Growing squash is a rewarding experience, but it’s important to know which plants to avoid in your garden.
Certain plants can inhibit squash growth, compete for nutrients, or even attract pests.
In this article, we’ll discuss 13 plants you should never grow with squash to keep your garden thriving.
Steer clear of these troublemakers, and your squash plants will thank you!
1. Potatoes
Potatoes and squash don’t make a good team in the garden.
They compete for nutrients and space, which can stunt the growth of both plants.
Moreover, potatoes and squash are both susceptible to similar pests and diseases, making it more likely that problems will spread between them.
For example, both plants can suffer from blight, a fungal disease that can devastate your crops.
Additionally, Colorado potato beetles, which are a significant pest for potatoes, can also attack squash plants.
Keep potatoes and squash separate to give both plants the best chance at a healthy harvest.
2. Tomatoes
Tomatoes and squash have a similar issue as potatoes.
They compete for resources and attract similar pests, like aphids and whiteflies.
Additionally, tomatoes can grow quite large and cast shade on your squash plants, further inhibiting their growth.
Tomatoes can also develop a fungal disease called early blight, which can spread to your squash plants, causing leaves to yellow and die.
Keeping tomatoes and squash separate can prevent the spread of pests and diseases, allowing both plants to thrive in your garden.
3. Onions
Onions release a substance that can inhibit the growth of other plants, including squash.
This allelopathic effect can slow the growth of your squash plants and potentially reduce their yield.
Additionally, onions attract pests like onion maggots, thrips, and nematodes that can also affect squash plants.
Plant onions away from your squash to avoid any negative effects.
4. Fennel
Fennel is another plant that can release allelopathic chemicals that hinder the growth of nearby plants.
This effect is not limited to squash but can impact other plants in your garden as well.
Fennel’s strong scent may also attract pests like aphids and whiteflies, which can then find their way to your squash plants.
It’s best to keep fennel and squash separate, so your squash plants can flourish without any negative interference.
5. Cabbage
Cabbage and squash aren’t the best of friends in the garden.
They compete for nutrients and space, and growing them together can lead to suboptimal growth for both plants.
Additionally, cabbage attracts pests like cabbage worms, which can also feed on squash plants, causing damage and reducing yield.
Cabbage also requires different growing conditions than squash, so planting them together may compromise the health of both plants.
Keep cabbage and squash in separate areas of your garden for the best results.
6. Asparagus
Asparagus and squash compete for nutrients and water, which can lead to stunted growth for both plants.
Asparagus has a lengthy growing season, requiring up to three years to reach full production.
During this time, asparagus crowns can become quite large and may compete with squash for valuable root space.
Planting these two crops separately will help ensure that each has enough resources to grow and produce a bountiful harvest.
7. Broccoli
Broccoli is another member of the cabbage family that should be avoided when planting squash.
Like cabbage, broccoli and squash compete for nutrients and water.
Broccoli also attracts pests like cabbage worms and aphids, which can cause significant damage to both plants if not properly managed.
By planting broccoli and squash in different areas of your garden, you can minimize competition and the spread of pests, giving both plants the best chance to thrive.
8. Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts, also part of the cabbage family, share similar issues with squash as cabbage and broccoli.
They compete for nutrients and space, and can attract pests that may harm your squash plants.
In addition, Brussels sprouts can take up quite a bit of space, potentially crowding out your squash plants and reducing sunlight exposure.
To ensure optimal growth for both plants, keep them separate in your garden.
9. Cauliflower
Cauliflower, yet another member of the cabbage family, shares many of the same concerns when planted near squash.
The competition for nutrients and water can lead to decreased growth and yield for both plants.
Cauliflower can also attract pests like cabbage worms and aphids that may harm squash plants.
To avoid these issues, plant cauliflower and squash in separate areas of your garden.
10. Eggplant
Eggplant and squash share some common pests, such as flea beetles and aphids.
Planting these two crops together can increase the likelihood of these pests moving between plants, causing more significant damage.
Eggplant can also grow quite large and create shade, which may inhibit squash growth.
Keep eggplant and squash separate in your garden to promote healthier plants and reduce pest problems.
11. Kohlrabi
Kohlrabi, another member of the cabbage family, is best kept away from squash plants.
These two plants compete for resources, and kohlrabi can attract pests that are harmful to squash.
Planting them separately helps to ensure that each plant gets the resources it needs and reduces the likelihood of pest issues.
12. Lettuce
Lettuce may not be an obvious bad companion for squash, but planting them together can lead to competition for water and nutrients.
Additionally, lettuce prefers cooler temperatures, while squash thrives in warm, sunny conditions.
Growing these plants together may compromise their optimal growing conditions, leading to decreased yield and overall health.
Plant lettuce and squash in different areas of your garden to meet their individual needs.
13. Spinach
Spinach, like lettuce, prefers cooler temperatures and may not thrive when planted near squash.
The competition for water and nutrients can also negatively impact the growth of both plants.
In addition, spinach can attract pests like leafminers, which can potentially spread to squash plants.
To maintain the best growing conditions for both plants, keep spinach and squash separate in your garden.
Final Thoughts
Knowing which plants to avoid growing with squash can make a significant difference in the health and productivity of your garden.
By keeping these 13 plants away from your squash, you’ll reduce competition for resources, decrease the likelihood of pest issues, and ensure optimal growing conditions for your squash plants.
With a little planning and strategic planting, you’ll be well on your way to a bountiful squash harvest.
Happy gardening!