Companion planting for squash is an experience-based observation developed over centuries. People have noticed that planting certain plants side by side has a positive effect on each other, increasing the quality and quantity of the harvest.
Companion planting is not set in stone and it is the least you can do for your plants. You can get the right care from the individual plant article. You can see the companion and the enemy plants of squash below.
| Companion plants for squash | Enemy plants of squash |
|---|---|
| Dill | Cucumber |
| Borage | Pumpkin |
| Corn | |
| Mint | |
| Nasturtiums | |
| Radish | |
| Sunflower |
Why does companion planting work?
Companion planting works due to several interconnected factors:
Pest Control: Certain plants emit natural chemicals or scents that repel pests, effectively acting as natural pest deterrents for nearby plants. This reduces the need for chemical pesticides and fosters a more balanced ecosystem.
Attracting Beneficial Insects: Some companion plants attract beneficial insects like ladybugs, hoverflies, and predatory wasps, which feed on common garden pests. This creates a natural form of pest control and helps maintain ecological balance.
Soil Improvement: Different plants have varying root structures and nutrient requirements. Companion planting can enhance soil health by reducing soil erosion, suppressing weeds, and improving nutrient uptake. For example, leguminous plants fix nitrogen in the soil, benefiting neighboring plants that require nitrogen for growth.
Competition Reduction: Companion planting can help reduce competition for resources such as water, sunlight, and nutrients by utilizing plants with complementary growth patterns and root structures. This allows for more efficient resource utilization and healthier plant growth.
Biodiversity and Resilience: Planting diverse species together increases biodiversity in the garden, which can enhance ecosystem resilience. A diverse ecosystem is better equipped to withstand pests, diseases, and environmental stresses compared to monocultures.
Maximizing Space: Companion planting allows gardeners to make the most of limited space by intercropping plants with different growth habits and maturity rates. This maximizes yield per square foot and promotes efficient land use.
Overall, companion planting capitalizes on the natural synergies between plant species, creating a thriving and sustainable garden ecosystem.
What are the companion plants of squash?
The following plants have positive effects on the growth of your squash. These plants can repel pests that damage your plants. These plants provide increased nutrition to the soil that your plants can use. Therefore, we recommend planting these plants next to your squash.
Dill
Dill thrives in various soil types. Flourishing in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil under the gentle caress of sunlight, it embodies adaptability and elegance. Consistent moisture and occasional pruning support lush growth and abundant foliage. Dill offers general benefits to neighboring plants by attracting beneficial insects and enhancing overall garden biodiversity.
Dill isn’t just a great herb for the kitchen—it’s also a fantastic bodyguard for squash! Its strong scent confuses and repels pests like squash bugs and aphids, keeping them from making a meal out of your plants. Plus, dill attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and parasitic wasps that help keep the bad bugs in check.
Borage
Borage, esteemed for its herbal charm and botanical grandeur, thrives in diverse habitats under the sun's warm embrace. Flourishing in well-drained soil with a neutral to alkaline pH, it showcases resilience and adaptability. Regular watering and adequate spacing promote lush foliage and vibrant blooms, attracting pollinators and beneficial insects.
If you want more squash, you need more bees—and borage is a bee’s best friend! This pretty blue-flowered herb draws in pollinators, ensuring that your squash blossoms get the attention they need. More pollination means more squash on your plate, making borage a perfect plant to grow nearby.
Corn
Corn thrives in rich, well-drained soil under the nurturing warmth of sunlight. Flourishing in fertile earth enriched with organic matter, it embodies resilience and vitality. Consistent moisture and adequate spacing support robust growth and prolific tasseling. Corn provides general benefits to neighboring plants by shading the soil, reducing weed growth, and promoting overall garden health.
Squash can struggle in harsh summer heat, and that’s where corn comes in. With its tall, sturdy stalks, corn provides much-needed shade to keep squash plants cool and prevent their leaves from wilting. It also helps break the wind, offering extra protection for those delicate squash vines.
