Zucchini is a staple in many gardens because of its impressive productivity and versatility in the kitchen. A single healthy plant can produce pounds of fruit throughout the growing season, often more than one gardener can use. However, zucchini thrives best when grown with the right companions. Companion planting—the practice of strategically growing certain crops together—can help improve pollination, deter pests, boost soil nutrients, and ultimately increase your zucchini yield.
This article dives into what to plant with zucchini to improve yield and why it works. Whether you're a new gardener or experienced grower looking for ways to maximize your harvest, this guide covers companion plant benefits, practical examples, and tips to make it work in your own garden.
Why Companion Planting Works for Zucchini
Zucchini belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family, which includes cucumbers, pumpkins, and squash. Like its relatives, zucchini has specific needs and vulnerabilities:
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Heavy feeder: Zucchini requires a nutrient-rich soil.
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Pollinator-dependent: Many fruits fail to develop if flowers aren’t pollinated effectively.
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Pest attraction: Squash vine borers, cucumber beetles, and aphids are common threats.
Companion planting can address these issues in several ways:
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Attracting pollinators – Certain flowers lure bees and other pollinators.
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Repelling pests – Some aromatic plants deter insects naturally.
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Improving soil health – Nitrogen-fixing plants and deep-rooted species enhance soil structure and fertility.
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Efficient space usage – Different growth habits allow plants to coexist without competing heavily.
Best Plants to Grow With Zucchini
1. Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus)
Why They Work:
Nasturtiums are considered one of the best companions for zucchini. Their peppery scent deters common pests like aphids, whiteflies, and squash bugs. They also act as a "trap crop," attracting aphids away from zucchini and onto themselves.
How to Plant:
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Sow nasturtiums around the perimeter of your zucchini bed.
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Allow them to trail along the ground, where they’ll also suppress weeds.
2. Marigolds (Tagetes spp.)
Why They Work:
Marigolds are widely known for their pest-repelling properties, especially against nematodes and beetles. They also attract pollinators, which are critical for zucchini fruit set.
How to Plant:
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Space marigolds every few feet among your zucchini plants.
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Choose varieties like French marigolds for maximum pest deterrence.
3. Borage (Borago officinalis)
Why They Work:
Borage attracts bees and other beneficial insects while repelling tomato hornworms and cabbage worms. It’s also believed to improve the flavor and growth of nearby vegetables, including zucchini.
How to Plant:
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Sow borage seeds around zucchini plants in early spring.
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Its deep roots help improve soil structure.
4. Radishes (Raphanus sativus)
Why They Work:
Radishes act as a sacrificial crop, luring pests like cucumber beetles away from zucchini. They’re fast-growing and can be harvested before zucchini needs the extra space.
How to Plant:
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Plant radishes as an early-season companion, especially between zucchini rows.
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Harvest them regularly to avoid overcrowding.
5. Legumes (Bush Beans, Pole Beans, and Peas)
Why They Work:
Zucchini is a heavy nitrogen feeder, and legumes naturally fix nitrogen in the soil, enriching it for zucchini’s benefit. Bush beans work well because they stay compact, while pole beans can be trained up trellises, leaving ground space open.
How to Plant:
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Place bush beans along the edge of the zucchini patch.
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If using pole beans, ensure they don’t shade out zucchini.
6. Sweet Alyssum (Lobularia maritima)
Why They Work:
Sweet alyssum attracts hoverflies, whose larvae feast on aphids—a common zucchini pest. Its delicate flowers also draw bees.
How to Plant:
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Use sweet alyssum as a border plant.
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It works well as a living mulch between zucchini rows.
7. Corn
Why It Works:
Corn provides light shade during extreme heat and acts as a windbreak, protecting zucchini from stress. Its tall stalks also provide a structure for climbing companions like beans.
How to Plant:
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Plant corn in blocks near zucchini, ensuring it doesn’t completely overshadow the squash.
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Ideal for larger garden plots where space is less of a concern.
8. Herbs (Dill, Mint, Oregano, and Chives)
Why They Work:
Herbs often deter pests and attract beneficial insects:
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Dill attracts ladybugs and lacewings.
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Mint deters ants and aphids (but keep it in pots; it’s invasive).
