These combinations will make your summer harvest much more fulfilling.
Any gardener, novice or veteran, should know the benefits of companion planting. This is the practice of growing specific plants next to each other to improve growth, deter pests, keep soil healthy, and even boost flavor. When it comes to the best cucumber companion plants, these refreshing fruits (yes, they are technically fruits) thrive when placed next to other select flowers, vegetables, and fragrant herbs, such as nasturtiums, radishes, and dill.
Jessica Mercer of Plant Addicts explains that benefits of companion planting may come from physical traits, biochemical effects, or decoy tactics that draw pests away. “Tall plants provide shade, deep roots loosen soil, legumes fix nitrogen, and marigolds suppress nematodes,” she says of the myriad benefits that certain plants provide.
If you’re interested in learning more about what can make your cukes even tastier, whether they’re fresh, pickled, or marinated, check out these 10 cucumber companion plants below.
Additional copy by Meghan Shouse.
Radishes
Radishes act as a natural pest repellent, especially against cucumber beetles. They grow quickly and can be harvested before cucumber vines take over, making them a low-maintenance, high-reward companion. Plus, their taproots break up compacted soil, according to Mercer.
Nasturtiums
These cheerful flowers attract pollinators and beneficial insects while luring aphids and cucumber beetles away from your crop. They also help keep the soil moist and shaded beneath sprawling cucumber vines.
Marigolds
Marigolds release a scent that deters many common garden pests, including nematodes and aphids, according to Mercer. Their bright flowers also attract pollinators, helping cucumbers set fruit more efficiently.
Dill
Dill attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings that feast on soft-bodied pests. It also adds a flavorful touch to your summer pickling projects.
Pole Beans
Bush beans and pole beans fix nitrogen in the soil, which benefits heavy feeders like cucumbers. Just be sure to provide enough space so neither plant gets crowded or overwhelmed by the other’s vines.
Sunflowers
These towering plants can serve as a natural trellis for cucumbers to climb. They also attract pollinators and provide a bit of afternoon shade, which can prevent cucumber plants from overheating in hot climates.
Lettuce
Lettuce grows quickly and tolerates partial shade, making it a great ground cover beneath cucumbers. It helps keep the soil cool and moist and can be harvested before cucumbers reach full size.
Celery
Celery helps repel pests such as whiteflies and is known to improve the flavor of nearby crops. Its slow growth pairs well with cucumber vines that take longer to mature.
Carrots
Like lettuce, carrots are compact and won’t compete much with cucumbers for space. They grow deep in the soil while cucumbers stay mostly at the surface, making them ideal underground companions. “Blending root systems can improve soil structure and fertility, because tap-rooted crops like carrots break up compact soil,” says Mercer.
Borage
This herb attracts bees and other pollinators to your garden while improving the health and growth of nearby cucumber plants. Borage is also believed to deter pests like tomato hornworms and cabbage worms.
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