How to Use Squash as a Companion Plant

Squash, in all its wonderful varieties, is a favorite summer garden plant and some types grow well into the fall. Squash also makes a wonderful companion plant with many of your other favorite garden plants and it is fairly easy to grow. Read the steps below to learn how.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Squash seedlings or seeds
• A garden or planting area

1. Plant squash seeds about one inch deep. Plant summer squash between one and two feet apart and winter two to four feet apart. Winter squash can also grow on trellises if they are sturdy enough to support the squash as it grows. Pick summer squash every few days as it ripens very rapidly.

2. Squash is a good companion to corn, beans, radishes, nasturtiums and mint; these last two will help repel squash bugs too. Catnip and tansy can also help repel these pests. Tall sunflowers planted nearby can help provide shade for squash plants during the hottest summer days.

3. Squash like well-drained rich soil in full sunlight. It likes the soil moist and fertilizing with fish emulsion throughout the growing season (every three to four weeks) will help produce healthier plants that produce more fruit.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not plant squash near potatoes as it might inhibit their growth.