Growing your own cucumbers in the vegetable garden is a rewarding experience. To ensure the best growth and flavor, it’s important to know which plants to avoid planting near cucumbers. Some plants can attract pests or impact the taste of cucumbers. By understanding the best companion plants for cucumbers, you can improve your garden layout and overall production.
Potatoes
Potatoes and cucumbers should not be planted together in the garden. Potatoes require a lot of nutrients and water, which can affect the growth of cucumbers. Both plants are sensitive to moisture stress and can lead to poor harvests. Additionally, potatoes are susceptible to blight, which can spread to cucumbers if planted nearby.
Melons
While cucumbers do not cross-pollinate with melons, it’s still best to keep these plants separate in the garden. Both cucumbers and melons require a large area to spread their vines, and planting them too close can result in overlapping growth.
Fennel
Fennel can release compounds that may negatively impact the growth of other plants, including cucumbers. Planting fennel too close to cucumbers can cause issues due to its allelopathic roots. It’s best to only plant dill near fennel.
Aromatic herbs
Strong-smelling herbs like rosemary, sage, and basil should be kept away from cucumbers as they can affect the taste of the cucumbers. Some herbs, like sage, can also stunt the growth of cucumbers due to chemicals released in their roots.
Squash
While cucumbers are related to zucchinis and pumpkins, it’s best not to plant them too close together in the garden. All cucurbits are susceptible to cucumber beetles, and planting them together can attract these pests to all the plants.
Black walnut trees
Black walnut trees contain toxic chemicals that can affect the growth of vegetables like cucumbers. Planting cucumbers outside the root zone of a black walnut tree is recommended to avoid any issues.
Mint
Mint is a fast-growing herb that can overtake a garden space. It’s best to avoid planting mint near cucumbers, as it can outcompete them for resources.
Brassicas
Vegetables in the brassica family, such as broccoli and cabbage, should not be planted near cucumbers. The vining habits of cucumbers can encroach on brassicas, preventing them from growing properly. Additionally, pests that target brassicas can also affect cucumber plants.
Tomatoes
While some gardeners have success growing tomatoes near cucumbers, it’s best to avoid planting them together. Both plants can transmit diseases to each other, making it easier for pests to spread issues like mosaic virus.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus trees should be kept away from the vegetable garden, as they can create competition for space and nutrients. Planting vegetables near eucalyptus roots can impact their growth.
Jerusalem artichokes
Jerusalem artichokes, despite their name, are not recommended companions for cucumbers. Their spreading growth can impede the growth of cucumber roots, affecting moisture absorption. It’s best to plant Jerusalem artichokes in a separate raised bed.
