Bad Companion Plants for Zucchini: A Gardener's Guide

As a gardener, it's important to know which plants grow well together and which ones don't. Companion planting is the practice of growing different crops in close proximity to one another to benefit each other in some way, such as by repelling pests or providing nutrients. However, not all plants make good companions, and some can actually be harmful to each other. In this blog post, we'll explore bad companion plants for zucchini and why you should avoid planting them together.

Why Companion Planting Matters

Companion planting is an age-old practice that has been used for centuries to increase yields, improve soil health, and reduce pest problems. By planting certain crops together, you can create a natural ecosystem that supports healthy growth and minimizes the need for pesticides and fertilizers. For example, planting marigolds near your zucchini plants can repel harmful insects like aphids and spider mites, while planting beans nearby can fix nitrogen in the soil, which helps your zucchini grow strong and healthy.

Bad Companion Plants for Zucchini

While there are many great companion plants for zucchini, there are also some plants that should be avoided. Here are some of the most common bad companion plants for zucchini:

1. Potatoes

Potatoes and zucchini are both heavy feeders and require a lot of nutrients to grow properly. When planted together, they can compete for resources and stunt each other's growth. Additionally, potatoes are susceptible to many of the same pests and diseases as zucchini, so planting them together can increase the risk of infestations.

2. Fennel

Fennel is a beautiful herb that adds flavor to many dishes, but it's not a good companion for zucchini. Fennel produces a chemical called anethole, which can inhibit the growth of nearby plants. Zucchini is particularly sensitive to anethole and can have trouble growing if planted too close to fennel.

3. Melons

Melons and zucchini are both members of the cucurbit family and can be susceptible to many of the same pests and diseases. When planted together, they can attract more pests and increase the risk of disease. Additionally, melons require a lot of space to grow, which can shade out your zucchini plants and reduce their yield.

4. Brassicas

Brassicas like broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage are not good companions for zucchini. They are heavy feeders and can deplete the soil of nutrients that zucchini needs to grow. Additionally, brassicas produce chemicals called glucosinolates, which can stunt the growth of nearby plants and make them more susceptible to pest infestations.

5. Corn

Corn is a tall plant that can shade out your zucchini plants and reduce their yield. Additionally, corn and zucchini are both heavy feeders and require a lot of nutrients to grow properly. When planted together, they can compete for resources and stunt each other's growth.

Good Companion Plants for Zucchini

Now that we've covered bad companion plants for zucchini, let's talk about some good ones. Here are some great companion plants for zucchini:

1. Marigolds

Marigolds are a great companion plant for zucchini because they can repel harmful insects like aphids and spider mites. Additionally, marigolds produce a chemical called alpha-terthienyl, which can help to suppress certain soil-borne diseases.

2. Beans

Beans are a legume that can fix nitrogen in the soil, which helps your zucchini grow strong and healthy. Additionally, beans and zucchini have different root depths, which means they won't compete for resources like water and nutrients.

3. Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are another great companion plant for zucchini because they can repel harmful insects like squash bugs and cucumber beetles. Additionally, nasturtiums are edible and can add a peppery flavor to your salads and other dishes.

4. Radishes

Radishes are a fast-growing crop that can be planted as a companion to zucchini. They can help to break up compacted soil and improve soil health. Additionally, radishes are a good trap crop for pests like flea beetles, which can be attracted to them instead of your zucchini plants.

5. Garlic

Garlic is a natural insect repellent and can help to keep pests away from your zucchini plants. Additionally, garlic can help to suppress certain soil-borne diseases and improve soil health.


Companion planting can be a great way to improve the health and productivity of your garden, but it's important to choose your companions wisely. Avoid planting bad companion plants for zucchini like potatoes, fennel, melons, brassicas, and corn, and opt for good companions like marigolds, beans, nasturtiums, radishes, and garlic instead. By following these tips, you can create a thriving ecosystem in your garden that supports healthy growth and minimizes the need for pesticides and fertilizers.

FAQs

Q: Can zucchini and tomatoes be planted together?

A: Yes, zucchini and tomatoes can be planted together. In fact, they are good companions because they have different nutrient needs and won't compete for resources like water and nutrients.

Q: Can zucchini and cucumbers be planted together?

A: Yes, zucchini and cucumbers can be planted together. They are both members of the cucurbit family and have similar nutrient needs. However, it's important to give them plenty of space to grow and avoid planting them too close together.

Q: How far apart should I plant my zucchini plants?

A: Zucchini plants should be spaced about 2-3 feet apart to give them enough room to grow and spread out.

Q: What is companion planting?

A: Companion planting is the practice of growing different crops in close proximity to one another to benefit each other in some way, such as by repelling pests or providing nutrients.

Q: What are some other good companion plants for zucchini?

A: Other good companion plants for zucchini include dill, borage, chives, and thyme.