Some of the gardening folklore actually has some factual or logical basis. One example has to do with members of the cucurbit family - squash, melons, pumpkins, and cucumbers. Although it may sound logical, this is not true for reasons that relate to the process of pollination and fertilization.
Cucurbits have a flowering habit which is quite unique among the vegetable crops.
The flowers are found in the axils of the leaves. The flowers can be easily distinguished from each other as the female flowers have small, immature fruits at their bases. In order for fruit set to occur, pollen from the male flower must be transferred to the female flower. Honeybees are the principal means by which pollen is transferred from the male flower to the female flower. Since they have a similar flowering habit, bloom about the same time, and are members of the same plant family, it is logical that gardeners might assume that squash, melons, and cucumbers will cross-pollinate.