How to Grow Mango with Watermelon Trees
Growing mangoes and watermelons together in a home garden or orchard can be a smart and fruitful decision—literally. Mango trees are long-lived tropical fruit trees that can grow quite tall and require warm temperatures. Watermelons, on the other hand, are fast-growing vines that spread on the ground and thrive in similar climates. Combining these two plants in your gardening setup can help you make the most of your space, improve soil health, and create a diverse garden ecosystem. Here’s how you can successfully grow mango and watermelon together.
Understanding the Plants: Mango and Watermelon
Before diving into planting techniques, it’s important to understand the basic growing needs of each plant.
- Mango trees (Mangifera indica) are tropical evergreens that need a warm climate, well-draining soil, and full sunlight. They can reach heights of 30 to 100 feet depending on the variety and conditions. They do not tolerate frost and thrive in USDA Zones 10-12.
- Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) is a sprawling vine that loves warmth and sunshine. It prefers sandy loam soil with good drainage and requires a long, warm growing season of 70–100 days.
The good news is that both mango and watermelon thrive in similar conditions: warmth, sun, and well-drained soil. This makes them potentially good companions if spaced and managed properly.
Step-by-Step Guide to Growing Mango and Watermelon Together
1. Choose the Right Location
Select a planting area with full sun exposure—at least 8 hours of sunlight per day. The soil should be fertile, rich in organic matter, and well-drained to prevent root rot, which both mango and watermelon are susceptible to.
If you live in a colder region, you may need to grow these plants in containers or use greenhouses to maintain the necessary temperatures.
2. Prepare the Soil
Begin by clearing the area of weeds and debris. Both plants prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
- Loosen the soil to a depth of at least 12 inches.
- Mix in well-rotted compost or aged manure to improve soil fertility.
- Ensure proper drainage. If your soil is clay-heavy, consider raising beds or planting on mounds.
3. Planting Mango Trees
Mango trees are usually grown from grafted saplings to ensure fruit quality.
- Dig a hole twice as wide and the same depth as the root ball.
- Place the sapling in the hole and fill in with soil.
- Water thoroughly and apply mulch around the base (but not touching the trunk) to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Space mango trees at least 20 to 30 feet apart to give them room to grow.
4. Planting Watermelon Vines
Watermelon seeds or seedlings can be planted near mango trees, but not too close to the trunk. Allow a few feet of distance to avoid competition for nutrients and water.
- Create small mounds or hills about 3–5 feet away from the base of each mango tree.
- Plant 2–3 seeds per mound about 1 inch deep. Thin to one or two seedlings once they sprout.
- Watermelons need space to sprawl—each vine can spread up to 10 feet or more—so plant with plenty of room between hills.
5. Irrigation and Water Management
- Mango trees need deep watering during dry spells but are drought-tolerant once established. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
- Watermelons need regular watering during early growth and fruit formation but less as they ripen to avoid bland-tasting fruit.
Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses to maintain consistent moisture without flooding the soil. Mulching also helps retain soil moisture and keeps weeds at bay.
6. Fertilization
Apply a balanced fertilizer that supports both root and fruit development.
- For mango trees: Use a fertilizer high in potassium and phosphorus during flowering and fruiting stages.
- For watermelons: Apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer early on, then switch to one higher in phosphorus and potassium once flowers and fruits appear.
Compost tea or organic fish emulsion can also provide a nutrient boost for both plants.
7. Pest and Disease Control
Both mango and watermelon can be affected by pests like aphids, mealybugs, and fungal diseases.
- Inspect plants regularly.
- Use neem oil or insecticidal soap as a natural pest deterrent.
- Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues like powdery mildew or anthracnose.
Crop rotation and companion planting with herbs like basil or marigolds can help reduce pest populations naturally.
8. Harvesting and Maintenance
- Mangoes can take several years to bear fruit, depending on the variety and age at planting. Harvest when the fruit changes color and emits a fruity aroma.
- Watermelons are ready to harvest when the underside turns yellow, the tendril nearest the fruit dries up, and the fruit makes a hollow sound when tapped.
Prune mango trees regularly to encourage airflow and manageable size. Remove spent watermelon vines after harvesting to reduce disease risk and prepare for the next planting season.
Final Thoughts
Growing mango trees and watermelon vines together is an efficient and productive use of space in tropical or subtropical climates. With proper spacing, soil preparation, and attentive care, you can enjoy a dual harvest of sweet, juicy fruits. While the plants have different growth habits—one a towering tree and the other a ground-hugging vine—they complement each other in surprising ways, especially when water and nutrients are managed wisely. So if you’re looking to add variety and productivity to your garden, consider planting mango and watermelon together for a vibrant and delicious combination.
