The Best Companion Plants for Acorn Squash

Table of Contents

Acorn Squash Companion Plants:

Acorn squash is one of the many varieties of winter squash that are popular in North America. This hearty vegetable is known for its sweet, nutty flavor and versatility in cooking. As with most crops, acorn squash can benefit from being planted alongside certain other plants. In this article, we will discuss the best companion plants for acorn squash to help you maximize your yield and minimize pests.

Companion Plant 1: Beans

Beans are a great companion plant for acorn squash. They are nitrogen fixers, which means they take nitrogen from the air and convert it into a form that plants can use. Acorn squash needs plenty of nitrogen to grow strong and healthy, so planting beans nearby can provide a natural source of fertilizer. Additionally, beans have shallow roots that don't compete with acorn squash for nutrients or water.

How to Plant Beans and Acorn Squash Together

To plant beans and acorn squash together, simply sow the bean seeds around the perimeter of the squash patch. Make sure to leave enough space between the two plants so they don't interfere with each other's growth. As the beans grow, they will provide shade for the soil, which can help keep it cool and moist. At the end of the season, you can till the bean plants back into the soil to add even more nitrogen-rich organic matter.

Companion Plant 2: Radishes

Radishes are another great companion plant for acorn squash. They are fast-growing and help break up the soil, which can improve drainage and aeration. Additionally, radishes have natural pest-repellent properties that can help protect your acorn squash from harmful insects.

How to Plant Radishes and Acorn Squash Together

To plant radishes and acorn squash together, sow the radish seeds alongside the squash when you first plant the seeds or seedlings. Once the radishes have sprouted and ed to grow, they will help create space in the soil for the squash to grow deeper roots. Because radishes are a fast-growing crop, you can harvest them before the squash needs all the space.

Companion Plant 3: Marigolds

Marigolds are a popular companion plant for many vegetable crops, including acorn squash. These bright flowers not only add color to your garden but also deter pests with their strong scent.

How to Plant Marigolds and Acorn Squash Together

Plant marigold seeds or seedlings around the perimeter of your acorn squash patch. Be sure to select a variety that is known for its pest-repelling properties, such as French or African marigolds. Marigolds are easy to care for and require little watering or fertilization.

Companion Plant 4: Corn

Corn is a tall, stately crop that can provide shade and support for your acorn squash. Like beans, corn is a nitrogen fixer and can help provide natural fertilizer for your squash plants.

How to Plant Corn and Acorn Squash Together

To plant corn and acorn squash together, create a small hill of soil and plant several kernels of corn in a circle around the top of the hill. Once the corn has sprouted and ed to grow, plant your acorn squash seedlings in the spaces between the corn stalks. This will provide the squash with support as it grows and allow the corn to provide shade for the soil.

Companion Plant 5: Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are another great companion plant for acorn squash. These colorful flowers have long been used in companion planting because they attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, which can help control pests.

How to Plant Nasturtiums and Acorn Squash Together

Plant nasturtium seeds or seedlings around the perimeter of your acorn squash patch. They prefer well-drained soil and full sun, so be sure to choose a spot that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Nasturtiums are easy to care for and require little watering or fertilization.

Companion Plant 6: Borage

Borage is a tall, spiky herb that can help attract pollinators to your garden. Its blue, star-shaped flowers are particularly attractive to bees, which can help increase your yield of acorn squash.

How to Plant Borage and Acorn Squash Together

Plant borage seeds or seedlings around the perimeter of your acorn squash patch. They prefer well-drained soil and full sun, so be sure to choose a spot that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Borage is easy to care for and requires little watering or fertilization.

Companion Plant 7: Chives

Chives are a popular herb that can help repel harmful insects and attract beneficial ones. They have a strong scent that pests don't like, which can help protect your acorn squash from damage.

How to Plant Chives and Acorn Squash Together

Plant chive seeds or seedlings around the perimeter of your acorn squash patch. They prefer well-drained soil and full sun, so be sure to choose a spot that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Chives are easy to care for and require little watering or fertilization.

Companion Plant 8: Mint

Mint is a fragrant herb that can help repel pests like ants and aphids. Its strong scent can mask the scent of your acorn squash, making it harder for pests to find.

How to Plant Mint and Acorn Squash Together

Plant mint seeds or seedlings around the perimeter of your acorn squash patch. They prefer well-drained soil and partial shade, so be sure to choose a spot that gets some afternoon shade. Mint is easy to care for but can be invasive, so be sure to keep it contained in a pot or planter.

Companion Plant 9: Dill

Dill is an aromatic herb that can attract beneficial insects like butterflies, bees, and ladybugs to your garden. It can also help repel harmful pests like aphids and spider mites.

