Best Squash Companion Plants (And 3 To Avoid!)

Buttery, nutty, and oh-so-versatile in the kitchen, I love summer squash but they can be a bit fussy to grow.

They need plenty of sun, well-drained soil, and a fair bit of space to spread out.

And you gotta be careful what you plant with them, which is called companion planting.

Companion planting is the plant version of having a buddy system.

It’s all about planting different crops close together that help each other grow better.

It’s a fab way to make the most of your garden space, protect your plants from pests, and even improve your soil.

I’ve got some tips and tricks up my sleeve to help your squash thrive, and it involves finding them some plant buddies.

It’s gonna be gourd-geous! (See what I did there?)

In This Article

Understanding Companion Planting

Companion planting is about figuring out which plants get along like peas in a pod (get it?).

The idea is that certain plants, when grown together, can help each other out.

They can share nutrients, ward off pests, and even help each other grow stronger. It’s like having your own little plant neighborhood watch!

Now, why is this awesome for your squash? Well, squash plants can be a bit needy.

They love their sun, need their space, and they’ve got a sweet tooth for rich, well-draining soil.

Companion planting helps squash in a few ways:

Pest Control: Some plants are natural pest repellents. They can help keep those pesky bugs away from your precious squash.
Improved Growth: Certain plants can improve soil health and provide essential nutrients that squash plants need to grow.
Shade and Support: Some taller plants can provide a bit of shade (squash doesn’t like it too hot!) and support for sprawling squash vines.

So, by choosing the right plant buddies, you’re setting up your squash for success.

Best Squash Companion Plants

As you plan your garden, you gotta think about the best buddies for your squash plants.

Here are the top-notch plant pals that’ll help your squash thrive:

Beans: Beans are like the best wingman for your squash. They help add nitrogen back into the soil, which squash plants totally dig. Plus, they’re pretty low maintenance, making them a solid choice for a companion plant.
Dill & Legumes: These guys are the crowd control of the garden. They help ward off pests that might wanna munch on your squash.
Sunflowers & Borage: Sunflowers and borage are like the bodyguards of your squash plants. They provide a bit of shade and structure for your squash, and their tall, bright flowers can attract beneficial bugs.
Corn: Corn and squash are like the original plant BFFs. They have a symbiotic relationship where squash provides ground cover, reducing the number of weeds, and corn provides support for the squash vines.
Marigolds & Nasturtiums: Not only do these beauties brighten up your garden, but they’re also great at repelling pests. Bonus points for being pretty low maintenance too!
Radish: Radishes are a great undercover agent in your garden. They can deter squash bugs and beetles, keeping your squash safe and sound.

Remember, each of these plants brings something different to the table (or should I say, garden bed).

So think about what your squash needs most, and choose your companion plants accordingly.

How to Plant Squash with Companions

Ready to get your hands dirty and give companion planting a try?

Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you plant squash with its companion buddies:

Choose Your Companions: Based on your garden’s needs and the perks we talked about earlier, decide which companions you wanna invite to the squash party.
Prep Your Garden Bed: Loosen the soil with a garden fork or tiller, and add compost or organic matter to boost the soil’s fertility.
Plant Your Seeds: Plant squash and companion seeds according to their respective depth and spacing needs. Remember, squash needs a bit of room to spread out, and don’t crowd your companions either.
Water Regularly: Keep the soil evenly moist, but be careful not to overdo it — you don’t wanna drown your new plant buddies.
Watch for Pests: Keep an eye out for any pests that might have missed the memo about your awesome companion plants. If you spot any, pick them off or use an organic pesticide.
Harvest and Enjoy: Once your squash and companions have grown, it’s time to harvest and enjoy the fruits (and veggies, and herbs) of your labor.

And here’s a couple of quick tips to keep your squash and its companions healthy:

Rotate your crops every year to prevent disease buildup and keep your soil nutrient-rich.
Mix up where you plant different companions each year to confuse pests.

The key to successful companion planting is a little bit of planning and a whole lot of love.

Avoid These Plants Near Your Squash

Not all plants play nice with squash.

Some just don’t get along, whether they’re competing for space, nutrients, or just bringing in unwanted pests.

Here’s a quick hit list of plants you’ll wanna avoid planting near your squash:

Potatoes: Spuds and squash are a no-go. They compete for space and nutrients, and they tend to attract similar pests. It’s like a dinner bell for bugs!
Brassicas: This family of plants includes kale, cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower. They don’t jive with squash and can stunt its growth.
Carrots: While it may seem like these root veggies would be good companions, carrots can actually inhibit the growth of squash plants.

Keeping these guys away from your squash will help ensure your garden thrives.

Companion Planting for Pest Control

Companion planting ain’t just about helping your plants grow.

It’s also a solid move for keeping those pesky pests at bay.

Many plants have natural pest-repelling properties that can help protect your squash from unwanted guests.

Marigolds: These bright and cheerful flowers ain’t just for show. They’re a dynamite natural pest deterrent. Plant these around your squash to keep away nematodes and other pests.
Nasturtiums: This colorful plant doesn’t just add a pop to your garden, it also repels a variety of insects, including squash bugs and beetles.
Radishes: You might be surprised, but planting radishes near your squash can deter pests. They’re particularly good at keeping away squash borers, those pesky pests that can really ruin a squash plant’s day.

Companion planting is also about strategic pest control, so choose your plant pals wisely.

Companion Planting for Better Yield

Did you know that the right plant pals can help your squash plants be more productive? You bet they can!

Here’s the best companion plants for squash that improve harvest yield.

Beans: These legumes are like the besties of the squash plant. They fix nitrogen in the soil, giving your squash a nutrient boost that can lead to a bigger and better harvest.
Corn: This tall plant acts like a natural trellis for squash vines, and the squash plants provide a cool, moist ground cover that helps the corn thrive. This dynamic duo is part of the famous “Three Sisters” planting method used by Native American cultures. The third sister? That’s beans!
Sunflowers: Apart from being absolute beauts, sunflowers provide shade that can help protect squash plants from getting too much sun, and that can mean less stress and more squash.

Squash plants are real social butterflies love a good companion, and with the right friends, they’ll give you a yield that’ll have you grinning from ear to ear.