Companion plants for squash
What to grow next to squash, what to keep away from them, and why. Each reason is tagged by how well it’s supported.
Good companions
Sweet corn Garden tradition
Three Sisters pairing: squash leaves shade the soil beneath corn.
Beans Garden tradition
Legumes and squash share the Three Sisters planting; beans are light feeders.
Nasturtium Garden tradition
Grown as a trap crop for aphids and to attract pollinators.
Keep apart
Potatoes Practical reason
Compete for space and nutrients.
Cucumbers (tight quarters) Practical reason
Share cucumber beetles, mildew and mosaic virus; keep them apart if pests are a problem.
Planning the bed
Space squash 36 inches apart; the spacing calculator works out how many fit. For timing, see when to plant squash, and the full companion planting chart compares all 16 vegetables at once.
Questions gardeners ask
What are the best companion plants for squash?
Sweet corn, Beans, Nasturtium. Sweet corn: Three Sisters pairing: squash leaves shade the soil beneath corn.
What should you not plant with squash?
Potatoes, Cucumbers (tight quarters). Potatoes: Compete for space and nutrients.