How to Plant Dill and Acorn Squash Together

Plant dill seeds or seedlings around the perimeter of your acorn squash patch. They prefer well-drained soil and full sun, so be sure to choose a spot that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Dill is easy to care for and requires little watering or fertilization.

Companion Plant 10: Garlic

Garlic is a natural pest repellent that can help protect your acorn squash from harmful insects. It has a strong scent that pests don't like, which can help keep them away.

How to Plant Garlic and Acorn Squash Together

Plant garlic bulbs around the perimeter of your acorn squash patch. They prefer well-drained soil and full sun, so be sure to choose a spot that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Garlic is easy to care for and requires little watering or fertilization.

Companion Plant 11: Sunflowers

Sunflowers are a tall, stately flower that can provide shade and support for your acorn squash. They also attract beneficial insects like bees and ladybugs, which can help pollinate your squash plants and control pests.

How to Plant Sunflowers and Acorn Squash Together

Plant sunflower seeds or seedlings around the perimeter of your acorn squash patch. They prefer well-drained soil and full sun, so be sure to choose a spot that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Sunflowers are easy to care for but can be invasive, so be sure to keep them contained in a pot or planter.

Companion Plant 12: Zucchini

Zucchini is a close relative of acorn squash and can make a great companion plant. Like acorn squash, zucchini needs plenty of nitrogen to grow strong and healthy. Additionally, because they are in the same family, they share many of the same pests and diseases, which can make it easier to manage them both.

How to Plant Zucchini and Acorn Squash Together

Plant zucchini seeds or seedlings alongside your acorn squash plants. Make sure to leave enough space between the two plants so they don't interfere with each other's growth. Zucchini is easy to care for and requires little watering or fertilization.

Companion Plant 13: Basil

Basil is a fragrant herb that can help repel harmful insects like aphids and whiteflies. It also attracts beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, which can help pollinate your squash plants.

How to Plant Basil and Acorn Squash Together

Plant basil seeds or seedlings around the perimeter of your acorn squash patch. They prefer well-drained soil and full sun, so be sure to choose a spot that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Basil is easy to care for and requires little watering or fertilization.

Companion Plant 14: Peppers

Peppers are a great companion plant for acorn squash. They have shallow roots that don't compete with squash for nutrients or water, and they can help deter pests with their spicy scent.

How to Plant Peppers and Acorn Squash Together

Plant pepper seeds or seedlings alongside your acorn squash plants. Make sure to leave enough space between the two plants so they don't interfere with each other's growth. Peppers are easy to care for and require little watering or fertilization.

Companion Plant 15: Carrots

Carrots are another great companion plant for acorn squash. They have long taproots that can help break up the soil and improve drainage, which can benefit the squash plants.

How to Plant Carrots and Acorn Squash Together

Plant carrot seeds or seedlings alongside your acorn squash plants. Make sure to leave enough space between the two plants so they don't interfere with each other's growth. Carrots are easy to care for and require little watering or fertilization.


In this article, we've discussed the best companion plants for acorn squash. By planting these crops alongside your squash, you can help improve soil health, deter pests, and promote healthy growth. Whether you choose to plant beans for their nitrogen-fixing properties or marigolds for their pest-repelling scent, there are many options available to help you get the most out of your garden.

FAQs

Q: Can I plant acorn squash and tomatoes together?

A: While tomatoes are not a recommended companion plant for acorn squash, they can be planted together if you have enough space. Tomatoes require different nutrients than squash and can attract different pests, so it's important to make sure they don't interfere with each other's growth.

Q: What is the best time of year to plant acorn squash?

A: Acorn squash should be planted in late spring or early summer, after the danger of frost has passed. They prefer warm temperatures and plenty of sunlight to grow.

Q: How often should I water my acorn squash plants?

A: Acorn squash plants should be watered deeply once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions. Be sure to water at the base of the plant to avoid getting the leaves wet, which can increase the risk of disease.

Q: Can I plant acorn squash in a container?

A: Yes, acorn squash can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough (at least 5 gallons) and has good drainage. Be sure to choose a variety that is suited for container growing and provide plenty of support for the vines.

Q: How do I know when my acorn squash is ripe?

A: Acorn squash is typically ripe when the skin is hard and cannot be easily punctured with your fingernail. The color should be a uniform dark green or orange, depending on the variety.

Q: Can I save seeds from my acorn squash for next year?

A: Yes, you can save seeds from your acorn squash for next year's planting. Simply remove the seeds from the flesh and let them dry out completely before storing them in a cool, dry place.

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