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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.
One of the most important things to remember when growing pumpkins is that they need 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.
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 nitrogen in the soil, which helps pumpkins grow.
• Corn – Corn benefits from the ground cover pumpkins offer, and in return it gives pumpkins a bit of shade.
• Lettuce and Spinach – These leafy greens won’t compete for space, and the pumpkins can offer them much-needed shade.
• 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.
• Marigolds – The strong scent of marigolds is excellent for repelling pumpkin pests while bringing in pollinators. Plant them around the perimeter of your pumpkin patch.
• 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.
• Petunias – Pretty petunias can attract pollinators while repelling bad bugs.
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
• Borage
• Chamomile
• Chives
• Dill
• Hyssop
• Lavender
• Marjoram
• Mints
• Oregano
• Sage
• Tansy
• Thyme
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.
• Brassicas Family – Brassicas family members, like broccoli, cauliflower, kale, and cabbage, will compete for nutrients with your pumpkins and leave neither plant at its best.
• Fennel – Fennel can stunt pumpkin growth.
• 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!
Want more pumpkin growing tips? Here’s how to grow pumpkins in raised beds.
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