Maximize your squash yields by planting these benefitting companion plants
Companion planting is the practice of planting different crops closely together so that they can benefit from one another. The plants assist each other in various ways such as providing shade, increasing soil nutrients, repelling pests, and even enhancing the taste of your crops!
Squash is one of those vegetables that can greatly benefit from this practice. Not only will your squash grow healthily, but several plants can help keep squash bugs at bay and even act as a trellis for your squash to grow on.
In this post, I’ll talk about the best companion plants for your squash, as well as plants that should be avoided.
In This Article
Best Squash Companion Plants
1. Marigolds and Nasturtiums
These two flowers are one of the best in not only keeping pests away from squash but also attracting pollinators and beneficial insects to your garden. Marigolds and nasturtiums are known to act as ‘trap crops’, meaning they sacrifice themselves to protect the main crop. Plant these flowers around your squash so that they act as a wall and stop pests from getting to the squash.
These flowers will also help attract a variety of pollinators, which will ensure that your squash flowers are properly pollinated and that you get the best yield possible. In addition to these benefits, both marigolds and nasturtiums are edible flowers that can add a beautiful touch to your soups and salads.
Mint, Dill, Parsely, and Oregano
The strong and pleasant scent of these herbs will help keep pests away from your squash. Their flowers will also attract pollinators, especially butterflies. Remember to plant mint close to squash but in its own container, as it spreads easliy.
The Three Sisters – Beans, Corn, Squash
Legumes along with corn and squash, also known as the ‘Three Sisters’ are one of the best companion plants for squash. They help one another out in many ways and have been planted together for centuries by the Native Americans.
The legumes enrich the soil by fixing nitrogen from the air and adding it to the soil. The corn acts as a trellis for the beans and squash to climb on, while also providing some shade. The large leaves of squash act as a mulch, helping retain moisture in the soil and their spiky stems keep pests and rodents away.
When planting squash as part of the ‘Three Sisters’ method, it is important to space the plants properly to allow for optimal growth and to ensure that they do not compete for nutrients.
4. Garlic and Chives
Due to their strong scent garlic and chives can be interplanted between squash to help deter many harmful insects such as aphids and squash bugs. They are also known to keep deer away.
5. Radish
Radish helps deter squash vine borers which are a serious pest to both winter and summer squashes
6. Sunflower
Sunflowers will provide shade and attract pollinators to your squash, while their stems can act as a support for the squash to climb on.
7. Marjoram
Marjoram, a fragrant herb in the mint family, is known for its strong aroma that can deter pests like aphids, spider mites, and squash bugs. Planting marjoram near squash plants can help create a barrier pests may find unappealing.
8. Borage
This edible flowering herb is known for its vibrant blue flowers and cucumber-like flavor. One of the main benefits of planting borage near squash is its ability to repel pest due to its strong scent. It repels common pests such as squash bugs, cucumber beetles, and hornworms. Additionally, borage attracts beneficial insects like bees and predatory wasps.
8. Chamomile
Chamomile, with its delicate white flowers, can repel pests such as flies and beetles. It also attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and hoverflies.
Companion Plants to Avoid
1. Potatoes
Potatoes are heavy feeders and will take all the nutrients from the soil, leading to your squash growing poorly. Potatoes also take up a lot of root space.
2. Melons
All melons including cucumbers and other squash such as pumpkins and zucchini should not be grown together. This is because they all attract the same pests and if one gets infested, the other crops are also at risk.
3. Fennel
Fennel can release chemicals that inhibit the growth of surrounding crops. It is best to avoid planting it next to squash to ensure a successful and healthy harvest.
FAQ
Can tomatoes and squash be planted together?
Yes, though planting them together won’t provide any benefits, squash and tomatoes are compatible as they have different root systems and nutrient needs, allowing them to thrive alongside each other without competing for resources.
Which plant best repels squash bugs?
Nasturtiums and radishes are some of the best choices to keep squash bugs away.
