Companion planting is a fantastic way to create a thriving, healthy garden ecosystem that naturally benefits your summer squash plants.
By strategically placing certain plants nearby, you can attract beneficial insects, repel pests, improve soil fertility, and even add a pop of color and flavor to your garden.
Remember to plant these companion plants near your summer squash, but not so close that they compete for nutrients or space.
1) Borage
This beautiful, star-shaped flower is a magnet for pollinators and a great companion for your summer squash. Its delicate blue petals and fuzzy leaves add a whimsical touch to your garden. Plant borage near your squash and enjoy the buzz of happy bees and the added benefit of natural pest control. Borage is easy to grow from seed and will happily self-sow for years to come.
2) Calendula
With its bright, sunny flowers, calendula is a cheerful addition to any garden. Not only does it attract pollinators, but it also helps repel pesky pests that can damage your summer squash. Plant calendula nearby and enjoy its vibrant blooms all season long. As a bonus, the petals are edible and make a beautiful garnish for salads and summer dishes.
3) Catnip
While your feline friends might go crazy for this plant, pests like squash bugs will steer clear. Plant catnip near your summer squash to create a natural barrier against these destructive insects. Catnip is easy to grow and will quickly fill in any empty spaces in your garden. Just be prepared for some extra kitty visitors!
4) Cosmos
These colorful, daisy-like flowers are a favorite among pollinators and beneficial insects. Plant cosmos near your summer squash to encourage these helpful garden allies to stick around. Cosmos are low-maintenance and will bloom all summer long with minimal care. Their delicate foliage and tall, slender stems add a lovely vertical element to your garden.
5) Dill
A versatile herb that not only adds a delicious flavor to your summer dishes but also attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and hoverflies. These helpful predators will keep pests like aphids and mites in check, protecting your summer squash from damage. Plant dill nearby and enjoy its feathery foliage and delicate yellow flowers. Just be sure to keep an eye on it, as it can quickly self-seed and take over your garden!
6) Garlic
Pungent allium is a powerful pest repellent, helping to keep aphids and whiteflies away from your summer squash. Plant garlic cloves around the perimeter of your squash patch for added protection. As a bonus, you’ll have plenty of fresh garlic to harvest and enjoy in your favorite summer recipes. Garlic is easy to grow and requires minimal maintenance, making it a great choice for busy gardeners.
7) Lavender
Not only does lavender add a beautiful, calming scent to your garden, but it also attracts pollinators and helps repel pests. Plant lavender near your summer squash for a pretty and practical companion. Lavender prefers well-draining soil and lots of sun, so be sure to choose a spot that meets its needs. Prune your lavender regularly to keep it looking tidy and encourage healthy growth.
8) Lemon balm
Another fragrant herb that is an ideal companion for summer squash, attracting pollinators and repelling pests with its citrusy scent. Plant lemon balm nearby and enjoy its delicate white flowers and fresh, clean aroma. Lemon balm is easy to grow and will quickly spread, so be sure to keep it in check by harvesting regularly. Use the leaves to make a refreshing tea or add them to summer salads for a bright, zesty flavor.
9) Marigolds
These cheerful, brightly-colored flowers are a must-have companion for your summer squash. Not only do they add a pop of color to your garden, but they also help repel nematodes and other pests that can damage your plants. Plant marigolds around the perimeter of your squash patch for added protection. Marigolds are easy to grow from seed and will bloom all summer long with minimal care.
10) Mint
Classic mint is a perfect companion for summer squash, helping to repel pests like ants, aphids, and flea beetles. Plant mint near your squash, but be sure to keep it contained, as it can quickly spread and take over your garden. Mint prefers moist, well-draining soil and can tolerate some shade. Harvest the leaves regularly to keep your mint plant looking tidy and encourage healthy growth.
11) Nasturtiums
Not only do they attract pollinators, but they also act as a trap crop for pests like aphids and whiteflies. Plant nasturtiums near your squash and enjoy their bright, peppery flavor in salads and summer dishes. Nasturtiums are easy to grow from seed and will quickly fill in any empty spaces in your garden.
12) Onions
These pungent alliums help to repel pests like aphids and whiteflies. Plant onions around the perimeter of your squash patch for added protection. Onions prefer well-draining soil and lots of sun, so be sure to choose a spot that meets their needs. Harvest your onions when the tops start to fall over and cure them for longer storage.
13) Oregano
A flavorful herb that can repel pests like cucumber beetles and cabbage moths. Plant oregano near your squash and enjoy its delicate purple flowers and savory aroma. Oregano prefers well-draining soil and lots of sun, so be sure to choose a spot that meets its needs. Harvest the leaves regularly to encourage healthy growth and to add flavor to your favorite summer dishes.
14) Pole beans
These climbing vegetables fix nitrogen in the soil, improving fertility for your squash plants, but they also provide a natural trellis for your squash vines to climb. Plant pole beans near your squash and enjoy the lush, green foliage and tender, delicious beans all summer long. Just be sure to provide a sturdy support for your pole beans to climb.
15) Radishes
Spicy, crunchy vegetables that act as a trap crop, luring pests like cucumber beetles and squash bugs away from your squash plants. Plant radishes near your squash and enjoy their crisp, peppery flavor in salads and summer dishes. Radishes are quick to mature and can be harvested in as little as 20 – 30 days, making them a great choice for impatient gardeners.
16) Rosemary
This fragrant, evergreen herb is a wonderful companion for summer squash, helping to repel pests like cabbage moths and bean beetles. Plant rosemary near your squash and enjoy its delicate blue flowers and savory aroma. Rosemary prefers well-draining soil and lots of sun, so be sure to choose a spot that meets its needs. Prune your rosemary regularly to keep it looking tidy and to encourage healthy growth.
17) Sage
Sage will aid in repelling pests like cabbage moths and carrot flies. Plant sage near your squash and enjoy its soft, velvety leaves and delicate purple flowers. Sage prefers well-draining soil and lots of sun, so be sure to choose a spot that meets its needs. Harvest the leaves regularly to add a savory flavor to your favorite summer dishes.
18) Sweet alyssum
A low-growing, flowering plant with tiny, sweet-smelling flowers that attract beneficial insects like hoverflies and parasitic wasps, which help keep pests in check. Plant sweet alyssum around the base of your squash plants and enjoy its delicate white, pink, or purple blooms all season long. Sweet alyssum is easy to grow from seed and will quickly fill in any empty spaces in your garden.
19) Thyme
Plant thyme near your squash and enjoy its tiny, delicate flowers and savory aroma. Thyme prefers well-draining soil and lots of sun, so be sure to choose a spot that meets its needs. Harvest the leaves regularly to add flavor to your favorite summer dishes and to encourage healthy growth.
20) Zinnias
These bright, cheerful flowers not only attract pollinators and beneficial insects like ladybugs and parasitic wasps, but they also add a pop of color to your garden. Plant zinnias near your squash and enjoy their vibrant blooms in shades of pink, orange, red, and purple. Zinnias are easy to grow from seed and will bloom all summer long with minimal care, making them a great choice for busy gardeners.
