Companion planting tips for Zucchini

11 Companion Plants to Grow with Zucchini

Zucchini is one of the three sister vegetables (beans, corn, and squash) meaning that they all grow well together. When planting zucchini and other squash, keep in mind that they are “heavy feeders” and require more nutrients than most plants. Examples of good companion plants to grow well with zucchini plants include:

1. Beans. Beans fix nitrogen levels in soil to balance the pH level.
2. Borage. Borage is a flower that not only attracts beneficial insects like bees, but can deter pest worms from your zucchini.
3. Dill. Dill is an herb that repels pests like cucumber beetles and flea beetles by attracting beneficial insects.
4. Garlic. Garlic possesses strong sulfur compounds, which repels pests like aphids.
5. Marigolds. Marigolds attract pests, like mosquitos, whiteflies, aphids, squash bugs, and squash vine borers. Plant marigolds away from your zucchini crop to help ensure these pests don’t damage your plants.
6. Mint. The aroma of different mint plants (including hyssop and sage) will repel grazing animals like deer.
7. Nasturtiums. Nasturtiums are pretty flowers that attract aphids. While this may seem counterintuitive, many gardeners plant nasturtiums a short distance away from their vegetable garden to attract aphids away from their crops.
8. Oregano. Aromatic herbs like oregano and marjoram repel pest like cabbage moths.
9. Peas. Like beans, peas add nitrogen to soil, which balances its pH level.
10. Phacelia. Phacelia are flowers that promote good pollination in squash vegetables and attract pollinators.
11. Rosemary. Like oregano, rosemary is an aromatic herb that can repel earworms.

3 Plants to Avoid Growing With Zucchini

Not all vegetables or plants work well as companion plants. These plants include:

1. Potato: Potatoes, like zucchini, are heavy feeders, meaning they monopolize the absorption of nutrients in soil. Avoid planting these next to zucchini as they’ll impact the growth of your squash.
2. Fennel: Fennel attracts beneficial insects, but they are not suitable as a companion plant for almost every vegetable, as they will impede the growth of other plants.
3. Pumpkin. Though pumpkins are in the same family as zucchini, they can negatively affect growth due to cross-pollination.