How to intercrop melon

How to intercrop melon

The melon or popone (Cucumis melo L., 1753) is an annual climbing plant of the Cucurbitaceae family, cultivated for centuries and of which countless cultivars have been selected.
This plant is widely cultivated for its edible, sweet and fragrant fruits. Not all varieties of melons are sweet: for example, the serpentine melon is a non-sweet melon, widespread mainly in Asia from Turkey to Japan, with an elongated shape and a flavor similar to a cucumber.
As with all plants, melon also benefits greatly from the intercropping technique.
Melon goes well with kidney beans and lettuce; of particular interest is the association with sweet corn which, alternating with rows of melon, performs an excellent windbreak action.
Among the various plants with which the melon can be associated, here are some:
– Pumpkins: Pumpkins and melons belong to the same family (Cucurbitaceae) and can share the same growing space. They can also provide shade for plant roots from each other.
– Cucumbers: Cucumbers also belong to the Cucurbitaceae family and can be planted near melons. Both require similar soil and can share resources such as water and nutrients.
– Corn: Corn can provide a kind of vertical support for melon vines, allowing them to grow vertically and save space. Additionally, corn roots can help keep the soil stable.
– Runner beans: Runner beans can be planted near melons for the same reason as corn: they provide vertical support for the melon vines. Additionally, beans are leguminous plants, which can add nitrogen to the soil through nitrogen fixation.
– Basil: Some people suggest planting basil near melons to keep harmful insects away.
– Onions or garlic: These plants can help repel insects and pests that could damage melons.
In any case, the intercropping technique must always be correlated to the particular pedological and climatic conditions and water availability.