Cantaloupe Companion Plants – What to Grow with Cantaloupe (Muskmelon)
If you’re wondering where to grow cantaloupe in the garden, you aren’t alone. I was looking for the best cantaloupe companion plants so I can plot out my fruit and veggie gardens this year.
Since I needed to know what to grow with cantaloupe, I thought you might want to get some ideas, too. This vining fruit plant is generally fairly agreeable in the garden, so I can assure you you’ll have plenty of options for what to grow near cantaloupe and only a few plants to avoid growing near it.
By the way, did you know cantaloupe is also sometimes known as muskmelon? It’s true! All cantaloupes are muskmelons, but muskmelons also comprise other melons, such as honeydew.
Well, we gardeners are often pretty busy so let’s get to it! I’m glad to share the best and worst cantaloupe companion plants so you can plan your garden accordingly.
What are the benefits of companion planting with cantaloupe?
Planting other fruits, veggies, herbs, or flowers near cantaloupe can help with different aspects of the growing environment. Cantaloupe companion plants can help with the following benefits:
- Repelling Cantaloupe Pest Insects
- Attracting Beneficial Predatory Insects
- Keeping Weeds Down
- Providing or Balancing Soil Nutrients
- Sharing Garden Space and Growing Conditions
What are the ideal growing conditions for cantaloupe plants?
Cantaloupes generally grow well in full sun with room to spread out and grow.
Aim for fertile soil with lots of nutrients, as cantaloupes can be heavy feeders. Choose well-draining soil that you can improve with compost. Finally, cantaloupes’ watering needs are about 1-2 inches per week.
Fruit & Vegetable Cantaloupe Companion Plants
Although cantaloupes like to sprawl out in the garden, you can still find some buddies to plant near them.
Consider these fruit and vegetable plants as companions for cantaloupe in the garden.
- Beans
- Carrots
- Chives
- Collard Greens
- Corn
- Garlic
- Lettuce
- Okra
- Onions
- Peas
- Pumpkins
- Radishes
- Spinach
- Squash
Cantaloupe & Flower Buddy Plants
Enhancing the garden with flower companions for cantaloupes adds a lovely burst of color.
Check out these pretty flowers as cantaloupe companions.
- Marigolds
- Nasturtium
- Petunias
- Sunflowers
Herb Partner Plants for Muskmelon
When in doubt about finding good companion plants for melons, start thinking about herbs!
Lots of garden herbs are just perfect for tucking into a small corner of soil in your garden alongside other plants, like cantaloupe.
Here are some good herb companion plants for muskmelon (cantaloupe).
- Basil
- Borage
- Calendula
- Catnip
- Chamomile
- Cilantro
- Dill
- Marjoram
- Oregano
- Sage
- Savory
- Tansy
- Tarragon
What Not to Plant Near Cantaloupe
Just as some cantaloupe companion plants create a beneficial, symbiotic relationship, some plant combinations you must avoid. Generally speaking, it’s good to avoid planting cantaloupe near other plants that tend to be heavy feeders. This could cause problems making sure the plants each get enough nutrients from the soil.
Brassicas like broccoli, kale, cabbage, and cauliflower tend to be heavy feeders, so consider avoiding this companion plant combination.
Likewise, you want to avoid attracting cantaloupe pests such as cucumber beetles by planting too many enticing plants together for them in the same space.
For this reason, avoid planting watermelons and cucumbers near cantaloupes. Also do not plant potatoes near cantaloupe, as potatoes usurp nutrients from the soil.
Final Thoughts: Companion Planting Cantaloupe
Now that you have some ideas for cantaloupe companion plants, I hope if gets your garden growing quicker and more productively.
By the way, if you enjoyed this post, you might also like our article on watermelon companion plants.
What is your favorite buddy plant for cantaloupe? Do you have any others to suggest for our list?
Let’s chat in the comments with any questions, tips, or stories you may have. We love hearing from you!
Happy Gardening!
