Growing cucumbers alongside the right herbs can really supercharge your harvest. These companion plants not only improve flavor but also help keep pests at bay and boost plant health.
I’ve had great luck with a few favorites that make my garden more lively and productive. Plus, they’re all easy to care for and add a lovely aroma to your space.
Ready to learn which herbs will turn your cucumber patch into a thriving, tasty oasis?
1. Basil
Nothing enhances a cucumber’s growth quite like this aromatic Mediterranean herb. Basil repels troublesome cucumber beetles and flies while improving the flavor of nearby vegetables.
Water basil deeply but infrequently, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings. Position it on the east side of cucumber plants to provide afternoon shade. Pinch flower buds regularly to encourage bushier growth and prevent the leaves from becoming bitter.
2. Dill
Gardeners often discover that dill and cucumbers form a perfect partnership both in the garden and on the plate. This feathery herb attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and predatory wasps that feast on cucumber pests.
Allow dill to self-seed for continuous protection throughout the growing season. Plant it about 12 inches from cucumber vines to give both plants adequate space. Harvest outer stems first, and provide moderate water during dry spells to keep this helpful ally thriving.
3. Mint
The refreshing scent we love in our summer drinks actually serves as nature’s pest control for cucumber plants. Mint’s strong aroma confuses and repels aphids, cucumber beetles, and flea beetles that would otherwise damage your cucumber crop.
Always plant mint in containers sunk into the ground to prevent it from taking over. Water consistently but avoid overwatering. Trim regularly to maintain a bushy habit and prevent flowering if you want the strongest pest-repelling properties.
4. Oregano
Hardy and drought-resistant, this Mediterranean classic creates a protective ground cover that suppresses weeds around cucumber plants. Its tiny flowers attract pollinators that help cucumbers develop properly.
Plant oregano along the edges of your cucumber bed where it can spread without competing directly with the vines. Trim back aggressively after flowering to keep it compact. This herb thrives with minimal care – just provide well-draining soil and occasional deep watering during extended dry periods.
5. Cilantro
While some people find its flavor polarizing, cucumber plants absolutely love having cilantro nearby. This quick-growing herb attracts beneficial insects like hoverflies and parasitic wasps that control cucumber pests naturally.
Succession plant cilantro every 2-3 weeks for continuous protection throughout cucumber season. Provide afternoon shade in hot climates to prevent bolting. Water moderately and harvest outer leaves first, allowing the center to continue growing for extended harvests.
6. Chives
These slender, onion-flavored perennials serve as living pest barriers around cucumber plants. Their purple pom-pom flowers aren’t just pretty – they attract pollinators while their pungent scent confuses insects looking to munch on your cucumbers.
Plant chives at the corners of your cucumber bed for maximum protection. Divide clumps every 3-4 years to maintain vigor. Harvest by cutting leaves 2 inches above soil level, and allow the pretty purple flowers to bloom for pollinator benefits.
7. Nasturtium
Technically an edible flower but often grouped with herbs, nasturtiums act as sacrificial plants that attract aphids away from your cucumber vines. Their bright blooms also bring in beneficial insects that help with pollination.
Allow nasturtiums to sprawl around the base of cucumber trellises. Their peppery leaves and flowers are edible too – a bonus harvest! Water at soil level to keep leaves dry and prevent fungal issues. No fertilizer needed – too much nitrogen produces fewer flowers.
8. Borage
The starry blue flowers of borage make it a standout companion for cucumbers. This herb attracts crucial pollinators while its deep taproot brings up nutrients from lower soil layers, benefiting nearby cucumber plants.
Give borage plenty of space – it can reach 3 feet tall and wide. Its hairy leaves may look drought-tolerant, but regular watering produces the most flowers. Allow some plants to self-seed for continuous protection, and harvest young leaves for salads or cucumber-borage tea.
9. Chamomile
Looking like tiny daisies, chamomile flowers bring more than just charm to your cucumber patch. This herb improves the flavor of cucumbers while strengthening their natural disease resistance through beneficial soil interactions.
Plant chamomile at the edges of cucumber beds where its shallow roots won’t compete. Harvest flowers in the morning when essential oils are strongest. Leave some plants to self-seed for next season. German chamomile is annual while Roman is perennial – both work well with cucumbers.
