Companion Plants for Cantaloupe is a great option for growing guide which is the first and very important step if you wish to grow cantaloupe in your garden.
But you need to know what kind of plants work best with cantaloupe and when to grow them. We got you covered. You will find your favorite companion plant in this guide. Keep reading!
Contents
List of Companion Plants For Cantaloupe
Cantaloupes are a delicious fruit, but they can be tricky to grow, it can flourish with the help of companion plants.
1. Nasturtium
Cantaloupes and nasturtiums are a perfect pair! Both plants enjoy full sun and well-drained soil, making an attractive combination in the vegetable garden.
– Companionship Advantages
As you plant cantaloupe, they are vigorous vines that can quickly take over a garden bed, so nasturtiums are the perfect companion plant. Their sprawling habit helps to keep the cantaloupes under control, and their pretty flowers add a splash of color.
Nasturtium is also a good source of nectar for bees, which can help pollinate the cantaloupes plant as well as it’s a great companion planting.
– Growing Season
They grow best in warm weather and do not tolerate frost. In the United States, for example, they are usually planted from late spring to early summer, after the last frost has passed.
– Specific Needs
Nasturtiums prefer full sun and well-drained soil, in order to thrive. Furthermore, they are also quite tolerant of heat and drought, making them an excellent choice for hot, dry climates.
2. Marigolds
The Marigold is a popular companion plant for cantaloupe.
– Companionship Advantages
The two plants work well together because the Marigold helps to repel pests that might damage the cantaloupe, and the cantaloupe provides a bit of shade for the Marigold. The Marigold also helps aerate the soil around the cantaloupe, improving the cantaloupe’s flavor, which will get more decedant and juicy.
– Growing Season
The growing season of marigolds begins in late spring and extends into early summer.
– Specific Needs
Marigolds thrive in warm, sunny weather and require little maintenance. They are relatively drought-tolerant and can tolerate most soil types, although they prefer well-drained, sandy soils.
3. Alliums
Alliums, such as onions, garlic, and chives, make excellent companion plants for cantaloupes.
– Companionship Advantages
They can also enhance the fruit’s taste while serving to ward against pests. Alliums should be spaced evenly when planted near cantaloupes to best do their job.
– Growing Season
The allium growing season generally lasts from early spring through late summer. However, the specific timing can differ depending on the species and the climate.
– Growth Requirements Needs
Allium plants grow best in full sun and well-drained soil. They are tolerant of various soil types, but prefer sandy or loamy soil, in addition they need to be watered well so that they produce the perfect crops.
4. Carrots
– Companionship Advantages
Carrots help to improve the flavor of cantaloupe and also help to keep the melon from getting overripe. Carrots also help to keep cantaloupe plants healthy by providing nutrients and helping to control pests and diseases, having carrots around is a great advantage as it will help the crops bloom.
– Growing Season
Carrots are vegetables that should be planted in early spring, and you can harvest in late fall season. The growing season for carrots is about 100 days long.
– Specific Needs
Carrots are root vegetables that need specific growing conditions to produce large, tasty roots. They require deep, loose soil to grow in and prefer slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6.0 to 6.8.
5. Bee Balm
The bee balm flowers attract bees, which help pollinate the itself and its companions, in this case the cantaloupe. The foliage of bee balm is also lush and green, providing a lovely backdrop for the cantaloupe vines.
– Growing Season
The growing season of bee balm, which is also known as the Monarda didyma, is typically from early summer to late fall. Bee balm is a native North American wildflower, part of the mint family.
– Specific Needs
The plant prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soil. It is poor soil and drought tolerant. Bee balm can become invasive if not kept in check. Deadhead the flowers to prevent self-seeding.
6. Catnip
Catnip is an excellent cantaloupe companion plant.
– Benefits
Not only does it attract cats, which can help keep pests away, however, it also repels aphids and other harmful insects. Plus, it’s a beautiful plant that adds color and interest to the garden. This is a perfect example, because in addition to helping it grow, it has similar properties, which would help each other in their requirements.
– Growing Season
The catnip plant grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. It is a hardy plant that can peacefully tolerate some drought. The plant grows from seed to flower in about 60 days, which is the good time to harvest in a great quantity.
– Specific Needs
Catnip is best grown in full sun and well-drained soil. It is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to powdery mildew and root rot if the soil is too wet.
7. Bush Beans
Bush Beans help shade the ground and keep the roots cool while supporting the vines. The beans also add nitrogen to the soil, which benefits the cantaloupe.
– Growing Season
The plant produces small, round beans commonly used in cooking. Bush beans are typically planted in the spring and are harvested in the summer.
– Specific Needs
Bush beans are relatively easy to grow and tolerant of various growing conditions. They can grow in full sun or also partial shade and prefer well-drained, fertile soil. Bush beans are generally drought-tolerant and do not require a lot of water once they are established.
8. Cilantro
Cilantro is an excellent melon companion plant.
