What to Plant Near Cantaloupe: A Guide to Companion Planting

Cantaloupes are a delicious and nutritious summer fruit, but they can be tricky to grow. One of the most important factors to consider when planting cantaloupes is what to plant near them. The plants you choose to grow alongside your cantaloupes can help to improve their growth and yield, and can also help to deter pests. In this article, we will discuss the best companion plants for cantaloupes, as well as some of the things you should avoid planting near them. We’ll also provide some tips on how to create a successful cantaloupe garden.

Plant	Benefits	Spacing
Basil	Attracts pollinators, deters pests	12-18 inches apart
Cucumber	Competitive root system, helps prevent powdery mildew	18-24 inches apart
Dill	Attracts pollinators, deters pests	12-18 inches apart
Marigolds	Attract pollinators, deter pests	12-18 inches apart
Nasturtiums	Attract pollinators, deter pests	12-18 inches apart
Peas	Competitive root system, helps prevent powdery mildew	6-8 inches apart
Potatoes	Competitive root system, helps prevent powdery mildew	12-18 inches apart

Companion Plants for Cantaloupe

When it comes to companion planting, cantaloupes are pretty easy-going. They can be planted near a variety of other crops, and they don’t have many specific requirements in terms of what they should be grown next to. However, there are a few companion plants that can help to improve the growth and productivity of your cantaloupe plants.

1. Cucumbers. Cucumbers and cantaloupes are both members of the cucurbit family, and they make excellent companion plants for each other. They have similar growing requirements, and they can help to support each other’s growth. Cucumbers can help to shade the roots of cantaloupe plants, which can help to keep them cool and prevent them from wilting. Cantaloupes can also help to attract pollinators to cucumbers, which can help to improve the pollination of both crops.

2. Lettuce. Lettuce is another good companion plant for cantaloupes. Lettuce doesn’t require a lot of space, and it can be planted between the rows of cantaloupe plants. Lettuce can help to suppress weeds, and it can also help to improve the soil quality.

3. Marigolds. Marigolds are a good companion plant for cantaloupes because they help to repel pests. Marigolds release a scent that is unpleasant to many pests, including aphids, cucumber beetles, and squash bugs. Planting marigolds around your cantaloupe plants can help to keep these pests away.

4. Nasturtiums. Nasturtiums are another good companion plant for cantaloupes. Nasturtiums attract pollinators, which can help to improve the pollination of cantaloupe flowers. They also help to suppress weeds, and they can improve the soil quality.

5. Pole beans. Pole beans are a good companion plant for cantaloupes because they can help to support the vines of cantaloupe plants. Pole beans grow up a trellis or other support structure, and they can provide a sturdy framework for cantaloupe vines to climb. This can help to keep the vines off the ground, which can help to prevent them from rotting.

6. Sunflowers. Sunflowers are a good companion plant for cantaloupes because they help to attract pollinators. Sunflowers are tall plants, and they produce large, showy flowers. These flowers are attractive to pollinators, including bees and butterflies. Pollinators help to pollinate cantaloupe flowers, which can increase the yield of your crop.

7. Thyme. Thyme is a good companion plant for cantaloupes because it helps to repel pests. Thyme releases a scent that is unpleasant to many pests, including aphids, cucumber beetles, and squash bugs. Planting thyme around your cantaloupe plants can help to keep these pests away.

8. Tomatoes. Tomatoes are a good companion plant for cantaloupes because they help to improve the soil quality. Tomatoes produce a substance called lycopene, which helps to break down organic matter in the soil. This can help to improve the drainage and aeration of the soil, which can benefit cantaloupe plants.

9. Watermelon. Watermelons are a good companion plant for cantaloupes because they help to shade the roots of cantaloupe plants. Watermelons are large plants, and they can provide a lot of shade. This can help to keep the roots of cantaloupe plants cool and prevent them from wilting.

10. Yarrow. Yarrow is a good companion plant for cantaloupes because it helps to repel pests. Yarrow releases a scent that is unpleasant to many pests, including aphids, cucumber beetles, and squash bugs. Planting yarrow around your cantaloupe plants can help to keep these pests away.

Spacing and Planting Cantaloupe

When planting cantaloupes, it is important to space them properly. Cantaloupes are large plants, and they need plenty of space to grow. The ideal spacing for cantaloupes is 3 feet apart in rows that are 4 feet apart. This will give the plants enough room to grow and produce a large crop.

