If you are toying with starting a garden and don’t know where to start, squash is where it’s at. There are quite a few varieties {some that will store nearly all winter}, they offer high yields, and are pretty easy to grow.
Because squash can be susceptible to pests and disease, I typically use companion planting to ward off as much as I can. Plus, using companion planting to enhance all of their awesomeness is another way to grow organically {and send a message to Mother Nature saying, “Hey, I get it, let’s do it your way.”}
If you are growing squash this year, here is a list of companion plants to try pairing it with:
- Beans. Beans provide their own nitrogen {and give some back to the soil as well}, so they will leave plenty of nitrogen goodness for squash to grow.
- Peas. Peas do the same as beans, so mix and match or pick whichever you prefer.
- Corn. In the dead heat of summer, corn will provide a nice amount of shade for squash.
- Marigolds. Marigolds deter pests. You can pretty much integrate them into any crop.
- Catnip or Tansy. Both have been shown to reduce squash bugs–which WILL happen, so might as well make it less desirable for them to hang around.
- Sunflowers. Sunflowers do the same thing as corn in that they provide shade for squash plants in the dead of summer.
- Mint. The strong odor of mint will help deter pests.
- Nasturtiums. This is another flower that will repel insects. Mix them in with the marigolds and people will think you were just going for aesthetics, instead of being the master gardener that you are. 🙂
- Radish. Again, the aroma is said to keep pests away.
Do you plan on using companion planting with your squash this year?
~Mavis
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Rebecca says
“Tansy is occasionally grown in the herb garden, though a site for growing this plant should be selected with care since it usually spreads very aggressively at the roots.” “Not North American native, Invasive.” Per Plants for a Future website: http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Tanacetum+vulgare
Beks says
I planted marigolds, and I’m thinking I should plant more. I put 1-2 plants in each 2×2 foot box. Is that enough? Too much?
sclindah says
I planted Catnip last year and it really works!!! Doing it again this year.
Will @ Phroogal says
You’re making me miss having a garden! Is it easy to harvest mint? Does it smell nice?
Sharon@MLT says
Super easy to harvest. Take scissors and snip. Smells heavenly.
For the easiest fresh mint tea, just put some of the mint leaves and stems in the carafe of your coffee maker then run water through and let steep for a few minutes. Also delightful as iced tea if you make strong. Play around with how much mint and water until you find what you like.
Diane says
I would plant the mint in a pot. It can really take over given half a chance. You could partially bury the pot in your garden of you don’t like the “pots in a garden bed look”.
Kristina says
Yes! Also, use a pot without a drainage hole if you do this. I’ve had roots “escape” through the hole! Mint is so beautiful and smells so wonderful, but boy is it ever invasive! Also, if you plant nasturtiums, don’t forget to add the blossoms to your salads. They are deliciously spicy.
Valerie in NC says
I was thinking of planting okra next to the squash. Do you forsee any issues?