9 Zucchini Companion Plants That Help Keep the Pests and Weeds Away

Come spring and summer, zucchini has its fair share of fans—but it's not just those of us who look forward to making zucchini bread and grilled zucchini. There are a variety of pests that also enjoy eating the stem and leaves, or even seeking refuge in the plant. Luckily, growing zucchini companion plants can help repel unwanted insects and larvae, suppress weeds, add important nutrients to the soil, and attract beneficial insects. 

Why You Should Consider Companion Planting for Your Zucchini 

Zucchini, a type of summer squash that loves warm weather, grows relatively quickly, usually around two months from seed to harvest. That is, if zucchini reaches its full size before pests—aphids, ants, cucumber beetles, or squash bugs—haven't attacked the plant first. 

Choosing companion plants that grow well with zucchini can help deter pests as they act as a natural pest control. "Companion plants such as marigolds, nasturtiums, and radishes can help improve zucchini growth, flavor, and pest resistance by attracting beneficial insects and repelling harmful pests," says Carrie Spoonemore, co-creator of Park Seed’s From Seed to Spoon app.

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Best Companion Plants for Zucchini 

Grow these zucchini companion plants to repel pests, better utilize space, suppress weeds, and retain moisture in the soil.  

Beans

Beans are known for fixing nitrogen in the soil, an important mineral for plant growth and health. Beans and zucchini are wonderful garden companions. "Beans are legumes that release nitrogen into the soil, potentially leading to more robust zucchini growth and higher fruit yield," says Keri Wilson, horticulturist and writer for Garden Media Group. 

There are vining beans and bush beans. "Bush bean plants tend to grow bushier and lower to the ground and can help prevent weeds from popping up around the zucchini," says Wilson.

Garlic 

"Planting garlic and zucchini together can deter pests like aphids, squash bugs, and cucumber beetles due to garlic's strong odor, which works to repel these insects," says Spoonemore. Garlic's pungent flavor may also help zucchini grow and make it more flavorful. "Garlic may also enhance zucchini flavor and growth by improving soil health through its natural antibacterial and antifungal properties," she adds. 

Lettuce 

Lettuce only takes up a little space and helps reduce weeds by covering the soil. "[Lettuce] acts as a living mulch and shades the soil, helping to retain moisture, while the zucchini provides shade for the lettuce," says Wilson. 

Lettuce that isn't harvested in time or begins to bolt will entice insects to the garden. "As temperatures warm, lettuce will flower and attract beneficial insects like parasitoid wasps and hoverflies," she says. 

Peas

Peas are vining plants that put important nutrients back into the soil, while zucchini takes up a lot of horizontal space. "Planting peas can benefit zucchini by enriching the soil with nitrogen," says Spoonemore. "Zucchini, being a heavy feeder, can benefit from this additional nitrogen and provide robust growth and improved yield."

Radishes

Radishes are small root vegetables that are compatible garden pals with zucchini because they grow underground. When grown together, they help the soil and ward off pests. "Radishes help break up the soil and deter root maggots," says Spoonemore.

Borage

An annual herb with bright bluish-purple flowers, borage entices important insects to the garden. "Borage attracts pollinators and can increase zucchini production," says Wilson. "At the end of the season, borage leaves add nutrients as they break down." 

Oregano

Oregano, a fragrant herb, and zucchini are a delicious culinary pairing, and they also do well when planted together. "Oregano planted alongside zucchini is a natural insect repellent, keeping pests such as aphids and spider mites away," says Spoonemore. "Oregano's aromatic oils enhance zucchini flavor and may improve its overall health throughout the growing process." 

Marigolds

Marigolds, a vibrant flower that can look like daisies or carnations depending on the variety, are a wonderful addition to your edible garden. "The strong scent of marigolds may help to repel some pests or act as a trap crop for others," says Wilson. "Marigold roots help to prevent root-knot nematodes." 

Nasturtiums

With orange-reddish hues, nasturtiums attract beneficial insects to the garden and can ward off unwanted guests, too. "Their strong scent can help deter pests like squash bugs, aphids, and cucumber beetles or act as a trap crop," says Wilson. Another benefit, she says, is their "vibrant blooms attract pollinators that are vital for zucchini fruit set."

Tips for Zucchini Companion Planting

To ensure a healthy crop of zucchini, follow these tips for companion planting.

Create balance

Growing a variety of plants benefits the garden ecosystem, the soil, and the neighboring plants. Don't rely on one or two zucchini companion plants in your vegetable garden; instead, grow many types. "Incorporate a variety of companion plants to create a balanced ecosystem that supports zucchini health and productivity," says Spoonemore.

Know Care Needs

Gardening is a balance of curiosity, practice, and trial and error. Using companion planting in your vegetable garden doesn't guarantee specific results. "It's important to remember that companion planting isn't a one-size-fits-all approach," says Wilson. Understanding each plant's care needs, including water, sunlight, and preferred soil conditions is important for creating a thriving garden. "Research the specific needs of your main crop and choose compatible companion plants that will thrive in similar conditions," she adds. 

Observe Your Plants

Paying attention to your garden by checking in on your zucchini plants will give you insight into how well they are growing. Checking the leaves for powdery mildew, a fungal disease that can blanket the leaves in a white powder, is key for preventing the spread and your zucchini plants from failing.  "Monitor plant interactions and adjust companion plantings as needed based on observations and feedback from the garden ecosystem," says Spoonemore.

Provide Space 

Each plant has its preferred spacing that it needs to thrive. When planning out your garden, make sure to plant companion plants based on their care needs. "Consider the mature height and spread to avoid crowding zucchini—this can block sunlight or air circulation," says Wilson. "Interplant or strategically position companion plants amongst your main crop to maximize space." You also want to ensure zucchini companion plants are grown close enough to each other to reap the benefits.

Rotate Crops

Plants take up nutrients that are in the soil. Changing where you plant vegetables in the garden each season is key to maintaining nutrients in the soil, along with adding in compost. This also helps reduce diseases in the soil. "Rotate companion plants annually to prevent the buildup of pests and diseases," says Spoonemore.

Research Potential Allelopathic Effects

Some plants get along well together, while others are best grown far apart. Before you start planting, make sure you know which ones are compatible. "Some plants release chemicals that inhibit the growth of neighboring plants—research potential allelopathic interactions to avoid detrimental effects on zucchini," says Spoonemore.