Summer brings with it lots of time spent in the vegetable garden. Zucchini is a classic summer squash plant that replaces winter squash in our gardens during the hottest months. Like most plants, zucchini does best when planted next to a companion plant, which is a plant that mutually benefits from close proximity.
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Companion plants and trap crops can fix nitrogen issues, keep garden pests like nematodes and flea beetles away, and in general prevent infestation. They can also attract good crawlers like bees and ladybugs, which help pollinate your crops for good veggie growth. Planting companion plants also helps improve the soil nutrients and speed up the growth process, leading to a superior harvest.
Convinced? Here's 6 of the best zucchini companion plants you should look into planting in your zucchini patch.
1. Borage
Borage is great at keeping bad insects away. Not only does it deter pest worms, but it also attracts beneficial insects like bees to promote larger harvests. Since it's a flower, it also has the added benefit of making your garden bed look nice!
2. Beans
Zucchini tends to be heavy feeders of nutrients in the soil. Planing beans such as bush beans and pole beans help balance the PH levels in soil, benefiting both crops.
To free up some garden space, plant pole beans and make a vertical bean trellis using our handy guide.
3. Marigolds
Not only are marigolds beautiful, they also smell fragrant and floral. While they may smell sweet to us, pests such as nematodes dislike the aroma and stay clear. To prevent pesks from eating your squash leaves, simply plant a marigold close by.
4. Oregano
Oregano grows low, making for good ground cover in your garden space. It also helps with pest control against cabbage moths, which can ruin your zucchini crop.
Note that oregano spreads easily, so trim to keep it in check.
5. Phacelia
Looking to attract more pollinators? Plant some phacelia nearby. Bees can't get enough of these tiny purple blossoms.
3 Plants You Should Never Plant With Zucchini
1. Potatoes
Like zucchini, potatoes pull a lot of nutrients from the soil. Planting these two next to each other will weaken both plants and impede harvests.
2. Fennel
While fennel can attract beneficial pollinators, they are known to interfere with the growth of other plants.
3. Pumpkin
Pumpkin and zucchini are from the same family, which can affect growth and cause cross-contamination.