Mint
Mint thrives in various soil conditions. Flourishing in well-drained, moist soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.0. Partial shade and consistent moisture nurture its lush foliage and aromatic leaves. Mint provides invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by repelling pests, attracting beneficial insects, and promoting a sense of freshness in the garden.
Mint might be strong-smelling, but that’s exactly why it’s a great neighbor for squash. Its scent drives away pests like aphids, ants, and even some beetles that love munching on squash leaves. Just be careful—mint spreads fast, so keep it in a pot or a controlled area so it doesn’t take over your garden!
Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums thrive in various soil conditions. Flourishing in well-drained, moderately fertile soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.0. Full sunlight and consistent moisture nurture their vibrant flowers and trailing foliage. Nasturtiums offer invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by attracting pollinators, repelling pests, and adding a touch of vibrant color to garden landscapes.
Nasturtiums are like the secret weapon of the garden. They act as a trap crop, attracting aphids, squash bugs, and other pests away from your squash. Instead of attacking your veggies, the bugs will head straight for the nasturtiums, leaving your squash plants safe and sound.
Radish
Radishes thrive in loose soil with a pH range between 5.5 and 7.0, they embody adaptability and zest. Full sunlight and consistent moisture nurture their rapid growth and vibrant foliage. Radishes provide invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by breaking up compacted soil, improving soil aeration, and suppressing pest populations.
Radishes grow quickly and help break up the soil, making it easier for squash roots to spread deep and strong. Even better, radishes deter squash vine borers, a common problem for squash plants. If you plant radishes early, they’ll be ready to harvest before your squash gets too big, giving you an extra crop while still protecting your main one.
Sunflower
Sunflowers thrive in fertile soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.5. Full sunlight and ample space nurture their towering stems and vibrant flowers. Sunflowers provide invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by attracting pollinators, enhancing garden aesthetics, and providing seeds for birds and wildlife. Belonging to the Asteraceae family, alongside esteemed companions like daisies and asters.
Sunflowers aren’t just beautiful—they’re also great natural trellises for smaller squash varieties. Their tall, sturdy stems provide a perfect climbing structure for vining squash, keeping the fruit off the ground and reducing the risk of rot. Plus, they attract pollinators, helping your squash produce more fruit.
What are the enemy plants of squash?
Planting these plants next to squash has a huge negative effect on the development of your plant. Growing enemy plants can appeal detrimental insects, change the taste of the grown plant and even consuming all of the nutrients and water from your squash. Because of these negative effects, we don’t recomment growing the plants below next to your squash.
Cucumber
Cucumbers thrive in diverse soil conditions. Flourishing in well-drained, loamy soil enriched with compost, they embody adaptability and freshness. Consistent moisture and sunlight support vigorous vine growth and abundant fruiting. Cucumbers extend general benefits to neighboring plants by shading the soil, conserving moisture, and attracting beneficial insects.
Cucumbers and squash both love warm weather and sprawling vines, but they actually make terrible neighbors! They compete for the same nutrients, water, and space, which can leave both plants struggling to grow. Even worse, they attract many of the same pests, like cucumber beetles and squash bugs, which means trouble can spread quickly between them.
Pumpkin
Pumpkins, known for their gourd-like fruits and garden splendor, grow in various soil conditions. Flourishing in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.5. Full sunlight and ample space nurture their sprawling vines and prolific fruiting. Pumpkins provide invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by shading the soil, conserving moisture, and suppressing weed growth with their dense foliage.
Pumpkins and squash are just too similar for their own good. Both plants grow big, sprawling vines that need lots of room, and when they’re planted together, they end up fighting for space, sun, and nutrients. Plus, cross-pollination can happen between certain squash and pumpkin varieties, leading to weird, not-so-tasty results in the next generation of plants. It’s best to keep these two apart to give them the space they need to thrive.