10. Marigold
Often considered the workhorses of companion planting, marigolds release compounds through their roots that deter nematodes and other soil pests that can damage cucumber roots. Their bright flowers also attract beneficial insects.
Plant French or Mexican varieties rather than African marigolds for best results with cucumbers. Space them 12 inches apart along the perimeter of your cucumber patch. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering. Their slight shade can protect cucumber seedlings during intense summer heat.
11. Catnip
Your feline friends aren’t the only ones attracted to catnip – beneficial insects love it too! This mint family member repels cucumber beetles, squash bugs, and aphids while attracting predatory insects that hunt these pests.
Plant catnip at least 18 inches from cucumber vines to avoid competition. Consider growing in containers if you’re worried about it spreading. Trim back after flowering to encourage fresh, aromatic growth. The tiny lavender flowers provide nectar for pollinators that help cucumber production.
12. Thyme
Low-growing and aromatic, thyme creates a living mulch that suppresses weeds while conserving soil moisture around cucumber plants. Its tiny flowers attract beneficial insects, and its essential oils confuse pests searching for cucumber vines.
Plant creeping thyme varieties between cucumber hills for best ground coverage. Trim back occasionally to prevent woody growth. Once established, thyme needs minimal water, making it perfect for cucumber beds that shouldn’t be overwatered. Harvest sprigs anytime without harming its companion benefits.
13. Sage
With its velvety gray-green leaves, sage adds beauty while providing serious pest protection for cucumber plants. This Mediterranean herb confuses the scent signals that cucumber beetles use to find their favorite meal.
Plant sage on the north side of cucumbers so it doesn’t shade them. Prune after flowering to maintain a compact shape. Water deeply but infrequently, allowing soil to dry between waterings. Sage’s drought-tolerance makes it an excellent water-wise companion for cucumbers.
14. Lemon Balm
The citrusy fragrance of lemon balm doesn’t just brighten your garden – it helps protect your cucumber plants too. This mint relative attracts pollinators while confusing pests with its strong lemony scent.
Always grow lemon balm in containers near cucumbers to prevent it from spreading aggressively. Harvest regularly to keep plants bushy and prevent flowering if you want the strongest scent. Morning harvesting captures the highest concentration of aromatic oils that benefit your cucumber plants.
15. Parsley
Often overlooked as a companion plant, parsley attracts beneficial insects that prey on cucumber pests. Its deep taproot brings up nutrients from lower soil layers, indirectly feeding nearby cucumber plants.
Plant parsley between cucumber hills for maximum benefit. Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. This biennial herb flowers in its second year, providing excellent nectar for predatory wasps and hoverflies. Harvest outer stems first, allowing the center to continue growing.
16. Lovage
Resembling giant celery, lovage towers over garden beds while providing excellent habitat for beneficial insects that protect cucumber plants. Its hollow stems offer shelter for predatory insects that feed on cucumber pests.
Plant lovage at the north end of cucumber beds where its height won’t shade developing vines. Water deeply during dry spells but avoid wetting the foliage. Harvest young leaves for the best flavor. This perennial returns year after year, providing long-term protection for your cucumber patch.
17. Anise
The feathery foliage and umbrella-shaped flower clusters of anise attract parasitic wasps that lay eggs in cucumber-damaging caterpillars. Its licorice scent also confuses pests searching for cucumber plants.
Sow anise seeds directly where they’ll grow since they dislike transplanting. Provide full sun and well-draining soil. Water moderately until established, then reduce frequency. Allow flowers to develop fully to maximize beneficial insect attraction, then collect seeds for culinary use and next year’s planting.
18. Tarragon
French tarragon’s slender leaves release aromatic compounds that mask the scent of cucumber plants, confusing potential pests. Its shallow root system makes it a non-competitive neighbor for deep-rooted cucumber vines.
Plant tarragon along the eastern edge of cucumber beds for morning sun and afternoon shade. Divide clumps every 3-4 years to maintain vigor. Water moderately and mulch well to preserve moisture. Harvest sprigs throughout the growing season without diminishing its companion benefits.