Pumpkin Companion Plants: Full List of Pairings

Pumpkin Companion Plants: Full List of Pairings

Whether you want them for pies or fall decor, pumpkins are one of the most fun squash plants you can grow in your garden! While they’re fairly self-sufficient, they’ll benefit from having a few pumpkin companion plants nearby. I’ve listed many options here, along with a few plants to avoid growing near pumpkins at the end of the post.

Getting Started

One of the most important things to remember when growing pumpkins is that they need enough space. Companion planting for pumpkins is largely tied to how much room you have in your garden. Consult your seed packets to determine how much space your pumpkins and their companions will need. Learn more about spacing and companion planting in general in the beginner’s guide to companion planting.

The best pumpkin companion plants include beans, corn, marigolds, dill, lavender, and marjoram, along with many other great options. Read on to see the full list.

Full List of Pumpkin Companion Plants

The following vegetables, flowers, and herbs all benefit your pumpkins by deterring pests, attracting pollinators, offering shade or ground cover, improving flavor, or bettering soil conditions for your pumpkins.

One of the most common companion planting trios involves pumpkins. Called the “three sisters,” pumpkins or squash are paired with pole beans and corn for a mutually beneficial relationship for all three. You can recreate that or try your own grouping with the following.

Vegetables to Plant with Pumpkins

• Beans, Peas, and Other Legumes – Legumes fix atmospheric nitrogen in the soil, which helps pumpkins grow. They are also great for pest control by attracting predatory insects. Both bush beans and pole beans are good choices.

• Corn – Corn plants benefit from the ground cover pumpkins offer, and, in return, corn stalks give pumpkin leaves a bit of shade. This pairing also helps maintain soil nutrients and provides natural trellises in your vegetable garden.

• Lettuce and Spinach – These leafy greens won’t compete for space, and the pumpkins can offer them much-needed shade, reducing the growth of weeds and maintaining soil health.

• Pumpkins, Zucchini, and Other Squash Varieties – Since they all take up so much space, it can help to group all squash varieties (including your pumpkins) in the same area of your garden. That said, you should give each one plenty of room to grow and consider planting a few other companions nearby to ward off the many pests that can frequent all squash types.

• Radishes – Radishes work well as a flea beetle trap crop when planted near pumpkins. (Keep in mind that this may stunt the growth of your radishes.)

Flowers to Plant Near Pumpkins

• Cosmos – Cosmos may improve pumpkin sweetness and attract beneficial pollinators with their gorgeous flowers.

• Marigolds – The strong scent of marigolds is excellent for repelling pumpkin pests like cucumber beetles and root-knot nematodes while bringing in pollinators. Plant French marigolds around the perimeter of your pumpkin patch for better pest control.

• Nasturtiums – Nasturtiums draw in many beneficial insects that prey on common pumpkin pests. They also make an excellent aphid trap crop if you don’t mind sacrificing a few. Nasturtium flowers come in different colors, adding beauty to your garden.

• Petunias – Pretty petunias can attract pollinators while repelling harmful insects like squash bugs and vine borers. They are also a good choice for adding beauty to your garden.

Herbs to Plant Near Pumpkins

The following herbs provide pest prevention, bring in beneficial insects, and may even improve pumpkin flavor and soil quality.

• Basil – Basil’s strong smell can repel harmful pests and attract beneficial insects, making it a great companion plant.

• Borage – Borage is excellent for attracting pollinators and improving soil nutrients. It also deters harmful insects throughout the growing season.

• Chamomile – Chamomile attracts beneficial insects and helps improve soil nutrients through its natural composting properties when it dies back.

• Chives – Chives have a strong scent that can repel insect pests such as aphids and spider mites. They also attract beneficial insects that help with pollination.

• Dill – Dill attracts beneficial insects, including predatory wasps and ladybugs, which help control harmful pests. It also enhances the growth of pumpkin plants.

• Hyssop – Hyssop’s strong scent can deter harmful pests and attract beneficial insects.

• Lavender – Lavender’s strong scent can deter harmful pests and attract pollinators. It also has a compact growth habit, making it a good neighbor for pumpkin plants. Lavender plants can also help prevent fungal diseases like powdery mildew.

• Marjoram – Marjoram attracts beneficial insects and can improve the flavor of nearby pumpkin plants through its aromatic qualities.

• Mints – Mints have a strong smell that repels insect pests. Their aromatic herbs attract beneficial insects, but be careful as they can spread quickly.

• Oregano – Oregano acts as a natural pest control, repelling harmful insects with its pungent scent while attracting beneficial pollinators.

• Sage – Sage has a strong scent that repels harmful pests and attracts beneficial insects. It also helps improve soil quality by adding organic matter as it decomposes.

• Tansy – Tansy can deter harmful pests such as cucumber beetles and ants. Its strong smell acts as a natural insect repellent.

• Thyme – Thyme repels harmful pests with its strong scent and attracts beneficial insects that help with pollination and pest control.

What NOT to Plant Next to Pumpkins

Some plants should be planted far away from pumpkins. Here’s the full list:

Plants to Avoid with Pumpkins

• Beets and Carrots – These root vegetables can damage a pumpkin plant’s roots and may compete for nutrients with the pumpkins. They are not good companions for pumpkins.

• Brassicas Family – Brassicas family members, like broccoli, cauliflower, kale, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage, will compete for nutrients with your pumpkins and leave neither plant happy.

• Fennel – Fennel can stunt pumpkin growth and attract harmful pests. It’s one of the worst pumpkin companion plants.

• Potatoes – Like other root vegetables, potatoes can harm pumpkin roots. They also compete for sunlight.

Happy Planting!

You should now have a good list of pumpkin companion plants. Try them and see what works best for your pumpkin crop!

Want more pumpkin growing tips? Here’s how to grow pumpkins in raised beds.