Companion Plants to Cucumbers: The Ultimate Guide

Oleh Anonymous March 13, 2021 Post a Comment

Table of Contents

Cucumbers

Cucumbers are a popular vegetable in many gardens. They're easy to grow and produce a lot of fruit. However, they're also prone to pests and diseases, which can affect their yield. To reduce the risk of these problems, it's important to plant companion plants alongside your cucumbers.

Why Plant Companion Plants?

Companion planting is the practice of planting certain plants together to benefit each other. In the case of cucumbers, planting companion plants can help deter pests, attract beneficial insects, and improve soil health.

15 Companion Plants for Cucumbers

1. Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are a great companion plant for cucumbers. They repel cucumber beetles and other pests while attracting beneficial insects like ladybugs and hoverflies. Plus, they add a pop of color to your garden with their bright flowers.

2. Marigolds

Marigolds are another great companion plant for cucumbers. They repel nematodes, which can damage the roots of your plants, and also deter other pests. They're easy to grow from seed and come in a variety of colors.

3. Radishes

Radishes are a fast-growing vegetable that can be planted alongside cucumbers. They can help break up compacted soil and improve drainage, which can benefit your cucumber plants. Plus, they're ready to harvest in just a few weeks.

4. Beans

Beans are a nitrogen-fixing plant, which means they can help improve soil health by adding nitrogen to the soil. This can benefit your cucumber plants, which need a lot of nitrogen to grow. Plus, beans and cucumbers grow well together.

5. Peas

Peas are another nitrogen-fixing plant that can benefit your cucumber plants. They also help improve soil structure and attract beneficial insects like bees.

6. Dill

Dill is a great companion plant for cucumbers because it attracts beneficial insects like wasps, which can help control pests like aphids. Plus, it's an herb that can be used in cooking.

7. Fennel

Fennel is another herb that can attract beneficial insects and deter pests. It has a licorice-like flavor and can be used in cooking.

8. Sage

Sage is an herb that can repel pests like cabbage moths and carrot flies. It also has a pleasant scent and can be used in cooking.

9. Tansy

Tansy is a plant that repels pests like ants and flies. It's easy to grow and has yellow flowers that add color to your garden.

10. Zinnias

Zinnias are a colorful flower that can attract beneficial insects like butterflies and bees. They're easy to grow from seed and come in a variety of colors.

11. Sunflowers

Sunflowers are a tall plant that can provide shade for your cucumber plants. They also attract beneficial insects like bees and ladybugs.

12. Borage

Borage is a plant that attracts beneficial insects like bees and wasps. It also has edible flowers that can be used in salads.

13. Chives

Chives are an herb that can repel pests like aphids and carrot flies. They also have a mild onion flavor and can be used in cooking.

14. Garlic

Garlic is another plant that can repel pests like aphids and cabbage moths. It also has a strong flavor and can be used in cooking.

15. Oregano

Oregano is an herb that can deter pests like cucumber beetles and spider mites. It also has a strong flavor and can be used in cooking.

How to Plant Companion Plants with Cucumbers

When planting companion plants with cucumbers, it's important to consider the spacing and placement of each plant. Make sure you leave enough room for your cucumbers to grow and for the companion plants to spread out. You can plant them in rows or in a mixed bed.

It's also a good idea to rotate your crops each year to prevent soil-borne diseases from building up in the soil. This means planting your cucumbers and their companion plants in a different location each year.

Companion planting can be a great way to improve the health and yield of your cucumber plants. By planting certain plants together, you can deter pests, attract beneficial insects, and improve soil health. Try planting some of these companion plants with your cucumbers this season and see the benefits for yourself!

FAQs

1. What are the best companion plants for cucumbers?

Some of the best companion plants for cucumbers include nasturtiums, marigolds, radishes, beans, peas, dill, fennel, sage, tansy, zinnias, sunflowers, borage, chives, garlic, and oregano.

2. Can you plant cucumbers with tomatoes?

It's not recommended to plant cucumbers with tomatoes because they have similar soil and nutrient requirements. This can lead to competition for resources and poor growth for both plants.

3. Can you plant cucumbers with peppers?

Cucumbers and peppers can be planted together, but it's important to give them enough space to grow. Peppers can also benefit from companion plants like basil and marigolds.

4. Do cucumbers need a lot of water?

Yes, cucumbers need a lot of water to grow. Make sure to water them regularly, especially during hot and dry weather.

5. How do you know when cucumbers are ready to harvest?

Cucumbers are ready to harvest when they're firm and about 6-8 inches long. They should also have a dark green color and be free of any yellowing or soft spots.