Growing squash can be a lot of fun! You can find varieties in different colors, shapes, and flavors and add them to your garden to enhance diversity in your yard. Besides, they are not as hard to grow as you may imagine. If you give them what they need to thrive (fertile soil, adequate moisture, and optimal temperatures), you won’t have problems growing your squash.
However, you might have to deal with frequent attacks from pests and diseases, which might be a hassle to eradicate. The good news is that you can make your life easier by adding companion plants next to your squashes.
The concept is simple: by pairing the right plants together, you’ll be able to enhance their growth in a mutually beneficial relationship. Some plants offer protection from pests, while others contribute to keeping weeds at bay. Finally, others add nutrients or increase moisture to the soil. Plants shouldn’t compete for sun or nutrients but help one another develop. If this sounds interesting, read on!
Here, you’ll find a list of our favorite companion plants for spaghetti squash. Don’t forget to check that the plants you are want to add to your garden will grow well in your region.
Companion Plants for Spaghetti Squash
Squash is a family that includes different varieties of this vegetable. Regardless of the type you plant in your garden, you’ll notice they require much space and plenty of nutrients to grow.
Spaghetti squash is no exception. To increase your chances of success with companion planting, you must always pair species with opposite traits. Because spaghetti squash is a heavy feeder, you should plant it next to a species that can thrive with little nutrients without depriving your colorful vegetables of what they need.
Because of its growth patterns, squash will contribute to keeping weeds at bay. Plus, it will protect other plants from strong sunlight and maintain moisture in the soil.
But what plants should you add as companions to your spaghetti squash? Keep reading to find out.
Beans
The ultimate companion plants to spaghetti squash are beans and corn. Indeed, these plants have been planted together for centuries and with excellent results. The indigenous people referred to this trio as “the three sisters.”
Beans are nitrogen-fixing plants that add more of this nutrient to the soil for the benefit of your spaghetti squash, which needs plenty of nutrition to grow. Corn can shade your squashes from the harsh sunlight of the summer months and protect them from strong winds.
Plus, they provide your vining plants with an attractive structure to grow on. Your spaghetti squash prevents the formation of weeds and deters pests (like rodents) from snacking on your corn.
Because beans, corns, and squash have similar moisture requirements, you won’t have to struggle when taking care of them.
Nasturtiums and Marigolds
If you prefer adding flowers next to your vegetables, consider adding nasturtiums or marigolds. These plants will attract the pests that often attack your spaghetti squash and leave your vegetables free to grow undisturbed. If you have problems with beetles, aphids, or squash bugs, you can try planting marigolds or nasturtiums close to your veggies.
Herbs
Herbs make for excellent companion plants to your spaghetti squash. They release strong scents that keep most insects away from them (and their neighbors). Plus, during the blooming season, they attract plenty of beneficial pollinators, which will increase the yields of your harvest. Consider adding plants such as peppermint, dill, oregano, parsley, and lemon balm.
But don’t forget to make sure you choose a species that grows well in your hardiness zone. Also, keep in mind that herbs with strong scents might alter the taste of your spaghetti squash. Luckily, most of the time, the change is slight.
Cool Season Crops
Squash needs plenty of space to grow. You can plant it next to cool-season crops such as beets and radishes to use such spread to your advantage. The lush foliage of your spaghetti squash might create enough shade to grow plants that don’t like exposure to the direct sun successfully.
Companion Plants for Spaghetti Squash: Conclusion
While most plants grow well next to spaghetti squash, avoid adding potatoes, tomatoes, or cucumber next to these vegetables: they will compete for nutrients and halt your squash’s growth.