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Can Melons Be Planted Together With Tomatoes: Crop Compatibility
17.05.2024 12:20
Many gardeners strive to use every piece of land with maximum efficiency by planting different crops next to each other.
But such a neighborhood is not always successful. Is it possible to plant melons together with tomatoes? This question worries many lovers of melons and tomatoes.
Anastasia Kovrizhnykh , an expert of the online publication "BelNovosti", an agronomist and landscape designer, told how to act in such a situation.
Arguments for: what do melons and tomatoes have in common
Melon and tomatoes are heat-loving crops that prefer sunny areas with fertile soil.
They need regular watering, especially during the fruiting period. At first glance, similar requirements for growing conditions speak in favor of joint planting.
Arguments against: the risks of co-growing
However, there are also good reasons why experienced gardeners do not recommend planting melons and tomatoes next to each other.
Competition for nutrients: Melon and tomatoes are plants with different nutrient requirements.
Melon requires more potassium and nitrogen, while tomatoes need higher levels of phosphorus.
When planted together, plants will compete for resources, which can negatively affect their development and productivity.
Different watering needs: melon prefers less frequent but abundant watering, while tomatoes need regular soil moisture. Excessive watering can lead to the development of fungal diseases in melon, and a lack of moisture will negatively affect the yield of tomatoes.
Different ripening times: Melon ripens later than tomatoes. During the melon harvest, tomato plants can create shade, preventing sunlight from reaching the fruit.
Spread of diseases and pests: Melon and tomatoes are susceptible to some common diseases, such as fusarium. Planting together increases the risk of infection spreading to both crops.
Alternatives to Companion Planting
Instead of planting melon and tomatoes next to each other, it is better to choose different areas for them or alternate crops as part of a crop rotation.
Corn, radish, and lettuce are ideal neighbors for melon. And tomatoes get along well with basil, parsley, and garlic.
Earlier we talked about whether it is possible to feed potatoes with ash .