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Oregano serves as ground cover and attracts pollinators.
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Chives repel aphids and improve nearby plant growth.
How to Plant:
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Scatter small herb plantings around zucchini beds.
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Use pots for invasive species like mint to control their spread.
9. Spinach and Lettuce
Why They Work:
These leafy greens grow quickly and thrive in the shade of mature zucchini leaves, making efficient use of garden space while protecting soil from drying out.
How to Plant:
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Plant them around zucchini early in the season.
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Harvest regularly to prevent competition as zucchini expands.
10. Garlic and Onions
Why They Work:
Members of the allium family repel pests such as aphids, spider mites, and cabbage loopers. They also don’t compete heavily for nutrients because of their shallow root systems.
How to Plant:
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Plant garlic or onion sets around the edge of your zucchini patch.
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Avoid planting them directly where zucchini roots will spread widely.
What NOT to Plant With Zucchini
Not all plants make good companions for zucchini. Some compete for nutrients, water, or sunlight, while others attract pests or disease.
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Potatoes – Heavy feeders that compete for nutrients and are susceptible to blight, which can spread to zucchini.
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Pumpkins and Other Squash – Attract the same pests and can cross-pollinate, leading to odd hybrids.
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Cucumbers – Compete for space and can exacerbate pest problems like cucumber beetles.
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Fennel – Inhibits the growth of most garden plants, including zucchini.
Additional Strategies to Improve Zucchini Yield
1. Encourage Pollination
Poor pollination is a common reason zucchini plants produce few fruits. Companion plants that attract bees are one step, but you can also:
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Hand-pollinate by transferring pollen from male flowers to female flowers with a brush.
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Avoid using pesticides that harm pollinators.
2. Mulch for Soil Health
Using straw, shredded leaves, or grass clippings around zucchini:
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Retains soil moisture.
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Reduces weed competition.
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Keeps fruit clean and reduces rot.
3. Rotate Crops
Avoid planting zucchini in the same spot each year to reduce soil-borne disease and pest buildup.
4. Prune for Air Circulation
Remove excess leaves to improve airflow, reducing fungal disease risk and allowing pollinators better access to flowers.
5. Provide Consistent Watering
Zucchini thrives on consistent moisture. Irregular watering can lead to blossom-end rot or bitter-tasting fruit. Companion plants with ground cover (like lettuce or sweet alyssum) help retain soil moisture, indirectly supporting zucchini growth.
Companion Planting Layout Example
Here’s a sample layout for a small garden bed focused on zucchini yield:
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Center: Zucchini plants (2–3 feet apart).
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Edges: Garlic, onions, and radishes.
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Perimeter: Marigolds and nasturtiums.
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Interspersed: Bush beans and sweet alyssum.
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Between rows: Fast-growing lettuce or spinach.
This layout creates natural pest control, supports pollinators, and maximizes soil nutrients.
Frequently Asked Questions About Companion Planting With Zucchini
Do I need to fertilize if I use companion plants?
Yes. Companion plants support zucchini health but don’t replace the need for feeding. Use compost or a balanced fertilizer to keep up with zucchini’s heavy feeding habit.
How many companions should I plant per zucchini plant?
Aim for a mix rather than focusing on just one companion. For example, one zucchini plant might have two marigolds, a patch of lettuce, and a border of garlic.
Can I use raised beds for companion planting?
Absolutely. Raised beds are ideal for companion planting because they offer better soil control, drainage, and organization.
Is companion planting a substitute for pest management?
Companion planting helps deter pests but is not foolproof. Combine it with crop rotation, row covers, and regular monitoring for best results.
Final Thoughts
Knowing what to plant with zucchini to improve yield is more than just a gardening hack; it’s a holistic approach to cultivating a thriving garden ecosystem. By using flowers like marigolds and nasturtiums to deter pests, legumes to enhance soil fertility, and fast-growing greens to use space efficiently, you create an environment where zucchini can reach its full productive potential.
When done thoughtfully, companion planting saves time, reduces the need for chemical interventions, and creates a healthier, more resilient garden. If you’re ready to increase your zucchini harvest while supporting pollinators and improving soil health, try incorporating some of these companion plants into your garden design this season.