Cucumbers are a versatile vegetable that you can use in many dishes, from salads to sandwiches. They’re also relatively easy to grow, making them a popular choice for home gardens.

But when it comes to growing these delicious vegetables, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. For one, they need plenty of sunlight. And secondly, you need to be careful about what plants you plant near them.

Certain plants can crowd the cucumber plants and inhibit their growth. So today, we're going to look at several plants and vegetables you should steer clear of when planting your cucumbers.

Here are three plants not to plant near cucumbers:

Potatoes

Potatoes in a sack on dirt

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You should not plant potatoes and cucumbers near each other. Here’s why:

  • They belong to different plant families: Potatoes and cucumbers belong to different plant families. That means they have distinguished growing requirements and are susceptible to varied pests and diseases.
  • They have different root systems: Potatoes have deep, fibrous roots that spread wide, while cucumbers have shallower, vining roots. It can cause competition for resources, as each plant tries to outgrow the other.
  • Cucumbers are heavy feeders: The cucumber plant requires a lot of nutrients to grow well. If they are planted near potatoes, they will compete for nutrients, and both plants will suffer.
  • They have different watering needs: Potatoes need a lot of water to grow, while cucumbers need less. It can lead to challenges if the two plants are growing next to each other, as one will be getting too much water and the other not enough.
  • They attract different pests and diseases: Potatoes are susceptible to several pests and diseases, including potato beetles and early blight. Cucumbers are susceptible to cucumber beetles, powdery mildew, and downy mildew. If these pests and diseases are present in the garden, they can easily spread from one plant to the other, causing serious damage.

For all of these reasons, it is best to avoid planting potatoes and cucumbers near each other. By doing so, you will help to ensure that both plants stay healthy and productive.

Gourds

Pumpkin snowman

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Gourds and cucumbers are two very different plants. Though they may seem similar, these two plants have different needs and preferences when it comes to growing conditions. Planting gourds near cucumber plants is not a good idea because the two plants will compete for resources, and the gourds will likely win.

Gourds are vigorous plants that can quickly take over a garden bed. They have large leaves that shade out other plants, and their roots are very aggressive. Cucumbers, on the other hand, are relatively delicate plants. They need full sun to produce well, and they don't tolerate competition from other plants very well. If you plant gourds near cucumbers, the gourds will likely shade out the cucumbers and steal their nutrients. Your plants will produce less fruit, and they may even die.

So, if you're looking to grow both gourds and cucumbers in your garden, it's best to keep them separate. Plant the gourds in one bed and plant the cucumbers in another bed. That way, each plant will have the space and resources it needs to thrive.

Sage

A bundle of sage in a ladle

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When it comes to planting sage near cucumbers, many people might think that it is a good idea. After all, both plants are known for their usefulness in the kitchen. However, there are a few reasons why this is not a good idea.

For one thing, sage is a very strong-smelling herb. This can be great if you want your kitchen to smell nice and fresh. However, the strong smell of sage can also overpower the delicate flavor of cucumbers. In addition, sage tends to spread quite easily. If it gets into your cucumber patch, it can be difficult to get rid of.

Another reason why they don't mix well is that they have different watering needs. This can make it difficult to keep both plants healthy in the same garden bed.

So, if you're looking to grow both sage and cucumbers in your garden, it's best to keep them in separate beds. This will help ensure that your cucumbers stay nice and crisp and that your sage doesn't take over the entire garden!

In Summary

While cucumbers are an adaptable vegetable, there are a few plants you should avoid planting near them. These plants can crowd the cucumber plants and inhibit their growth. So, if you’re looking to plant some cucumber plants in your garden this year, be sure to keep these plants in mind!

Do you have any tips or tricks for growing cucumbers? Let us know in the comments below!