Companion Plants for Cucumbers: The Ultimate Guide

Oleh Anonymous May 06, 2023 Post a Comment

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Best Cucumber Companion Plants:

Growing cucumbers can be a rewarding experience for any gardener. They are relatively easy to grow and produce abundant yields. However, to improve your harvest and keep your plants healthy, it is important to choose the right companion plants. In this article, we will discuss the best cucumber companion plants that will help your cucumbers grow better and healthier.

The Importance of Companion Plants for Cucumbers

Cucumbers are known to attract pests like cucumber beetles, spider mites, and aphids. To avoid infestations, planting companion plants can be helpful. Companion plants can also provide a range of benefits such as improved soil fertility, better pollination, and natural pest control.

15 Best Cucumber Companion Plants

1. Beans

Beans are great companion plants for cucumbers because they fix nitrogen in the soil, which helps in enhancing the growth of cucumbers. You can plant bush beans or pole beans around your cucumber plants. Bush beans are ideal because they do not require support, but pole beans can be planted with trellises to save space.

2. Radishes

Radishes are fast-growing plants that can be used for intercropping with cucumbers. They are beneficial companions because they repel cucumber beetles and other pests, and they also improve soil aeration.

3. Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are a great addition to any vegetable garden because they attract pollinators and deter pests. They also add a splash of color to your garden. You can plant them around your cucumber plants to keep away aphids and other pests.

4. Dill

Dill is an excellent companion plant for cucumbers because it repels pests like aphids, spider mites, and squash bugs. It also attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, which feed on cucumber beetles.

5. Marigolds

Marigolds are popular companion plants for cucumbers because they deter pests like nematodes, whiteflies, and aphids. They also attract pollinators and beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings.

6. Corn

Corn is a great companion plant for cucumbers because it provides shade that helps in keeping soil moist and cool. You can plant corn around your cucumber plants to create a living mulch.

7. Peas

Peas are another nitrogen-fixing crop that makes them ideal companions for cucumbers. You can plant peas around your cucumber plants or use them as a trellis for your cucumbers to climb.

8. Sunflowers

Sunflowers are tall plants that can provide shade to your cucumber plants. They also attract pollinators and beneficial insects like bees and butterflies.

9. Borage

Borage is known for its blue star-shaped flowers that attract bees and other pollinators. It is also a great companion plant for cucumbers because it repels pests like tomato hornworms and cabbage worms.

10. Carrots

Carrots are great companion plants for cucumbers because they help in improving soil structure and fertility. They also attract beneficial insects like parasitic wasps and ground beetles, which feed on pests like aphids and caterpillars.

11. Lettuce

Lettuce is a cool-season crop that can be grown as a companion plant for cucumbers. It provides shade to the soil and helps in retaining moisture, which is beneficial for cucumber plants.

12. Oregano

Oregano is a natural pest repellent that can be used to keep away pests like spider mites, aphids, and cucumber beetles. It also attracts beneficial insects like parasitic wasps.

13. Sage

Sage is another herb that repels pests like cucumber beetles, cabbage moths, and carrot flies. You can plant sage around your cucumber plants or add it to your garden beds.

14. Rosemary

Rosemary is a fragrant herb that can be planted with cucumbers to improve soil fertility and deter pests like bean beetles, cabbage moths, and carrot flies.

15. Chives

Chives are easy to grow and make great companions for cucumbers. They repel pests like aphids and carrot flies while attracting pollinators like bees.

FAQs

1. Can I plant cucumbers with tomatoes?

No, cucumbers and tomatoes should not be planted together because they are both susceptible to similar diseases like blight and wilt.

2. Can I plant cucumbers with peppers?

Yes, you can plant cucumbers with peppers as long as they have enough space to grow. Peppers also deter pests like aphids and flea beetles.

3. How far apart should I plant my cucumber plants?

Cucumber plants should be spaced 12-24 inches apart in rows that are 5-6 feet apart.

4. Do I need to fertilize my cucumber plants?

Yes, cucumber plants require regular fertilization to produce healthy fruits. You can use organic fertilizers like compost or manure.

5. How often should I water my cucumbers?

Cucumber plants require regular watering, especially during hot and dry weather. You should water your plants deeply once a week or more often if the soil is dry.

In choosing the right companion plants for your cucumbers can help improve their growth, yield, and health. By planting beans, radishes, nasturtiums, dill, marigolds, corn, peas, sunflowers, borage, carrots, lettuce, oregano, sage, rosemary, and chives, you can create a diverse and healthy garden ecosystem. Remember to space your plants properly and provide them with adequate water and fertilizer.