How to Space Squash & Melon Plants

Spread a 4-inch layer of compost over a garden bed that receives at least six hours of daily sun. Mix the compost into the top 8 to 10 inches of soil with a spade. The compost improves the moisture-holding capacity of the soil while still ensuring adequate drainage.

Smooth the surface of the garden bed with a hoe. Pull up the soil from between the rows to form a 6-inch tall mound down the planting row. Space the rows 2 to 3 feet apart for summer squash, 3 to 5 feet apart for winter squash, 5 feet apart for muskmelons and 7 feet apart for larger watermelons.

Sow the seeds in the mounds at a 1 to 1 1/2-inch depth. Plant the seeds of vining melon and squash varieties in clusters of three seeds spaced 12 inches apart in a circle. Space the seed clusters of vining squash 4 feet apart in each row and space melons 5 feet apart. Sow bush squash varieties, such as summer squash, 1 inch deep and plant them 2 to 3 feet apart in the row.

Water the squash and melons immediately after planting so the soil is moistened to a 6-inch depth. Water every two to three days until the seeds germinate so the top 3 inches of soil remains moist. After the seeds sprout, reduce watering to once a week, providing about 1 inch of water to moisten the top 6 inches of soil.