Boost your squash harvest with these companion plants.
This can negatively impact the plant if not kept at bay.
Read on to learn the best squash companion plants, plus those to avoid.
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“Think of zucchini as a specific player on the summer squash team.”
Companion planting can help ensure your summer squash plants have fewer unwanted insects hanging around,.
“Companion planting for summer squash can be a gardener’s secret weapon,” says Coronado.
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“Companion planting creates a mini-ecosystem that promotes healthier, more resilient plants.”
Growing plants that get along with summer squash can minimize unwanted pests while maximizing space and enriching the soil.
A huge win-win for any gardener.
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“Aromatic herbs and flowers can repel pests.”
She recommends growing bush beans instead of pole beans as they don’t require a trellis.
“Their strong scent can confuse and deter these pests, creating a protective barrier around the squash.”
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“double-check to harvest the lettuce regularly to make room for the squash as it spreads out.”
Peas also fix nitrogen into the soil, says Coronado, a mineral that is key for soil health.
Radishes
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Aroot vegetablethat grows underground, radishes grow well among summer squash.
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Another benefit is that radishes can entice unwanted pests to themselves, helping summer squash grow.
Coronado adds that if you harvest radishes early, it gives summer squash more time to spread out.
Spinach
Another leafy green that takes up minimal space and complements summer squash is spinach.
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“Spinach can be planted around squash plants in the spring,” says Kibble.
She recommends planting an early-maturing baby spinach variety to harvest in spring or early summer.
When the weather warms up and gets hot, spinach tends to bolt or go to seed.
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Summer squash relies on pollination to produce the fruitthe squash.
When oregano flowers are in bloom, this attracts important pollinators to the garden to aid in pollination.
Whenbasil is plantednear summer squash, they work together to deter pests.
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Need another reason to plant basil near summer squash?
“The aromatic oils in basil can also enhance the flavor of squash when grown,” she adds.
“Borage leaves can be used as mulch to enrich the soil with valuable minerals,” she adds.
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Sometimes, they compete for the same nutrients and space or can spread diseases when planted near each other.
“Potatoes compete for the same nutrients and can stunt the growth of squash,” says Coronado.
She adds that because pumpkins can attract similar pests and diseases, infections and infestations can increase.
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