The summer squash season has come, and the most loved one of the bunch is likely zucchini. If you didn’t know this veggie was squash, don’t worry, many people don’t. The best way to put it is that all zucchinis are squash but not all squash are zucchinis.
These vegetables are known for taking up a lot of space, spreading, and covering large areas, so you need to be careful in what you choose to become your squash companion plants. Nevertheless, plenty of plants actually like being paired with such low-maintenance spreaders, and many offer incredible benefits for them as well.
If you play your cards right, you’ll be able to plant them once and harvest all season while increasing yield and protecting them from nasty little pests. We’ll tell you how.
Benefits of Companion Planting Zucchini
Wondering why companion planting is so good and why everyone seems to be talking about it these days? Here are some of its scientifically proven benefits:
- Reduced risk of diseases, infections, and potentially complete eradication of some fungal and bacterial problems. For zucchinis, the biggest threats are powdery mildew and bacterial wilt;
- Improving overall soil’s health, as well as improving its drainage and aeration;
- Weed suppression and removal of wild competition.
- Pest control, especially bugs like aphids, cucumber beetles, and other squash-specific pests. Both by plant scent and by attracting predatory insects that will feast on such pests;
- Aid in pollination by attracting pollinators and increasing the beneficial insect population. Without them, no fruits will grow;
- Increase yield and promote biodiversity;
- Better space management by filling the leftover spaces from zucchini rows with plants with different growing habits.
Best Zucchini Companion Plants
Zucchinis get along with a multitude of plants from several plant groups and will happily share their space with anyone who doesn’t bother them too much. Here are the best companion plants for zucchini:
Vegetables
A great way to ensure that you have a garden with diverse crops is to use veggies to help one another thrive.
Corn
Corn and squash are part of the iconic pairing known as the three sisters, alongside beans. This combination works so well because zucchini will act as ground cover, increasing moisture and regulating soil temperature, beans will fix nitrogen in the soil, and corn will help with space maximization without competing with the rest of the plants and providing a structure for beans to climb on.
Alliums
Garlic, onions, and others in this genus have a reputation for deterring pests with their strong aroma. One bonus is onions will also loosen the soil around them with their bulbs, which helps squash shallow roots.
Flowers
Nectar-rich flowers are a must if you want your garden to be buzzing with pollinators, as squash flowers need at least 6 bee visits to ensure full pollination.
Sweet Alyssum
With its sweet scent and low growing habit, this flower keeps pests at bay, particularly aphids, by attracting predatory bugs. It also attracts bees to aid in pollination and won’t compete with surrounding crops. It takes 50 days to flower, so time for it to be ready when your squashes need them.
Calendula
Also known as pot marigold, its bright orange flowers will attract all the bugs to your yard, from pollinators to predators like lacewings, hoverflies, and parasitic wasps that will make sure no pests are lurking around. Plus, this flower has medicinal benefits for the skin and digestive system.
Bee Balm
The name says it all, this flower is great at attracting pollinators like bees, but also butterflies and beneficial predators. Its strong scent also repels many pests. It will come back every year and should be planted a bit away from your zucchinis.
Herbs
Herbs are anciently known for being able to deter pests with their powerful fragrances.
Borage
This herb has star-shaped turquoise flowers that keep cucumber beetles away while also attracting bees and other pollinators. One special feature of borage is the ability to use its deep roots to make deeper minerals and water available for surrounding plants, something heavy feeders like zucchinis will appreciate.
Dill
Dill can attract predatory bugs that feed on aphids, thrips, and cucumber beetles. It’s also thought that young dill plants will positively influence the growth and vigor of young squash plants. This herb is very easy to grow and has a tendency to go a bit out of control if left unattended, so keep it from taking over your garden.
Thyme
Known for its antimicrobial and antifungal properties thanks to the compound thymol, thyme will protect your plants from soil-borne pathogens as well as pests. Its flowers will also attract beneficial insects. You can opt for a creeping thyme variety and use it as a ground cover as well.
Catnip
Cats love this herb, but your zucchinis do too. Edible, medicinal, and with a slight mint flavor, catnip repels ants, squash bugs, and aphids, but also mice, rats, and other rodents. It will also keep your cats from digging around in the garden, all while attracting pollinators.
Other Plants
Here are even more plants that your squashes will love to pair with.
Peas
This legume will saturate the soil with nitrogen, increasing yield for surrounding plants. It has the added benefit of growing in a trellis and not crowding or shading the crops around it, maximizing vertical space. Peas should be sowed at the same time you transplant your zucchini seedlings.
White Clover
Like every other legume, white clover is nitrogen-fixing and will provide the soil with essential nutrients for a healthy and abundant squash harvest. Be mindful that they should be cut back or mowed before dropping their seeds. Otherwise, they’ll behave like a weed and take over your garden.
