What Can I Plant with Cucumbers?

Cucumbers are a popular vegetable to grow in the summer months, but they can be a bit tricky to plant if you don't have experience with gardening. One of the biggest challenges is finding the right plants to grow alongside cucumbers. In this article, we'll explore some of the best companion plants to grow with cucumbers.

1. Companion Plants for Cucumbers

Companion planting is the practice of growing plants together that will benefit each other in some way. When it comes to cucumbers, some of the best companion plants include:

a) Corn - Corn and cucumbers are a great combination because they grow well together and can provide each other with shade.

b) Beans - Beans add nitrogen to the soil, which cucumbers need in order to grow strong and healthy.

c) Radishes - Radishes are a great option to plant with cucumbers because they will help repel cucumber beetles, which can be a common problem for cucumber plants.

2. Plants to Avoid Planting with Cucumbers

When planting cucumbers, there are also some plants that you should avoid planting alongside them. These plants include:

a) Potatoes - Potatoes and cucumbers are part of the same family, which means that they can attract similar pests and diseases. If you plant them too close together, these problems can spread to both crops.

b) Melons - Melons and cucumbers are both vining plants, so they can easily become entangled and start competing for space.

c) Aromatics - Strong-smelling plants like onions, garlic, and chives can actually deter pollinators, which cucumbers rely on in order to produce fruit.

3. Tips for Planting with Cucumbers

If you're new to gardening, there are a few tips you should keep in mind when planting cucumbers. These include:

a) Space your plants properly - Cucumbers need plenty of space to grow, so be sure to give them at least 12 inches of space between each plant.

b) Water regularly - Cucumbers need plenty of water in order to grow, so be sure to water them regularly, especially during hot summer months.

c) Consider using trellises - Trellises can help keep cucumber plants off the ground and make it easier to harvest the fruit.

In conclusion, planting cucumbers doesn't have to be difficult. By choosing the right companion plants and avoiding some common mistakes, you can ensure a successful harvest of fresh, homegrown cucumbers. Good luck with your gardening!