What To Plant To Keep Squash Bugs Away

To keep squash bugs away, plant strong-scented companions like nasturtiums, marigolds, dill, and mint around your squash beds.
 
These plants won’t magically erase every squash bug, but they can make your garden far less inviting to them.
 
If you’ve been battling squash bugs for seasons and wondering what to plant to keep squash bugs away, you’re in the right place.
 
The idea is simple: certain plants confuse, repel, or distract squash bugs so they don’t zero in on your zucchini and pumpkins.
 
In this post, we’ll look at the best plants to keep squash bugs away, how to use them, and a few extra tricks that make them work even better.
 

Why These Plants Keep Squash Bugs Away

Squash bugs find your plants by smell and sight, so strong-smelling plants can mask the scent of your squash.
 
Many of the plants that keep squash bugs away release oils or aromas that squash bugs hate.
 
Others act as trap crops, pulling squash bugs away from your main harvest.
 
And some attract beneficial insects that prey on squash bug eggs and nymphs.
 
So planting to keep squash bugs away isn’t just about repelling; it’s about building a whole defense system.
 
The key is to plant these companions close enough to your squash to matter, but not so close they compete for water and nutrients.
 

1. Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are one of the most popular choices to keep squash bugs away.
 
They release a peppery scent that masks the smell of squash vines.
 
Squash bugs rely on that smell to find their next meal, so when nasturtiums are nearby, they get confused and move on.
 
Nasturtiums also work as a trap crop, luring aphids and other pests away from your squash.
 
Plant them around the border of your squash patch or in between hills for the best effect.
 

2. Marigolds

Marigolds are another classic plant to keep squash bugs away.
 
Their strong, earthy scent is unpleasant to many garden pests, including squash bugs.
 
French marigolds in particular are known for repelling nematodes and other soil pests too.
 
Beyond the smell, marigolds attract hoverflies and parasitic wasps that feed on squash bug eggs.
 
Tuck them in among your squash plants or line your garden beds with them.
 

3. Dill

Dill is a great herb to plant to keep squash bugs away while also helping your garden’s ecosystem.
 
It attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings that hunt squash bug nymphs.
 
Dill also has a strong scent that can confuse squash bugs as they search for host plants.
 
Let some dill flower and go to seed; the tiny flowers bring in even more good bugs.
 
Just keep in mind dill can reseed freely, so plant it where you don’t mind it spreading.
 

4. Mint

Mint is a strong-smelling herb that can help keep squash bugs away when planted nearby.
 
Its intense aroma overwhelms the scent cues squash bugs use to find squash.
 
Mint also attracts predatory insects that help control squash bug populations.
 
Because mint spreads aggressively, grow it in pots and set those pots around your squash beds.
 
That way you get the repellent benefit without mint taking over your whole garden.
 

5. Radishes

Radishes are a quick-growing option to plant to keep squash bugs away.
 
They work as a trap crop, drawing squash bugs and other pests to their leaves instead of your squash.
 
You can plant radishes between squash plants and pull them once they bolt.
 
As a bonus, radishes loosen the soil and can be harvested before your squash vines take over the space.
 

6. Catnip

Catnip is a lesser-known but effective plant to keep squash bugs away.
 
It contains a compound called nepetalactone that many insects, including squash bugs, find repellent.
 
Plant catnip near your squash beds, but keep it in containers if you don’t want it spreading.
 
It also attracts bees and other pollinators, which is a win for the rest of your garden.
 

How to Plant These Companions to Keep Squash Bugs Away

Knowing what to plant to keep squash bugs away is only half the battle; placement matters just as much.
 
Here are a few simple rules to follow.
 

1. Plant Close but Not Too Close

Place companion plants within a few feet of your squash so their scent overlaps with the vines.
 
But don’t plant them so close that roots compete for water and nutrients.
 
A border or alternating rows usually works well.
 

2. Use Containers for Spreading Herbs

Mint and catnip spread fast, so grow them in pots.
 
Sink the pots into the soil or place them around the perimeter of your squash patch.
 
This lets you keep squash bugs away without losing control of your garden.
 

3. Let Some Herbs Flower

Dill and other herbs attract more beneficial insects when they flower.
 
Let a few plants bolt so the blooms bring in predators of squash bugs.
 
That extra help can make a real difference during peak squash bug season.
 

4. Refresh Plantings Through the Season

Squash bugs show up in waves, so keep your companion plants going.
 
Replant fast growers like radishes and nasturtiums every few weeks.
 
Consistent scent and habitat are what keep squash bugs away over the long haul.
 

Extra Tricks That Help Keep Squash Bugs Away

Plants do a lot of the work, but a few extra habits make them even more effective.
 

1. Rotate Your Squash Beds

Squash bugs overwinter in garden debris, so rotating where you plant squash helps break their cycle.
 
Move your squash to a new spot each year and clean up old vines in the fall.
 

2. Check Leaf Undersides

Squash bugs lay clusters of bronze eggs under leaves.
 
Check weekly and crush any eggs you find.
 
This simple habit keeps small problems from becoming infestations.
 

3. Encourage Natural Predators

Tachinid flies and parasitic wasps attack squash bugs.
 
Planting dill, marigolds, and other flowering companions invites these helpers in.
 
A diverse garden is one of the best long-term ways to keep squash bugs away.
 

So, What to Plant to Keep Squash Bugs Away?

To keep squash bugs away, plant nasturtiums, marigolds, dill, mint, radishes, and catnip around your squash beds.
 
These plants mask the scent of squash, act as trap crops, and bring in beneficial insects that prey on squash bugs.
 
Combine them with good garden hygiene and regular egg checks, and you’ll see fewer squash bugs season after season.
 
Give these companion plants a try and let your squash thrive without the constant battle.