Companion planting allows you to make the best out of the limited space you have in your yard. Thanks to this method, your plants can benefit from each other when you grow them together. It also helps with pest control, improves yields, and enhances soil health.

To make companion planting work, pick plants that complement each other regarding their unique needs and preferences. The cucumber is a perfect example of a vegetable that gains from various plants and supports their growth when planted together. Find out which plants will make your cucumbers thrive this summer!

Corn

Corn

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Corn is one of the best choices to grow if you want to benefit your cucumbers. You can use the corn stalks as natural trellises for vining cucumbers. It’s a perfect solution, especially if you have limited space in your garden but want to accommodate as many plants as possible.

However, keep in mind that corn stalks are not strong enough to support large cucumber varieties. Try to pick smaller ones, such as pickling cucumbers instead. In repay, cucumbers will provide corn in natural mulch beneath its stalks, maintaining moisture and not letting in weeds.

Beans

Purple bush beans

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Beans and cucumber complement each other perfectly when planted together. Bean plants can fix nitrogen in the soil. Since cucumber is considered a heavy feeder, this benefits it a lot and allows it to grow strong and healthy.

Gardening specialists suggest growing bush beans with a cucumber for the best results. It is because pole beans naturally compete with a cucumber for sunlight and space on the trellis. Also, make sure to plant beans a bit later, so they don’t grow over your cucumber.

Dill

Dill

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Cucumbers not only taste great when pickled with dill but they also have a great impact on each other when you plant them together. Dill due to its unique scent attracts beneficial insects to the garden that can pollinate your cucumber and scare off other pests that could threaten its growth.

Dill can also improve the flavor of the cucumbers which is especially beneficial if you plan on picking them together.

Marigolds

Marigolds

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Marigolds, besides looking gorgeous, also help your cucumber thrive if you plant them next to each other. Due to their strong fragrance, they repel plenty of pests that harm cucumbers, such as beetles or aphids.

Marigolds seeds germinate within a few days, and they bloom after only 8 weeks with beautiful flowers that will add plenty of charm to your garden!

Carrots

Ripe carrots

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Cucumber has shallow roots, meaning it doesn’t need plenty of space below the soil to thrive. It allows you to grow root vegetables next to it, and carrots are a perfect choice. If you plant them next to each other, you will maximize the space of your garden.

Since carrots germinate very slowly, plant them early in the spring so they have enough time until the soil gets warm. After that, simply add cucumbers and let them share the same spot.

Radishes

Red radish plant

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If your vegetable garden is really tiny, maximizing the space should be your number one priority. For this reason, when you plant cucumbers, pair them with radishes. It is because they sprout very fast, meaning by the time your cucumber needs space to grow, radishes will be ready to be harvested already.

It is also said that radishes can help repel cucumbers beetles. That’s why you should plant two or three radish seeds to protect your cucumbers from these aggressive pests.

Sunflowers

Sunflowers

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You should add sunflowers to your garden if you grow cucumbers for the same reason as corn. Sunflowers are strong enough to be used as natural trellis by cucumber vines. Cucumbers take less to mature than sunflowers. It is perfect because you will harvest them way before sunflowers, without damaging them.

Same as with corn, choose the cucumber variety that will be light enough to be supported by the sunflowers, so they don't get damaged.

Nasturtiums

Nasturtium

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By growing nasturtium, you will protect your cucumbers from many pests. It happens because it attracts aphids that choose it instead of your cucumbers. It also lures beneficial insects, such as ladybugs that eat beetles that attack cucumbers.

Nasturtium, besides being very useful, also looks gorgeous, increasing the appeal of your yard. Its flowers have vibrant colors, including orange, yellow, and red, that will catch the eye of your visitors.

To Sump Up

Companion planting is the perfect way to help you maximize the space of your garden, control pests, improve yield and enhance soil health. Each plant can benefit from having unique companions around it. Besides cucumbers, make sure you grow your zucchini, garlic, or cabbage near plants that will allow them to thrive the most!

Let us know what you think about companion planting, and as always, please share!