When I first started gardening, I heard a lot about companion planting but never really gave it a try.
However, after watching my cucumbers get bullied by pests one too many times, I decided to do a bit of research. That’s when I discovered that certain flowers, like marigolds, could be the perfect protectors for my cucumbers.
So, I planted marigolds next to my cukes and was shocked to my core – there were no pests, and my cucumbers made it for the first time! I was even able to make a batch of pickles, can you believe it?
Turns out that marigolds acted like natural pest repellents, keeping those nasty bugs away from my precious cucumbers. Now, I swear by this dynamic duo and can’t imagine my garden without them.
Why Marigolds & Cucumbers Are The Ultimate Garden BFFs
Cucumbers can be fragile, we all know that. There are a couple of things you have to consider right from the start.
First of all, they should be planted once the temperatures hit that sweet spot around of 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Then, you have to add mulch so that your cozy cukes have enough moisture and protection from slugs and snails (otherwise they’d devour your crops).
You should also give them enough room to spread their leafy wings – this ensures each plant gets its fair amount of sunshine and airflow (proper spacing means happy, disease-resistant plants and a garden that’s as organized as it is bountiful).
Pay close attention to cucumber villains – these include pests such as cutworms, aphids, cabbage loopers, and cucumber beetles. I lost many battles to these before I planted marigolds.
But what’s so great about these yellow flowers exactly?
Well, it’s all because of their bold fragrance – marigolds swoop right in to repel pests like cucumber beetles and aphids, thus keeping the garden safe and sound.
They also attract beneficial insects and natural predators that help keep pest population numbers relatively low.
And it’s not just cucumbers that benefit from their protective powers.
Marigolds have been known to assist a whole host of veggies, from broccoli to tomatoes, warding off pests and boosting growth wherever they go.
Please note that their powerful pollen can stir up trouble for allergy sufferers, so handle it with care!
Not convinced yet? If not, then check out: 15 Genius Reasons Why Marigolds Deserve A Spot In Your Vegetable Garden
Meet Cucumber’s Best Buddies Beyond Marigolds
I figured that cucumbers are like the social butterflies of the garden, always mingling with other plants.
Corn is the veggie they like to hang out with the most. With their towering stalks, corn plants make the perfect trellis, giving cucumbers a boost as they reach for the sky (quite literally).
Dill and sunflowers are also good companions since they attract beneficial insects that feast on pests and keep your garden buzzing with life.
Cucumbers have a soft spot for peas, who work their magic by enriching the soil with nitrogen, giving cucumbers the nutrients they need to thrive.
Root veggies like radishes make cucumbers feel comfortable around them because they don’t take up too much space.
But that’s not all because cucumbers know how to pick their friends wisely.
Picture this: cucumbers and potatoes. Sounds like a dream team, right? Wrong!
Despite both being well-cherished veggies, these two don’t exactly hit it off. Wonder why?
Well, it’s all about the moisture content. Too much moisture causes trouble, which eventually leads to fungal diseases that can completely ruin your plants and wreak havoc on your garden.
Then, there’s the case of cucumbers and melons. Sure, they’re both juicy and refreshing, but when it comes to sharing a garden bed, it’s a big no-no since they are susceptible to the same pests.
So, when it comes to cucumber companions, choose wisely. After all, you want your garden to be a thriving ecosystem, not a battleground for plants vs pests!