Companion planting for squash is a tried and true gardening practice that involves growing different plants together for mutual benefits such as pest control, pollination, and efficient use of space. When it comes to squash, choosing the right companions can significantly enhance your garden’s productivity and health.
One of the most famous companion planting strategies is the Native American “Three Sisters” method, where squash is planted alongside corn and beans. The corn provides a natural structure for the beans to climb, reducing their susceptibility to pests and diseases. In return, the beans fix nitrogen in the soil, nourishing both the corn and squash. The squash, with its broad leaves, shades the ground, helping to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. This symbiotic relationship creates a robust and productive garden ecosystem.
Other excellent companions for squash are marigolds, which are known to repel pests like squash bugs and beetles with their strong scent.
Radish is a great companion plant as they deter squash vine borers. I’ve found these to be the worst pests for my squash and zucchini plants in zone 8B in Central Texas.
Herbs such as oregano, dill, and mint can also deter pests while attracting beneficial insects that pollinate the squash.
Nasturtiums: Nasturtiums are flowering plants that act as a trap crop, attracting bugs like aphids, whiteflies, and flea beetles away from squash plants. Plant nasturtiums a safe distance away from your squash to reap the plants’ benefits.
Radishes: Radishes are a good companion plant for summer squash varieties like zucchini plants as they deter squash vine borers.
Dill: This aromatic herb attracts beneficial insects like lacewings and ladybugs that eat squash bugs.
Sunflowers: Sunflowers grow tall and provide helpful shade for squash plants in hot climates.
Legumes: Legumes like peas and beans can fix nitrogen levels in your garden bed and improve soil conditions for your squash plants.
Marigolds: Over time, marigold flowers can reduce the number of nematodes in your soil bed. Marigolds can also attract helpful bugs like parasitic wasps that eat harmful pests.
Borage: This herb repels pests while eventually becoming a natural mulch that transfers calcium back into the soil for your squash plants.
However, it’s advisable to avoid planting squash near potatoes as they can compete for nutrients, and potatoes may increase the susceptibility of squash to blight. By carefully selecting and positioning companion plants, gardeners can create a vibrant, healthy, and productive garden space that maximizes the yield and quality of their squash crops.
This is a great activity and lesson for kids in the school garden or your garden at home. Gardening provides such a great hands on learning environment and kids thrive in it! Try the 3 Sisters Garden bed and see the veggies flourish!
