Cucumbers benefit from a variety of companion plants that can help improve growth, repel pests, and enhance flavor. Here are some of the best companion plants for cucumbers:
Beans: Beans fix nitrogen in the soil, which cucumbers benefit from. They also help improve the soil structure.
Radishes: Radishes can deter cucumber beetles and act as a trap crop for pests, protecting the cucumbers.
Marigolds: These flowers repel various insects, including nematodes and aphids, which can harm cucumber plants.
Nasturtiums: Nasturtiums attract aphids away from cucumbers and deter other pests like squash bugs.
Dill: Dill attracts beneficial insects like predatory wasps and hoverflies, which can help control pest populations.
Lettuce: Lettuce grows well in the shade of taller cucumber plants and can help suppress weeds.
Sunflowers: These can provide support for vining cucumbers and attract pollinators to the garden.
Basil: Basil repels pests like thrips, aphids, and spider mites, which can benefit cucumber plants.
It's also important to avoid planting cucumbers near certain plants that can inhibit their growth or attract pests. These include:
Potatoes: They can attract pests that harm cucumbers.
Aromatic herbs like sage and rosemary: These can stunt cucumber growth.
Melons and other cucurbits: They compete for the same nutrients and are susceptible to the same pests and diseases, which can lead to problems if planted too closely together.
By strategically planting cucumbers with the right companions, you can create a more balanced and productive garden.
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