Good and Bad Pumpkin Companion Plants

Growing pumpkins is a delightful experience that your family and friends can enjoy together!

But there are strategies you can use to maximize the benefits of your pumpkin-growing efforts. One of the most important strategies is companion planting.

This is the practice of strategically planting certain crops close to one another.

This practice dates back centuries. It offers several benefits, including healthier soil and pest control.

However, it’s also essential to be aware of which plants are suitable companions for your pumpkins and which ones are not.

In this article, we will take a look at some of the best and worst companion plants for this fruit.

Good Companion Plants for Pumpkins

If you’ve ever grown pumpkins, you know that the vines spread wide and far.

Companion planting is an effective way to enhance growth and yields in your pumpkin patch.

Companion plants can offer numerous benefits, including deterring pests and enriching the soil.

So what grows well around pumpkins? Here are some of the best:

• Legumes. Peas, beans, and clover all fit the bill when it comes to nitrogen-fixing companions that can help boost your pumpkin patch’s growth rate.
• Herbs. Plant oregano, chives, basil, sage, hyssop, and dill near your pumpkins. Some will attract good insects, while others will deter certain insects and even enhance flavor.
• Marigolds. We all know marigolds fend off many common garden pests. Plus, they add a pleasing pop of color to your otherwise green bed of vines.
• Radish. Will keep away squash borers.
• Petunias, tansy, and nasturtiums. Deterrent for many pests.
• Sunflower. It can attract pollinators.
• Corn. These plants grow tall and slender, so they will not encroach on the pumpkin’s growing space. Small pumpkin varieties may even climb on the corn plants.

These are some of the plants you can use when gardening with pumpkins. Remembering these guidelines can help you achieve a successful harvest.

What NOT to Plant Next to Pumpkins

You certainly don’t want to be too hasty with your companion planting, especially when it comes to pumpkins. While some plants work quite happily together as companions, others are downright incompatible!

Here are some bad companions to avoid:

• Onions, potatoes, beets, and other large root crops. Pumpkins don’t play well with them. Come harvest time, they may disturb your pumpkin’s sensitive roots. They may also encourage the growth of insects and fungal diseases.
• Cabbage, cauliflower, kohlrabi, broccoli, and kale. Brassicas and pumpkins require a significant amount of nutrients from the soil. Therefore, they will compete for these nutrients.
• Fennel. A “bully” companion plant for a lot of crops, including pumpkins.

As long as you remember these no-nos, you’ll be well on your way to a bountiful harvest.

How to Grow Pumpkins

If the idea of growing pumpkins appeals to you, here are some things you need to know about how to get started.

Planting

It all starts with planting your pumpkins in full sun—they need at least eight hours of sunlight each day.

When it comes to soil, look for something that has good drainage and plenty of organic matter, like compost, so your pumpkin plants can thrive.

Also, make sure you plant your seeds at the recommended depth and water them regularly, as dry soil can cause the seedlings to die off quickly.

Fertilizing

In general, they require nitrogen in the early stages, so apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer then. However, as they start to flower, the plants will need a lot of phosphorus, so switch to a phosphorus-heavy fertilizer.

Finally, for healthy fruits, pumpkin plants require a lot of potassium. So, switch again, but this time to a potassium-rich fertilizer.

Garden Pests

Pumpkins can also be affected by certain garden pests.

Therefore, to maximize your pumpkin crop yields, it is essential to be aware of these pests and take steps to protect your crop.

Some of these pests include snails, slugs, squash bugs, the squash vine borer, aphids, and cucumber beetles.

Plant Diseases

Watch for these common plant diseases when growing pumpkins: Fusarium wilt, downy mildew, black rot, and powdery mildew [1].

How to Harvest

Harvesting pumpkins is an exciting part of growing them! Here are some tips on how to tell when they’re ready:

1. Look for the stems to start turning brown. When you see this, it’s almost time to harvest.
2. Check the weight of the pumpkin. If it’s heavy for its size and fully colored, it means it’s ready for picking.
3. Thump it. If the rind feels hard and has a hollow sound when you thump it, then it’s time.
4. Check the pumpkin’s color. It should be a deep orange. However, some heirloom varieties may be green or white instead.
5. Finally, to harvest the pumpkin, use a knife or pruning shears. Cut it from the vine, but leave some stem if you can. This will help it last longer.

So there you have it—the key tips on harvesting pumpkins! Now you can enjoy your homegrown pumpkins this season!

How to Store

When it comes to storing pumpkins, temperature is key.

The optimal temperature for pumpkin storage is room temperature. This temperature allows for a longer shelf life, provided the pumpkins are properly cured.

To cure, place your pumpkins in the sun for 7 to 14 days after they are removed from their vines. This will allow them to cure and harden.

You can also keep them in the refrigerator if you plan on eating them within a month. This method does not require curing.

Where to Buy Seeds

There are many places where you can find the best seed varieties and purchase them.

Many garden centers will carry a variety of organic seeds, so it’s worth seeing if there’s one near you.

There are also numerous online retailers specializing in organic seeds, offering a wide range of varieties. Many seed banks also offer a diverse selection of seeds.

Regardless of the option you select, ensure that you purchase certified seeds from reputable sources.

Takeaway

So, if you’re looking for neighboring plants to complement your pumpkin crops, consider ones that will help them thrive.

Choose plants that invite beneficial insects and pollinators. Some of these plants also help boost soil fertility and improve your yields.

However, also be aware of plants that could later cause problems for your pumpkins.