8 Great Pumpkin Companion Plants To Grow Together

Are you looking to maximize the productivity and health of your pumpkin patch? Companion planting is the key. You can create a flourishing garden ecosystem that benefits your pumpkins and their companions by selecting the right plants and herbs to grow alongside your pumpkins. Explore eight great pumpkin companion plants that will help improve pollination, deter pests, and optimize space in your vegetable garden.

Marigolds

Marigolds make a great partner for pumpkins. They have bright and colorful flowers that enhance your garden's beauty and keep away some pests, such as aphids and nematodes, that can damage your pumpkins. Plant marigolds around the perimeter of your pumpkin patch or intersperse them between pumpkin plants for maximum effect.

Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums have a dual purpose: they are both beautiful and valuable. Their colorful flowers attract helpful insects such as ladybugs and hoverflies, which eat aphids and other damaging pests. Plus, nasturtiums are edible and make a tasty addition to salads or garnishes.

Beans

Beans are excellent companions for pumpkins as they help improve nitrogen levels in the soil. Pumpkins are heavy feeders, and beans, being legumes, add nitrogen from the air into the soil, enriching it naturally. Plant bush beans or pole beans near your pumpkin plants, allowing them to climb up the trellises or cages alongside the pumpkins.

Radishes

Radishes are quick-growing and serve as a beneficial trap crop for pumpkin pests. Plant radishes around your pumpkin plants to attract pests away from the pumpkins. These pests are more attracted to radishes, giving your pumpkins a better chance to grow undisturbed.

Borage

Borage is a versatile companion plant that benefits pumpkins in multiple ways. Its attractive blue flowers attract pollinators, such as bees, essential for developing pumpkin fruit. Additionally, borage deters pests like hornworms and cabbage worms. Plant borage near your pumpkin plants to create a pollinator-friendly and pest-resistant environment.

Sunflowers

Sunflowers are stunning additions to your garden and provide multiple benefits as companion plants for pumpkins. Their tall stature can give shade to the pumpkin patch, helping to retain soil moisture and prevent weed growth. The large sunflower heads also attract beneficial insects and birds, which help control pests and improve pollination.

Mint

Mint is a fragrant and hardy herb that can serve as a natural pest deterrent in your pumpkin patch. Its strong scent repels many common pests, including ants, aphids, and squash bugs. Plant mint in pots or containers near your pumpkin plants to prevent it from spreading and taking over your garden.

Corn

Pumpkins and corn make great companions, following the Native American tradition of the "Three Sisters" planting method. The corn supports climbing pumpkin vines, while the pumpkin leaves provide ground cover, suppressing weeds and conserving soil moisture. The large leaves of pumpkins also shade the corn, helping retain moisture and providing a cooler microclimate for the corn plants.

Incorporating these pumpkin companion plants into your garden enhances the beauty and diversity of your space and promotes a healthier and more productive pumpkin harvest. Experiment with different combinations and observe the positive effects on your pumpkins and the overall garden ecosystem. By harnessing the power of companion planting, you'll create a thriving and harmonious garden that yields abundant rewards.

Are you ready to start growing your own food and becoming more self-reliant? Visit Freedom Farms and discover a wide range of resources, products, and expertise to help you thrive.