Companion Plants for Cucumbers: The Ultimate Guide

Cucumbers are one of the most popular vegetables to grow in a home garden. They are easy to cultivate and provide a delicious, refreshing addition to any meal. However, cucumbers can also be susceptible to pests and diseases, which is why many gardeners choose to plant companion plants alongside their cucumbers. In this guide, we'll explore the best companion plants for cucumbers, how they can benefit your cucumber plants, and how to grow them together effectively.

Why Companion Planting?

Companion planting is a gardening technique that involves growing different plants together in order to benefit each other in some way. For example, some plants can repel pests or attract beneficial insects, while others can improve soil quality or provide shade. When planted together, these plants can form mutually beneficial relationships that help them all thrive.

The Best Companion Plants for Cucumbers

Here are some of the best companion plants for cucumbers:

1. Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are an excellent companion plant for cucumbers because they can attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and hoverflies, which prey on common cucumber pests like aphids and spider mites. They also have a strong scent that can deter pests like whiteflies and squash bugs. Nasturtiums are easy to grow from seed and can be planted directly in the ground alongside your cucumber plants.

2. Radishes

Radishes are another great companion plant for cucumbers because they can help to deter cucumber beetles, which can damage the foliage and fruit of your cucumber plants. Radishes are quick-growing and can be planted in between your cucumber plants, making them a great space-saver as well.

3. Marigolds

Marigolds are known for their ability to repel pests like nematodes, which can damage the roots of your cucumber plants. They also attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, which are essential for cucumber production. Marigolds come in a variety of colors and sizes, so you can choose the ones that best suit your garden.

4. Beans

Beans are a great companion plant for cucumbers because they can help to fix nitrogen in the soil, which is essential for healthy plant growth. They also provide shade for your cucumber plants, which can help to prevent sunscald on the fruit. Pole beans are a good choice for planting alongside cucumbers because they can be trained to climb up trellises or other support structures.

5. Dill

Dill is a natural repellent for many common cucumber pests, including aphids and spider mites. It also attracts beneficial insects like wasps and lacewings, which prey on these pests. Dill is easy to grow from seed and can be planted alongside your cucumber plants.

6. Corn

Corn is a tall plant that can provide shade for your cucumber plants, which can help to keep them cool and prevent sunscald on the fruit. It also helps to deter pests like cucumber beetles and corn earworms. Plant corn in rows alongside your cucumber plants for best results.

7. Sunflowers

Sunflowers are another tall plant that can provide shade for your cucumber plants. They also attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, which are essential for cucumber production. Sunflowers come in a variety of sizes and colors, so you can choose the ones that best suit your garden.

8. Peas

Peas are another nitrogen-fixing plant that can help to improve soil quality for your cucumber plants. They also provide shade and support for your cucumber plants, which can help to prevent sunscald on the fruit. Peas are easy to grow from seed and can be planted alongside your cucumber plants.

9. Oregano

Oregano is a natural repellent for many common cucumber pests, including cucumber beetles and spider mites. It also has a pleasant scent that can help to mask the scent of your cucumber plants, making them less attractive to pests. Oregano is easy to grow from seed or transplant and can be planted near your cucumber plants.

10. Asparagus

Asparagus is a perennial vegetable that can help to improve soil quality and provide shade for your cucumber plants. It also attracts beneficial insects like parasitic wasps, which prey on many common cucumber pests. Asparagus can be planted in a separate bed or alongside your cucumber plants.

11. Carrots

Carrots are a good companion plant for cucumbers because they can help to loosen the soil and improve drainage, which is important for healthy cucumber growth. They also attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, which prey on common cucumber pests. Carrots can be planted in between your cucumber plants, making them a great space-saver as well.

12. Garlic

Garlic is a natural repellent for many common cucumber pests, including aphids and spider mites. It also helps to deter larger pests like rabbits and deer, which can damage your cucumber plants. Garlic can be planted in between your cucumber plants or in a separate bed.

13. Sage

Sage is another natural repellent for many common cucumber pests, including cucumber beetles and spider mites. It also attracts beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, which are essential for cucumber production. Sage can be planted near your cucumber plants or in a separate bed.

14. Borage

Borage is an excellent companion plant for cucumbers because it can attract beneficial insects like bees and wasps, which are essential for cucumber production. It also has a strong scent that can help to deter pests like tomato hornworms and cabbage worms. Borage is easy to grow from seed and can be planted directly in the ground alongside your cucumber plants.

15. Chives

Chives are a natural repellent for many common cucumber pests, including aphids and spider mites. They also have a pleasant scent that can help to mask the scent of your cucumber plants, making them less attractive to pests. Chives are easy to grow from seed or transplant and can be planted near your cucumber plants.

Growing Companion Plants with Cucumbers

When growing companion plants with cucumbers, it's important to consider their specific needs and growing habits. Here are some tips for growing companion plants with cucumbers:

1. Plan ahead

Before planting companion plants alongside your cucumbers, make sure you have enough space and resources to accommodate them. Consider the size and growth habits of each plant, as well as their water and nutrient requirements.

2. Choose complementary plants

Choose companion plants that will complement your cucumber plants in terms of pest control, soil quality, and other factors. For example, if you're planting radishes alongside your cucumbers, make sure they won't compete for nutrients or water.

3. Plant in the right place

Plant your companion plants in the appropriate location relative to your cucumber plants. For example, if you're planting sunflowers for shade, make sure they won't block too much sunlight or crowd out your cucumbers.

4. Rotate crops

To prevent disease and pest problems, rotate your crops each year. Don't plant cucumbers or their companion plants in the same spot for more than two years in a row.

5. Monitor and maintain

Regularly monitor your garden for pests and diseases, and take action as needed. Water and fertilize your plants according to their specific needs, and prune them as necessary to promote healthy growth.

FAQs

Q1: Can I plant tomatoes with cucumbers?

Yes, tomatoes can be planted with cucumbers, but they are not ideal companions. Tomatoes prefer slightly acidic soil, while cucumbers prefer slightly alkaline soil. Additionally, tomatoes are susceptible to many of the same pests and diseases as cucumbers, so planting them together may increase the risk of problems.

Q2: Do cucumbers need a lot of water?

Yes, cucumbers need regular watering to thrive. They prefer well-draining soil that is kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. In hot weather, they may need to be watered daily.

Q3: Can I grow cucumbers in containers?

Yes, cucumbers can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough (at least 5 gallons) and has good drainage. Choose a variety that is suited for container growing, and provide support for the vines to climb.

Q4: How can I tell when my cucumbers are ready to harvest?

Cucumbers are ready to harvest when they are firm, smooth, and evenly colored. They should be about 6-8 inches long for slicing cucumbers or 2-4 inches long for pickling cucumbers. Harvest them regularly to encourage continued production.

Q5: Can I save cucumber seeds for next year?

Yes, cucumber seeds can be saved for next year's planting. Allow the cucumbers to fully ripen on the vine, then remove the seeds and rinse them clean. Dry them thoroughly before storing in a cool, dry place.


Companion planting is a great way to improve the health and productivity of your cucumber plants while also promoting a diverse and sustainable garden ecosystem. By choosing the right companion plants and growing them together effectively, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of delicious cucumbers all season long.