When it comes to companion planting , it ’s of import to take your plant combinations wisely to ensure the health and succeeder of your garden . While there are many plant that can thrive alongside melon , such as herbs like Basil the Great and thyme , there are also some plants that should be keep off when planting melons . In particular , it is not recommend to establish melon next to other members of the Cucurbitae family , as they are all susceptible to attacks by cucumber vine beetles .
One plant to avoid planting with melon vine is cucumber . Although cucumber and melons may seem like natural companions due to their similar outgrowth wont and preference , they can actually harm each other when planted together . Both cucumber and melons are highly attractive to Cucumis sativus beetles , which can transmit disease and damage the works . By planting them next to each other , you ’re fundamentally create a buffet for these gadfly , increase the likeliness of infestations and possible damage to both crop .
Another works to avoid embed with melons is summertime squash / courgette . Just like cucumber and melon vine , summer squash vine and zucchini are also vulnerable to cucumber beetle attack . These mallet can quickly decimate the leaves and stem of these plants , top to stunted growth and decreased yields . Planting melon alongside summertime squash or zucchini can increase the risk of infection of infestation and make it challenging to control the population of cucumber mallet .
Cucurbita pepo are yet another member of the Cucurbitae family that should be forefend as companion plants for melons . While it may be tempting to plant these two crops together due to their similarities in appearing and growth habits , it ’s good to keep them separate . Pumpkins , like cucumber and summer squash , are extremely attractive to cucumber beetles . By interplanting pumpkins and melon , you ’re basically creating a hotspot for these plague , which can lead to far-flung scathe and lessen harvests for both crops .
In my personal experience , I once made the error of planting melons next to cucumbers in my garden . At first , everything seemed okay , and the plants were growing well . However , as the cucumber vine beetles started appear , I cursorily realized my mistake . The mallet not only infested the cucumber but also spread to the melons , do pregnant damage and reducing my overall harvest . It was a valuable lesson in the grandness of careful companion planting and fend off combinations that attract usual pests .
To summarize , planting melons next to other members of the Cucurbitae family unit , such as cucumbers , summer squash / zucchini , and pumpkins , is not recommended due to the high jeopardy of cucumber beetle infestations . By avoiding these combinations , you could help protect your melon vine plant from pest and ensure a goodly and fruitful garden .
Caroline Bates
