In areas where the soil seems exhausted, diseased, or simply unsuitable for certain crops, grafts emerge as a smart, sustainable, and increasingly adopted solution. A clear example is watermelon grafted onto pumpkin, a technique that has revolutionized how watermelons are grown in soils that were previously nearly impossible for cultivation.
🌱 What is a plant graft and why do it?
A graft involves joining two different plants so they grow as one: a strong root plant is combined with another that will produce the desired fruit (the scion). This technique takes advantage of the strengths of both plants: the resistance and adaptability of one with the fruit quality of the other.
In our case, a watermelon plant is grafted onto a pumpkin rootstock because pumpkin roots tolerate heavy, poor, diseased, or high-salinity soils better. This allows watermelons to grow in soils where they otherwise would not thrive.
🍉 Watermelon on pumpkin: a growing technique
This method was popularized by, among others, José Ignacio Salazar, a Chilean farmer who shared online how he successfully grew healthy, strong, and productive watermelons using pumpkin rootstocks. Interestingly, this technique does not require large investments or machinery—it relies on knowledge shared among farmers.
The process involves germinating both seeds (watermelon and pumpkin) in parallel. When the seedlings reach 3–4 cm, the graft is performed. Carefully, the top of the pumpkin seedling is cut and the watermelon shoot is inserted, joining the two plants with a plastic clip or special tape. After a few days of recovery (in a humid, low-light environment), the graft fuses and begins to grow as a single plant.
🌎 A practice growing worldwide
In Asia (Japan, South Korea, and China), this technique has been applied for decades, particularly in melon, tomato, and eggplant cultivation. In Europe and the United States, it is also gaining traction as part of sustainable agricultural practices that adapt to climate change.
Grafting extends crop lifespan, reduces losses, and improves profitability—essential for growers operating with tight margins.
💧 And in hydroponics?
Although grafts are more common in soil-based systems, they can also be applied in hydroponics, especially when seeking root disease resistance or increased vigor. In NFT or DWC systems, using a stronger rootstock can improve nutrient uptake and overall plant growth.
The key lies in technical knowledge and practice. At ToDo Hydro, we encourage our clients to experiment with grafts, learn, and share their results. Techniques like this represent the future of more resilient, productive, and adapted agriculture.
At ToDo Hydro, we celebrate and promote these practices, bringing innovation, skill, and experience to everyone who grows with passion.
We hope you found this useful!
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