Can You Plant Tomatoes after Watermelon?

Planting tomatoes and watermelon is a great way to start a summer garden. Tomatoes thrive in warm and sunny conditions, while watermelon needs plenty of water and nutrients to produce sweet and juicy fruits. But what if you want to plant tomatoes after watermelon? Is it possible, and what do you need to know? Let’s find out.

Preparation is Key

Before you plant your tomatoes after watermelon, you need to prepare the soil. Watermelon plants are heavy feeders, and they can deplete the soil of nutrients. To ensure that your tomatoes have enough nutrients to grow and produce fruit, you need to replenish the soil with compost or well-rotted manure.

It is also a good idea to test the soil pH level. Tomatoes prefer a slightly acidic soil with a pH of around 6.0 to 6.8. If your soil is too acidic or alkaline, you can adjust it by adding lime or sulfur.

Spacing and Timing

When planting tomatoes after watermelon, the spacing and timing are important factors. Watermelon plants can take up a lot of space, so you need to make sure that there is enough room for your tomatoes to grow. You should space your tomato plants at least 18 inches apart in rows that are 4-6 feet apart.

Timing is also important when planting tomatoes after watermelon. Watermelon plants take about 80-100 days to mature, and they should be harvested before the first frost. You can plant your tomatoes after the watermelon has been harvested and the soil has been replenished.

Companion Planting

One way to ensure that your tomatoes grow well after watermelon is through companion planting. Companion planting involves planting different plants together that can benefit each other’s growth and health.

For example, you can plant basil, marigolds, or parsley near your tomatoes. These plants can help repel pests and attract beneficial insects that can pollinate your tomatoes. On the other hand, you should avoid planting your tomatoes near potatoes or fennel, as they can attract pests and diseases that can harm your tomatoes.

Caring for Your Tomatoes

Once you have planted your tomatoes after watermelon, it is important to take good care of them. Tomatoes need regular watering, especially during hot and dry periods. They also need to be staked or trellised to keep the fruits off the ground and prevent pests and diseases.

You should also fertilize your tomatoes throughout the growing season. You can use a balanced fertilizer that is high in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, or you can use compost or worm castings. Avoid fertilizing your tomatoes with too much nitrogen, as this can cause the plants to grow too quickly and produce fewer fruits.

The Bottom Line

Planting tomatoes after watermelon is definitely possible, but it requires some preparation and care. By replenishing the soil, spacing your plants correctly, and providing companion plants and proper care, you can ensure that your tomatoes grow and produce delicious fruits. So go ahead, plant those tomatoes after watermelon, and enjoy the fruits of your labor!