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Summer squash grows best next to companion plants like nasturtiums, marigolds, and bush beans.
If you’ve ever wondered what to plant next to summer squash, the answer is simpler than you might think.
Companion planting is one of those old-school gardening tricks that actually works, and summer squash is a perfect candidate for it.
When you pair summer squash with the right neighbors, you get better pollination, fewer pests, and a healthier harvest overall.
In this post, we’ll walk through the best plants to grow next to summer squash, what to avoid planting nearby, and why these pairings work so well together.
Let’s dig in.
Why Companion Planting Helps Summer Squash Thrive
Summer squash is a heavy feeder and a magnet for pests like squash bugs, aphids, and cucumber beetles.
Choosing what to plant next to summer squash can naturally reduce those problems.
Companion plants can repel insects, attract pollinators, and even improve the soil around your summer squash.
That’s why gardeners who plant summer squash year after year swear by a few trusted companions.
1. Natural Pest Repellent
Certain flowers and herbs release compounds that confuse or repel pests that love summer squash.
When you plant these next to summer squash, you create a protective barrier without any chemicals.
2. Better Pollination
Summer squash relies on bees and other pollinators to set fruit.
Flowering companions draw those pollinators in, which means more summer squash on your plate.
3. Improved Soil Health
Some companions, like legumes, fix nitrogen in the soil that summer squash loves to feed on.
Planting them next to summer squash keeps the soil rich and reduces the need for extra fertilizer.
The Best Plants to Grow Next to Summer Squash
So what should you actually plant next to summer squash?
Here are the top companions that consistently deliver results.
1. Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums are one of the best plants to put next to summer squash.
They act as a trap crop for aphids and squash bugs, luring pests away from your squash vines.
Plus, their bright flowers attract pollinators, and the leaves are edible too.
2. Marigolds
Marigolds are a classic companion for summer squash.
Their roots release a compound that repels nematodes, and the flowers help keep beetles at bay.
Plant marigolds around the edges of your summer squash patch for the best effect.
3. Bush Beans
Bush beans fix nitrogen in the soil, which feeds hungry summer squash plants.
They also pair well with summer squash in the classic Three Sisters garden setup.
Just give them enough space so they don’t compete for sunlight.
4. Radishes
Radishes are a quick-growing companion that matures before summer squash takes over the bed.
They help loosen the soil and can be harvested early, leaving room for your squash to sprawl.
5. Borage
Borage is a pollinator powerhouse that draws bees right to your summer squash flowers.
It also deters pests like tomato hornworms and cabbage worms, making it a solid all-around companion.
6. Dill and Oregano
Herbs like dill and oregano are great to plant next to summer squash.
They attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and parasitic wasps that prey on squash pests.
Let them flower for maximum benefit.
7. Corn and Pole Beans
If you’re growing summer squash in a traditional Three Sisters garden, corn and pole beans are ideal companions.
The corn provides a trellis for beans, beans fix nitrogen, and summer squash shades the soil to retain moisture.
It’s a system that’s worked for centuries.
What NOT to Plant Next to Summer Squash
Not every plant plays nice with summer squash.
Avoid planting these next to summer squash if you want a healthy crop.
1. Potatoes
Potatoes and summer squash compete for the same nutrients and can attract similar pests.
Keep them in separate beds to avoid problems.
2. Fennel
Fennel releases compounds that inhibit the growth of many plants, including summer squash.
It’s best grown far away from your squash patch.
3. Cucumbers and Melons
These relatives of summer squash attract the same pests and diseases.
Planting them next to summer squash can create a pest highway right through your garden.
Tips for Planting Next to Summer Squash
Once you know what to plant next to summer squash, a few smart moves can make the pairing work even better.
1. Give Squash Room to Breathe
Summer squash needs airflow to prevent powdery mildew.
Don’t crowd it with companions; leave at least a foot between plants.
2. Use Flowers as Borders
Plant marigolds or nasturtiums along the edges of your summer squash bed.
This creates a living fence that shields your squash from pests.
3. Rotate Companions Each Season
Rotating what you plant next to summer squash helps prevent soil depletion and pest buildup.
Switch between beans, radishes, and flowers year to year.
4. Water Deeply and Mulch
Summer squash loves consistent moisture.
Mulching around your companion plants keeps the soil evenly damp and suppresses weeds.
So, What to Plant Next to Summer Squash?
The best plants to grow next to summer squash are nasturtiums, marigolds, bush beans, radishes, borage, and herbs like dill or oregano.
These companions repel pests, attract pollinators, and improve the soil, giving your summer squash everything it needs to thrive.
Just steer clear of potatoes, fennel, and other squash relatives to avoid competition and shared pests.
With the right neighbors, your summer squash will reward you with a bigger, healthier harvest all season long.