Sasha CampbellWondering what companion plants to grow with squash? That’s a good thing, as it is crucial to ensure that the vegetables, herbs, fruits, or flowers planted nearby help squash plants thrive rather than harm them.
Companion planting can help ward off garden pests and plant diseases. It can also provide shade, keep weeds down, add nutrients to the soil, and more.
There are different types of squash. Summer squash varieties, such as zucchini, pattypan, and yellow squash, are popular ones that many people like to plant.
Then there are winter squash varieties, such as butternut, acorn, buttercup, and spaghetti. Each has unique qualities and tastes, but they have similar growing needs.
Good Companion Plants for Squash
Here are some plants that grow well with squash:
- Corn
- Beans
- Radishes
- Tansy
- Marigolds
- Sunflowers
- Nasturtiums
- Lettuce
- Peas
- Tomatoes
- Cucumbers
- Garlic
Corn, squash, and beans (three sisters) work well when planted together [1]. The corn allows the beans to climb their stalks.
Additionally, beans pull nitrogen out of the air and put it into the soil, making them a good companion for squash and corn. Squash’s prickly leaves provide shade and deter rodents and other pests.
Radishes can also be helpful. Believe it or not, like tansy, they will deter squash bugs, which can damage your crop if not properly managed.
Flowers like marigolds and nasturtiums are great neighbors for butternut and yellow squash. They are helpful because they repel pests such as aphids, beetles, and squash bugs.
Sunflowers also shade zucchinis and squashes and serve as great trellises for climbing plants, such as beans.
In addition to vegetables and flowers, some herbs are beneficial, too. These include:
- Oregano
- Peppermint
- Dill
- Marjoram
- Catnip
- Lemon balm
- Parsley
- Borage
Although these herbs benefit squash vegetables, it is crucial to understand that not all herbs should be planted together [2]. Planting some too close together may cause them to taste different or stunt each other’s growth.
What Not to Grow with Squash
While some companion crops can be beneficial, others can hinder good production.
It is also important to mention that gardens should be rotated every year. Wherever you plant this year, be sure to grow that crop somewhere different next year.
Here is a small list of bad companions for squash:
- Beets
- Sweet Potatoes
- Fennel
- Watermelon
- Brassicas
- Irish potatoes
Potatoes, onions, and other root vegetables are adversaries to squash, so you should avoid putting them close. These, as well as pumpkins, are heavy-feeding vegetables, so they do not work well together.
Squash varieties are also heavy feeders. They will compete for water and soil nutrients if planted near each other.
The result is that squashes will not grow as well as expected. Root vegetables can also affect them because their underground roots inhibit their growth.
How to Grow
Squashes are some of the easiest plants to grow. They usually do very well and, if they are healthy, can produce many fruits.
1. Planting
You can start them from seedlings or seeds purchased online or at your local gardening shop. Both will do well if planted correctly.
If you decide to start them from seed, you can either start them indoors or plant them once the danger of frost has passed. Depending on your region, this may be at different times throughout the year.
Plant 4 to 6 inches in mounds and space mounds 3 to 4 feet apart. Mulch the plants lightly to reduce weeds and maintain moisture. Both summer and winter squash are warm-weather crops.
2. Care and Maintenance
No matter what type you put in the ground, squash plants need lots of room to grow. Also, be prepared for these vines to grow over your fence or onto other plants.
Alternatively, redirect them if you are worried about them taking over. Planting them in an outside row in your garden may be best.
Squash plants require 1 to 2 inches of water per week, but try not to water the leaves. These vining vegetables also like full sun, and having fertile soil with good drainage will be most beneficial.
Furthermore, guano, compost, and aged manure are good organic fertilizers for them.
3. Pests and Diseases
When caring for your plants, note the color of their leaves and any pests you see. It is also important to take care of plant diseases or bugs that might harm them.
Pests like squash vine borers, cucumber beetles, and squash bugs can lay their eggs and infest your plants. If you see any of these critters, drop them in soapy water to suffocate and kill them.
Also, look out for downy mildew, bacterial wilt, mosaic virus, and powdery mildew. Next, figure out how to treat these plant diseases. You may also need to fertilize the soil to improve its quality and help the diseases go away.
4. Harvesting and Storage
The harvesting time is generally on the seed packets. However, you will know your summer squash is ready when fully grown.
Typically, yellow squash, zucchini, and crookneck squash can be harvested when they are 6 to 8 inches long. It is also best to harvest them when they are young.
In addition to the fruit, you can eat yellow squash flowers. Harvest winter squash when the outside of the fruit cannot be easily penetrated with a fingernail.
If you have abundant summer squashes, you can either make them into pickles or freeze them after blanching for 3 minutes and cooling in ice water. Winter varieties can be stored in your home’s basement or other cool areas.
See also: The Best Cucumber Companion Plants and Those to Avoid Planting Near.
Takeaway
Squashes are the ultimate crop to cultivate, as they grow well with many other plants. They are also healthy; your whole family will love growing and harvesting them.
Hi Sasha Brown
I have got 💯’s of Caterpillars 🐛 on my veg’s
Do you know to rid off them