Can I grow zucchini with cucumbers?
Written by
Liu Xiaohui
Reviewed by
Prof. Samuel Fitzgerald, Ph.D.Cultivating zucchini alongside cucumbers can challenge even an experienced gardener. I've noticed them fighting for nitrogen, which resulted in underdeveloped plants, I had one plant that nearly withered, and most were underwhelming. They can thrive together, but to have success melds them. You'll need to be diligent in keeping them apart and managing pests; I suggest at least 6 ft between plant rows, and their pests may find you faster than you think.
Nutrient Competition
- Zucchini needs 50% more phosphorus
- Cucumbers deplete magnesium faster
- Solution: Add bone meal monthly
Pest Management
- Both attract cucumber beetles
- Shared squash vine borers
- Solution: Install sticky traps weekly
Disease Control
- Spread powdery mildew mutually
- Transmit bacterial wilt
- Solution: Copper fungicide sprays
When interplanted with marigolds and nasturtiums, pests were reduced drastically. A trial in Minnesota saw 60% reductions in beetles when flowers were next to both crops. French marigolds release alpha-terthienyl which paralyzes nematodes. Remove flowers every 30 days to continuously protect your crops.
Pest Deterrents
- Marigolds: Repel beetles
- Nasturtiums: Trap aphids
- Dill: Lure predatory wasps
Soil Protectors
- Buckwheat: Adds phosphorus
- Clover: Fixes nitrogen
- Oats: Prevent erosion
Soil testing is extremely important when growing these crops together. I have clients test pH and nutrients every thirty days. Zucchini prefers a pH of 6.0 - 6.5 while cucumbers can tolerate a pH of 5.8 -7.0. If the soil is too low, I recommend adding lime during the middle of the season, preventing slow nutrient lockouts that can harm both plants.
Read the full article: When to Plant Zucchini: Perfect Timing for Big Harvests
