Squash plants like good soil, lots of water, and plenty of sun. They also do well when planted near other types of plants for a number of reasons.
Companion planting can help you grow healthier squash as well as increase your harvest. This article will look at some companion plants that work well with squash and also discuss why they work so well together.
Squash Companion Plants
1. Borage
Borage is a perennial herb with bright blue flowers and a long history of use as a medicinal plant.
It attracts pollinators and beneficial insects to the garden, including bees and butterflies.
The flowers are also a great source of nectar for these beneficial insects, so they will be hanging around your garden more often!
2. Nasturtium
Nasturtiums are a great companion plant for squash. They attract pollinators, repel pests, and can be used as a border around the squash plants. They’re also easy to grow and maintain.
Squash is a hardy plant that can be grown in many climates, but it does best in warmer areas. The ideal temperature range for squash plants is between 65 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit.
3. Marigolds
Marigolds (also known as calendulas) are a good companion plant for squash because they repel insects like whiteflies, aphids, and flea beetles.
They also help keep the soil healthy and prevent pests from attacking your plants. You can plant marigolds near your squash or in containers nearby to help protect them from pests.
4. Corn
Corn is a great companion plant for squash plants. It’s tall, so it will shade out the sun and provide a buffer between your squash plants and heat-loving weeds that like to grow in sunny areas.
Corn is also beneficial as a trap crop for aphids, which can be very destructive to young squash plants if they’re not kept under control.
If you have some corn growing in your garden, it’s likely that you won’t have aphid problems at all!
Corn can also act as another layer of protection against squash bugs since they tend to avoid those tall stalks when looking for food sources.
5. Peas
Peas are one of the best companion plants for squash, and they can help to deter pests, add nitrogen to the soil, add organic matter to the soil, and keep the soil cool and moist.
6. Pole Beans
Pole beans are a great companion plant for squash. Beans fix nitrogen in the soil, which is a nutrient that many plants need to grow.
Beans also help keep pests away from squash and provide shade for them, so they’re good to plant alongside each other. Finally, pole beans can be planted alongside squash!
7. Radish
Radishes are a great choice for companion plants because they’re quick to grow and will help keep pests away from your squash.
Radishes can be planted in the same bed as squash but should be spaced out so that there’s enough room for each plant to grow without crowding.
For best results, use radish seeds instead of transplants so you don’t have to worry about spacing issues later on down the line.
Conclusion
There are a lot of different things to consider before planting your squash, but hopefully, these tips have helped you better understand how to get the most out of your garden.
