Zucchini is a popular summer squash that is easy to grow and produces a bountiful harvest. However, like all plants, zucchini can benefit from the presence of companion plants that can help improve its growth and health. In this article, we will explore the 13 best zucchini companion plants and the ones to avoid, so you can maximize your zucchini yield and have a thriving garden.
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The 13 Best Zucchini Companion Plants
1. Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums are a great companion plant for zucchini because they repel pests like aphids and squash bugs. They also attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and bees, which can help pollinate your zucchini plants.
Planting Tips
Direct seed nasturtiums around the base of your zucchini plants or plant in between rows. Space them 6-12 inches apart
2. Marigolds
Marigolds are another great companion plant for zucchini because they repel pests like nematodes and beetles. They also add a pop of color to your garden and attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies.
Planting Tips
Plant marigolds at the edges of your zucchini-raised bed Space them 8-12 inches apart. Choose marigold varieties with a strong scent for better pest control.
3. Radishes
Radishes are a great companion plant for zucchini because they help break up the soil and improve drainage. They also repel pests like cucumber beetles and squash bugs.
Planting Tips
Sow radish seeds directly around your zucchini plants a few weeks before planting zucchini. Harvest radishes as they mature, leaving some for continued soil improvement.
4. Beans
Beans are a great companion plant for zucchini because they add nitrogen to the soil, which can help improve the growth and health of your zucchini plants. They also help improve soil structure and attract beneficial insects like bees.
Planting Tips
Plant bush beans directly around your zucchini plants, spacing them 4-6 inches apart. Alternatively, plant pole beans along the edges of your zucchini bed, providing them with a trellis for climbing.
5. Corn
Corn is a great companion plant for zucchini because it provides shade and helps retain moisture in the soil. It also attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, which can help control pests like aphids and spider mites.
Planting Tips
Plant corn at the north end of your zucchini bed to provide afternoon shade. Space corn stalks 12-18 inches apart.
6. Peas
Peas are a great companion plant for zucchini because they add nitrogen to the soil and help improve soil structure. They also attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies.
Planting Tips
Plant peas directly around your zucchini plants a few weeks before planting zucchini. Harvest peas as they mature.
7. Garlic
Garlic is a great companion plant for zucchini because it repels pests like aphids and spider mites. It also helps improve soil health and can deter larger pests like rabbits and deer.
Planting Tips
Plant garlic cloves around the perimeter of your zucchini bed in the fall. Space them 4-6 inches apart. Harvest garlic in the summer when the leaves begin to yellow.
8. Borage
Borage is a great companion plant for zucchini because it attracts beneficial insects like bees and butterflies. It also helps improve soil health and can repel pests like tomato hornworms.
Planting Tips
Direct seed borage in between your zucchini plants. Space them 12-18 inches apart. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming.
9. Dill
Dill is a great companion plant for zucchini because it attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings. It also repels pests like aphids and spider mites.
Planting Tips
Sow dill seeds directly around your zucchini plants or plant in between rows. Space them 12-18 inches apart. Harvest dill fronds as needed for culinary use.
10. Chives
Chives are a great companion plant for zucchini because they repel pests like aphids and spider mites. They also add a mild onion flavor to your zucchini dishes.
Planting Tips
Plant chives in a cluster near the edge of your zucchini bed. Space them 4-6 inches apart. Regularly harvest chives throughout the season
11. Oregano
Oregano is a great companion plant for zucchini because it repels pests like aphids and spider mites. It also adds a delicious flavor to your zucchini dishes.
Planting Tips
Plant oregano in a pot and place it near your zucchini bed. Alternatively, plant oregano directly at the edge of the bed. Space oregano plants 12-18 inches apart. Harvest oregano leaves as needed.
12. Thyme
Thyme is a great companion plant for zucchini because it repels pests like cabbage worms and slugs. It also adds a delicious flavor to your zucchini dishes.
Planting Tips
Plant creeping thyme directly around your zucchini plants. Alternatively, plant thyme in a pot and place it near the bed. Space thyme plants 6-8 inches apart.
13. Sage
Sage is a great companion plant for zucchini because it repels pests like cabbage moths and carrot flies. It also adds a delicious flavor to your zucchini dishes.
Planting Tips
Plant sage in a pot and place it near your zucchini bed. Alternatively, plant sage directly at the edge of the bed. Space sage plants 12-18 inches apart. Harvest sage leaves as needed.
What You Should Not Plant Next With Zucchini
1. Potatoes
Potatoes are not a good companion plant for zucchini because they can attract pests like potato beetles and wireworms. They also compete with zucchini for nutrients and can stunt its growth.
2. Fennel
Fennel is not a good companion plant for zucchini because it can attract pests like aphids and spider mites. It also competes with zucchini for nutrients and can stunt its growth.
3. Cucumbers
Cucumbers are not a good companion plant for zucchini because they can attract pests like cucumber beetles and squash bugs. They also compete with zucchini for nutrients and can stunt its growth.
4. Melons
Melons are not a good companion plant for zucchini because they can attract pests like squash bugs and vine borers. They also compete with zucchini for nutrients and can stunt its growth
5. Pumpkins
Pumpkins are not a good companion plant for zucchini because they can attract pests like squash bugs and vine borers. They also compete with zucchini for nutrients and can stunt its growth.