Cucumber companion plants can help you to get the best out of your garden. Discover the secrets to successful companion planting for cucumbers in this comprehensive guide!
Companion planting is a technique gardeners use to plant mutually beneficial plants close together. While it seems simple, the method provides significant benefits to your garden. For example, companion planting can encourage plant growth, control pests and weeds, improve soil quality and even boost plant yield. Likewise, it can also attract beneficial insects such as bees, which are vital for garden health.
That’s all excellent news for both your garden and the planet. Fewer pests mean you’ll be less tempted to rely on pesticides, which end up in waterways and pollute the environment. Furthermore, these factors can result in a greater yield of higher-quality produce and more space in your garden.
Companion planting can be applied to various plants, and once you understand which plants pair well together, the possibilities are endless. In this article, we will discuss the best cucumber companion plants and how to incorporate them. By following these tips, you can create a flourishing garden in no time.
Want to learn more? Check out our Companion Planting Beginner’s Guide or read about Companion Planting With Herbs.
The Best Cucumber Companion Plants
The key to getting the most out of this gardening technique is knowing what plants to use and which to avoid. So, what are the best cucumber companion plants?
- Corn: Corn is a great option if you’re growing a small variety of cucumbers. Plant the cucumber around two weeks after planting the corn, ensuring that they’re around 12 inches apart.
- Green beans: Green beans enhance nitrogen levels in the soil, in turn boosting cucumber growth. Plant them close together with your cucumbers.
- Onions: This root vegetable is a great companion plant for cucumber, as they give each other plenty of growing room. As a result, they can grow together in harmony.
- Dill: This herb attracts beneficial pollinating insects into your garden. This is important, as it helps fertilize crops so they’re ready for eating. However, keep in mind that growing these two together can leave your cucumbers tasting slightly of dill.
- Radishes: Radish is another root vegetable that is a great cucumber companion plant. As with onions, they give cucumber plenty of space to grow. They may also help to ward away certain pests, such as cucumber beetles. Again, plant them near your cucumber.
- Lettuce: Lettuce works well with both radishes and cucumbers, making it the perfect companion plant. One benefit of this companion plant is that it is easy to grow — perfect for beginners!
- Peas: Just like with green beans, peas add nitrogen to soil. When planting, you can either place them close together or try using a trellis. A trellis is typically a wooden framework where plants can grow and thrive either alone or together.
- Marigolds: These flowers keep pests away like squash bugs and thrips away from your vegetables. However, some insects — like slugs — do enjoy munching on them.
- Chives: Just like marigolds, chives deter pests, some of which include beetles and aphids. Chives spread quickly, so keep an eye on them. Make sure to plant them somewhere that gets plenty of sun, with partial shade.
- Parsnips: Parsnips are another root vegetable that works well with cucumber, as again, they allow for plenty of growing space. Make sure you plant them where they can get plenty of sun.
- Celery: Celery is also an excellent cucumber companion plant. Its scent can even ward off whiteflies. Simply plant a few close to your cucumber vines.
- Carrots: Like other root vegetables, carrots grow beneath the soil, giving cucumber plenty of space to thrive. Plant carrots no more than 12 inches apart and away from parsnips, celery and dill.
- Garlic: Garlic is a great choice for companion planting with cucumber, as it can enhance cucumber’s nutrient levels and repel pests. However, you shouldn’t plant them near beans or legumes.
- Nasturtiums: Much like marigolds, these flowers can ward off pesky insects. Plant them close to your cucumbers to get their full protective benefits.
- Beetroot: Beetroots work just as well as other root vegetables that give cucumber lots of room to grow over the top of the soil. When planting beetroots, they should be at least 10 centimeters apart.
In general, all the plants listed here can be planted near cucumbers without any issues. However, some of these companion plants may not be compatible with each other. It’s best to check before you get your gardening gloves on.
What You Shouldn’t Plant With Cucumbers
While there are many plants that can be planted with cucumbers, some companion plants should be avoided. Some plants may compete for space or nutrients, while others can attract unwanted pests. Determining which plants to avoid can be challenging. Luckily, we’ve done the legwork for you!
What not to plant with cucumber:
- Potatoes
- Fennel
- Mint
- Basil
- Melons
- Sage
These plants can negatively impact the quality, growth and taste of cucumbers. Instead, focus on cucumber companion plants that are known to be safe and beneficial for that specific vegetable. With a bit of experience, you may even want to see if crop rotation works well in your garden.
Companion planting not only benefits your plants, but it’s also beneficial for the planet. By encouraging biodiversity, it can attract beneficial pollinators and help reduce the use of harmful pesticides. So, go ahead and give companion planting a try for yourself.
Tip: Protect your plants without damaging the surrounding ecosystem with these 7 Natural Pesticides for Your Home and Garden.
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