– Companionship Advantages
Not only does it add a lovely flavor to the melon, but it also helps to keep pests away. Cilantro is a parsley family member rich in essential oils that repel many common pests, such as aphids, white flies, and spider mites.
So, not only will your cantaloupe taste great with a bit of cilantro added, but you will also have fewer pests to worry about!
– Growing Season
The cilantro plant has a short growing season; it is perfect for sowing the seeds in late spring or early summer. They will grow and bloom, you will harvest the perfect cilantro in their fresh state in spring, summer and early fall as they would reach between six and eight inches tall.
– Specific Needs
The plant tolerates drought rather well and thrives best in full light and well-drained soil. Cilantro does not tolerate freezing temperatures, which means it is usually grown as a spring or summer crop in most temperate climates.
9. Collard Greens
Collard greens help shade the melons and protect them from the hot sun, while providing a natural source of nutrients and water. The greens also attract beneficial insects that help to pollinate the cantaloupe flowers as well and help it grow.
– Growing Season
The growing season of the collard greens plant typically lasts for around three months. The plant usually starts to produce leaves in early spring and continues to do so until late summer, meaning till late August.
– Specific Needs
Collard greens need full sun to grow and prefer well-drained, fertile soil. They should be fertilized regularly and kept moist but not soggy, and this is a key factor.
10. Lettuce
Lettuce is an ideal companion plant for cantaloupe.
– Advantages
It provides a delicious, crisp contrast to the sweet fruit and helps keep the melons from sunburning. Lettuce also helps to retain moisture in the soil, which is beneficial for cantaloupe, as they are a drought-sensitive crop. When planting, leave enough space between the cantaloupe and lettuce so that the melons have room to grow.
– Growing Season
It is a cool-season crop typically planted in early spring and harvested in late spring or early summer.
– Specific Needs
It prefers full sun but is also shade tolerant and requires well-drained, moist soil. Fertilize lettuce regularly with a balanced fertilizer, and water it deeply and evenly.
11. Tansy
Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare) is a perennial herb in the Asteraceae family, often used as a companion plant for cantaloupe (Cucumis melo).
– Benefits
Tansy has an extensive history of use in herbal medicine and is known for its ability to repel insects. Remember that Tansy is thought to help deter cucumber beetles and other pests when planted near cantaloupe.
– Growing Season
The tansy plant has a long growing season, from early spring to late fall.
– Specific Needs
Tansy plant has particular needs to thrive. It requires full sun and well-drained soil to grow correctly.
12. Herbs
Herbs are a great cantaloupe companion plant.
– Companion Advantages
They help to improve the flavor of the fruit and can also help to keep diseases and pests at bay. Basil, oregano, and thyme are all great herbs to plant alongside cantaloupe. As they release chemicals in the air, these will help get rid of the pests, which will help the companion harvests.
– Growing Season
The growing season of herbs is when the warm climate and the days are long, they will be cultivated in spring and summer seasons.
– Specific Needs
Herbs have a wide range of specific needs regarding growing conditions. Some herbs, such as mint, prefer a shady spot, while others, such as basil, need full sun.
13. Corn
Corn and cantaloupe are two garden plants that often grow well together.
– Companionship Advantages
Both are warm-season crops that need full sun and well-drained soil to thrive. Both plants also benefit from planting in raised beds or mounds to improve drainage.
Corn is a tall plant that provides shade for the lower-growing cantaloupe, as the flowers won’t get any sunburns. The vines of both plants can also be intertwined to support each other. Cantaloupe is a heavy feeder, so adding extra compost or manure to the planting area can be beneficial.
– Growing Season
The growing season of a corn plant is the time from planting until harvest. In addition, the type of corn, the location, and the weather all affect how long the growth season is.
– Specific Needs
Corn is a demanding plant with specific requirements for optimal growth. First and foremost, it needs plenty of sunlight. It also needs warmth, as it is a tropical plant.
Remember that corn also requires lots of water and prefers its roots in moist soil. In terms of nutrients, corn needs nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. These are essential for the plant to grow tall and produce plenty of kernels. If these requirements are not met, the corn plant will not grow.
Conclusion
While not an exhaustive list, these plants will do well when paired with cantaloupes in the garden.
- They’ll help to pollinate the cantaloupes and keep insects at bay.
- Melon companion plants will provide the nutrients required by the cantaloupe.
- The companion planting can help in providing shade to the plant.
- You can plant herbs which will release chemicals that will repel the insects or the pests that might be harmful for your melon.
Wrapping up with a piece of advice that when planting a garden, it’s crucial to think about more than just the vegetables or fruits you want to grow. Companion plants are a great option to improve your garden’s overall health and performance. Happy Gardening!
References
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_companion_plants
- https://backgarden.org/companion-plants-for-cantaloupe/
- https://granthamgarden.org/2016/12/19/growing-cantaloupes/
- 25 Kalanchoe Types and Colorful Varieties for Your Garden - October 3, 2023
- 17 Hawaiian Flowers That Grow and Thrive in the Hot Summer - October 2, 2023
- Watering a Poinsettia and How is it Done Correctly? - September 30, 2023