When planting cantaloupes, it is also important to make sure that the soil is well-drained. Cantaloupes do not tolerate wet soil, and they will rot if they are planted in a poorly-drained area. If you are not sure if your soil is well-drained, you can test it by digging a hole about 1 foot deep. If the water drains out of the hole quickly, then the soil is well-drained. If the water stays in the hole

3. Fertilizing and Watering Cantaloupe

Cantaloupes are heavy feeders and require regular fertilization to produce a good crop. The best time to fertilize cantaloupes is when the plants are actively growing, which is typically from early summer to late summer. You can use a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, or a fertilizer specifically formulated for melons. Apply the fertilizer at the rate of 1 pound per 100 square feet of garden space.

Watering cantaloupes is also important, especially during dry periods. Cantaloupes need about 1 inch of water per week, but they may need more water during hot, dry weather. Water the plants deeply so that the water reaches the roots. Avoid watering the leaves of the plants, as this can promote the spread of diseases.

4. Pests and Diseases of Cantaloupe

Cantaloupes are susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, including:

• Aphids: Aphids are small, sap-sucking insects that can cause damage to cantaloupe plants. They can be controlled with insecticidal soaps or horticultural oils.
• Cucumber beetles: Cucumber beetles are another common pest of cantaloupes. They can damage the leaves and fruit of the plants. Cucumber beetles can be controlled with insecticides.
• Downy mildew: Downy mildew is a fungal disease that can cause damage to cantaloupe plants. It can be controlled with fungicides.
• Powdery mildew: Powdery mildew is another fungal disease that can affect cantaloupes. It can be controlled with fungicides.
• Squash bugs: Squash bugs are a type of insect that can cause damage to cantaloupe plants. They can be controlled with insecticides.

By following these tips, you can help ensure that your cantaloupe plants are healthy and productive.

What to Plant Near Cantaloupe?

• Asparagus – Asparagus is a good companion plant for cantaloupe because it helps to deter pests and diseases. The asparagus spears help to create a physical barrier around the cantaloupe plants, making it difficult for pests to reach them. Asparagus also releases a chemical called asparagine, which helps to repel pests.
• Basil – Basil is another good companion plant for cantaloupe. Basil helps to improve the flavor of cantaloupe and also helps to deter pests. Basil also attracts pollinators, which help to increase the production of cantaloupe fruit.
• Cucumbers – Cucumbers are a good companion plant for cantaloupe because they help to improve the pollination of cantaloupe flowers. Cucumbers also help to shade the roots of cantaloupe plants, which helps to keep them cool and moist.
• Dill – Dill is a good companion plant for cantaloupe because it helps to repel pests. Dill also helps to improve the flavor of cantaloupe.
• Marigolds – Marigolds are a good companion plant for cantaloupe because they help to deter pests. Marigolds release a chemical called pyrethrum, which helps to repel pests.
• Onions – Onions are a good companion plant for cantaloupe because they help to repel pests. Onions also help to improve the flavor of cantaloupe.
• Potatoes – Potatoes are a good companion plant for cantaloupe because they help to improve the soil structure and drainage. Potatoes also help to suppress weeds, which can compete with cantaloupe plants for water and nutrients.
• Radishes – Radishes are a good companion plant for cantaloupe because they help to improve the soil structure and drainage. Radishes also help to suppress weeds, which can compete with cantaloupe plants for water and nutrients.
• Spinach – Spinach is a good companion plant for cantaloupe because it helps to improve the soil structure and drainage. Spinach also helps to suppress weeds, which can compete with cantaloupe plants for water and nutrients.

What Not to Plant Near Cantaloupe?

• Corn – Corn is not a good companion plant for cantaloupe because it competes with cantaloupe plants for water and nutrients. Corn also produces a chemical called ethylene, which can inhibit the growth of cantaloupe plants.
• Tomatoes – Tomatoes are not a good companion plant for cantaloupe because they compete with cantaloupe plants for water and nutrients. Tomatoes also produce a chemical called ethylene, which can inhibit the growth of cantaloupe plants.
• Watermelon – Watermelon is not a good companion plant for cantaloupe because it competes with cantaloupe plants for water and nutrients. Watermelon also produces a chemical called ethylene, which can inhibit the growth of cantaloupe plants.

  there are many different plants that can be planted near cantaloupes. The best plants to grow near cantaloupes are those that will help to improve the soil, attract pollinators, or provide shade. By planting the right companion plants, you can help to improve the growth and productivity of your cantaloupe plants.