What to Plant with Zucchini
The previous selection of plants is but a small portion of a wide list of companions. If you’re looking for a new neighbor for your squash, here are some more you can choose based on their needs.
In container
Although squashes tend to spread, they can grow in containers or simply benefit from smaller plants being planted in pots around them.
Peppers
Peppers' compact growing habits and sturdy nature make them great companions. They’re easy to grow, don’t require much maintenance, and will appreciate the shade zucchinis might cast nearby.
Mint
Like other herbs, mint’s strong aroma will keep pests away, and flowers will attract pollinators. It is recommended to grow it in pots or containers to keep its aggressive and invasive growth under control.
Oregano
Oregano exudes a peppery scent that we love but aphids and beetles hate. Its flowers also attract predatory insects. It is super easy to grow and makes a great companion for many veggies. Just make sure not to plant it too close, or your squashes will smother them.
In Raised Bed
Most veggies will do well in raised beds, but here are several examples of a few plants that will love it the most.
Tomato
Tomato and zucchini form a beautiful symbiotic relationship, both attracting pollinators to one another, while zucchinis will also work as ground covers for tomatoes. Plant both seedlings at the same time.
Marigold
This is a companion planting favorite and probably the most used flower for pairing with veggies. It will repel insects both above and below the ground, deter rabbits and rodents, attract pollinators and other beneficial bugs, and can work as a trap crop for slugs and snails.
To Keep Bugs Away
Pests are your plant’s enemies, and young squash plants are particularly vulnerable to insects like aphids, whiteflies, spider mites, and squash-specific pests.
Blue Hubbard Squash
This veggie will work as a trap plant for squash bugs and vine borers, which prefer them over other family members. They should be planted about a month before your zucchinis and at the garden’s periphery.
Nasturtiums
Both beautiful and useful, these flowers are very effective against squash bug infections while also attracting predatory bugs. They will need a bit of room to grow and will pamper you with colorful edible flowers that can be used as a peppery garnish.
To Deter Weeds From Growing
Weeds can become a huge problem as they compete for nutrients and space and can stunt your plants’ growth, especially younger ones.
Medium Red Clover
A few clovers will act as a good living mulch, but medium red clover is one of the best. It will also break the soil and increase the nitrogen levels that your squashes love and need while providing a habitat for beneficial predatory insects.
Yellow Mustard
Sinapis alba can be used as a living mulch and will break up compacted soil. It is thought to increase summer squashes yield and to be able to reduce aphid and whitefly populations in gardens. It should be mowed before seeds develop to control aggressive spreading.
What Not to Plant with Zucchini
Now that you know what grows well with zucchini, it’s also important to make sure the following plants stay as far away from your squashes as possible.
Potatoes
They will compete for nutrients and increase the risk of diseases like blight. Although not from the same family, sweet potatoes should also be kept far from your squashes.
Brassicas
Plants like cabbage, kale, broccoli, and cauliflower are very prone to pests and might attract them closer to your squashes. Plus, these are also heavy feeders which will likely compete with your squashes.
Cucurbits
Much like with the majority of plant families, you should avoid companion planting zucchini close to relatives. When it comes to squashes, they shouldn’t be planted with one another, as the risk of disease and infestation and the possibility of cross-pollination will increase. They will also compete for everything, from food to light to space.
Fennel
Fennel is well-known for not being a great companion plant to the majority of veggies, as it releases a compound that stunts the growth of surrounding plants.
FAQ
Where Is the Best Place to Plant Squash?
You can plant your squashes pretty much anywhere, as long as they have enough food and space to spread without having to compete with surrounding plants.
How to Increase Squash Yield?
Some of the most important factors to guarantee a fruitful yield are protection against pests, especially squash-specific ones, full pollination of as many flowers as possible, and sufficient water and food.
Can You Plant Peppers and Zucchini Together?
You sure can. Although they don’t bring any specific benefit to zucchinis, peppers will not compete nor disturb your squashes in any way and will maximize space usage while enjoying the occasional shade from your squash’s leaves.
Can I Plant Zucchini Next to Potatoes?
No, potatoes are not actually a good companion plant for Zucchini as they will compete for nutrients. As a result, such companion planting will increase the risk of diseases like blight.
Can We Grow Zucchini and Cucumber Together?
You should refrain from doing so. They are part of the same family, so they’ll likely compete for food, increase the risk of diseases and family-specific pests, and you might even end up with strange hybrid harvests, as cross-pollination is very likely to occur.
Can You Plant Marigolds with Zucchini?
You can and should. Marigolds are a great companion plant for zucchini and will repel insects both above and below the ground, attract pollinators and trap slugs and snails. It is also thought to be able to deter rabbits and rodents.
