements, like how they need a lot of space. To see them grow optimally, you need to know about the spacing method when planting them side by side. When you don't estimate the planting distance between the two correctly, you might stunt their growth. Aside from that both are big-sized fruit, having a lot of space to grow can let them spread their roots. Enough space allows them to access the nutrients in the soil, so it would make them pest- and disease-free.
Similar Soil Requirements To succeed at growing watermelon and pumpkins as companion plants, you need to plant them in rich and well-drained soils. Provide adequate nutrients, like compost or aged manure; if required, add additional fertilizer in the growing season. Also, you should prefer soil with a pH level in between 6.0 to 7.0 for them to grow vigorously.
Temperature and Climate Consideration Other factors that you should consider when growing watermelon and pumpkin are temperature and climate. Pumpkins can grow optimally when they’re planted in a cooler-climate area. Meanwhile for the watermelons, they’re better planted in a warmer-temperature area. Watermelon and pumpkin companion planting tips should also focus on these considerations. Watermelons need 4 or more hours of direct sunlight daily and pumpkins need 6-8 hours. That’s also a reason why you cannot grow them together in a hot-summer and mild-winter area.
Similar Pest and Disease Management It’s always possible to grow watermelons and pumpkins together because they’re actually susceptible to the same pests and diseases. That’s why you need the same method in managing pests and diseases to let both plants grow healthily. Crop rotation is one solution that’s used a lot by planting the same crop in a different location every year. Crop rotation can be done to break the cycle of pest infestation and improve soil’s absorption rates as well. By doing this, you can also enhance the soil’s fertility levels and prevent soil erosion. Removing weeds regularly and mulching around the plants can also help to make them pest- and disease-free.
Maximize Garden Space When you decide to plant watermelons and pumpkins, one of the benefits you can get is the maximized garden space. Along with this one good thing, you can increase crop diversity to make your garden space. By having diverse crops, the protection for plants is increased and the soil health will also be improved.
Watermelon and pumpkin companion planting is a good idea because they have similar growing requirements. Even both plants take around 90 days to reach maturity, which means they can grow together very well. But before planting, do some research to prepare everything, from the space, soil, fertilizer, pest/disease management, to temperature consideration. As a bonus we will share you some of the best pumpkin companion plants to grow in your garden.