Encourage your zucchini to flourish by planting beneficial companion plants and avoiding three that will deplete your green gourds.

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Zucchiniis the squash of summer.

In some cases, planting a companion plant near zucchini will help deter some of its most concerning pests.

Zucchini in garden

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Here are 11 companion plants to help bring out the best in your zucchini this summer.

They distract these pests from your zucchini and, instead, the pests hang out on these vibrant blooms.

Garlic

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The strong fragrance ofgarlicis beneficial on multiple levels.

Nasturtium blooms

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First, it can deter bugs like aphids, beetles, and squash bugs from attacking your zucchini.

But, second, it can help add flavor to the mild-mannered zucchini.

Lettuce

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Weeds can crowd out zucchini, preventing it from spreading fully.

Marigold flowers

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And is there anything more lovely than grabbing multiple crops from your garden to cook dinner?

Radishes

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Don’t let your zucchini fall victim to cucumber beetles.

If you plantradishes, they’ll stop beetles from taking over.

Climbing beans

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Plus, radishes don’t spread, so they won’t impose on the zucchini’s space.

Peas

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Similar to beans, peas add nitrogen into the soil.

Sunflower’s tall, sturdy stalks are the perfect foundation for the vines to make their way upwards.

Garlic in garden

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The vibrant yellow blooms will also help bring more pollinators into the garden.

Keep These Plants Away From Zucchini

Zucchini doesn’t get along with all plants in the garden.

Here are three plants you should never plant with zucchini.

Lettuce in garden

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That means these two won’t cooperate well in the garden.

Plus, potatoes attract the same pests as zucchini, which will double your trouble.

Pumpkins

Pumpkinsare closely related to zucchini, and pests will spread quickly between these two vines.

Oregano in garden

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Borage

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Radishes

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Peas in garden

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Sunflowers in bloom

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Rosemary

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