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Zucchini Companion Plants: Full List of Pairings
Despite their generally large size, there are actually quite a few zucchini companion plants you can use in your garden! Here’s a full list of vegetables, flowers, and herbs that can help zucchinis to thrive.
The most important thing to remember when companion planting with zucchinis is to give them space. Even the smallest zucchini varieties will grow quite large, so check your seed packet (or ask greenhouse staff) for the full-grown size. That’s how big you should plan on your plant getting, so plan enough space around the zucchini accordingly. You can also plant larger companions ahead of time and let them get a head start before planting the zucchini, so they won’t have to fight with each other.
Full List of Zucchini Companion Plants
Vegetables to Plant with Zucchini
• Beans, Peas, and Other Legumes – Legumes are nitrogen-fixers, which can help zucchinis grow when planted nearby. They work exceptionally well with zucchini when also paired with corn for them to climb on.
• Corn – While many plants may find it difficult to compete with the size and sprawl of zucchini, corn can rise above! This makes it an excellent zucchini companion.
• Garlic – The strong smell of garlic can repel zucchini pests.
• Lettuce and Spinach – These leafy greens take up little space and nutrients from the soil, so your zucchini crop won’t be bothered by having them nearby. In return, the zucchini will offer the greens shade.
• Melons – Like squashes, melons attract squash bees and other helpful pollinators. They also take up similar amounts of space.
• Radishes – Radishes make a good flea beetle and cucumber beetle trap crop.
• Winter Squashes and Other Summer Squash – Other squashes make great companion plants, since they take up similar amounts of space in the garden and share pollinators. Some varieties, like Blue Hubbard, can even act as trap crops.
Flowers to Plant Near Zucchini
• Alyssum – Alyssum draws in beneficial insects while offering ground cover.
• Marigolds – Marigolds act as a trap crop while also attracting helpful insects. French marigolds in particular can be a great addition to your zucchini patch.
• Nasturtiums – You can interplant nasturtiums with your zucchini to trap aphids, beetles, and many other zucchini pests.
• Sunflowers – Sunflowers are another plant that can grow taller than your zucchini to get sufficient sun and space. They can also help support zucchini plants.
Herbs to Plant Near Zucchini
The following herbs can all keep away pests, and many draw in beneficial insects.
• Basil
• Borage
• Catnip
• Chamomile
• Chives
• Dill
• Lemon Balm
• Lavender
• Marjoram
• Mints
• Oregano
• Parsley
• Rosemary
• Sage
• Thyme
What NOT to Plant Next to Zucchini
You should place some plants far away from zucchini. They can share diseases or will otherwise stunt your zucchini’s growth.
Plants to Avoid with Zucchini
• Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cauliflower, and Other Brassicas – All brassicas family members take many nutrients from the soil, which can stunt your zucchinis in the long run. They can also draw in common zucchini pests.
• Fennel – Fennel can stunt the growth of your zucchini plants.
• Potatoes – Potatoes and zucchini both require large amounts of the same nutrients, so planting them near each other can stunt the growth of both. They can also share blight.
Possible Companion Plants: Cucumbers and Pumpkins
Two other garden favorites, cucumbers and pumpkins, can be either helpful or harmful as companion plants, which is why I’ve listed them under “possible.”
Both plants can fight with zucchinis for space and nutrients if planted too close together. They can also share pests and diseases common to all squashes, and cross-pollination can result in strange fruit, especially if you save a few of the crop’s seeds for next year.
However, they also benefit by saving space overall when planted together and can attract beneficial squash bees, the main pollinators for zucchini and many other squashes. Every year I set aside one bed to plant all squash together (including cucumbers and pumpkins, along with zucchini), and they’ve always thrived. That said, weigh the pluses and minuses for your own garden before you do the same!
Happy Planting!
You should now have a good list of companion plants for zucchini. Try them and see what works best!
Looking for more zucchini tips? Here’s how to grow them.
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