Cucumbers thrive in the UK climate, and with the right companion plants, you can enhance their growth, deter pests, and create a harmonious garden ecosystem.

We are going to explore the nine best companion plants for cucumbers, their benefits and how they contribute to the success of your cucumber plants. We'll also highlight three plants that should be kept away from cucumbers. But first, let's delve into why companion planting is beneficial.

Companion planting involves strategically placing plants together to maximise their growth potential. By pairing compatible plants, you can create a natural balance that promotes healthy growth. Companion plants can attract beneficial insects, repel harmful pests, provide shade, enrich the soil, and more. Now, let's explore the nine best companion plants for your cucumber garden.

9 Plants to Plant near Cucumbers

1) Beans: Nitrogen Fixers

Green beans growing

Beans, such as bush beans or pole beans, are beneficial companion plants for cucumbers. These legumes are nitrogen-fixing plants, meaning they have the ability to convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that other plants can utilize. Cucumbers are heavy feeders, and the nitrogen provided by beans can nourish the soil and enhance the growth of cucumber plants. Peas can be used in the same way.

2) Sweet Corn: tall and Shady

Sweetcorn growing cobs uncovered looking up toward blue sky

Sweet Corn is a great cucumber companion plant because its tall stems provide shade.  It also helps deter pests like cucumber beetle.

3) Dill: The Aromatic Ally

Dill herb growing

Dill is a fantastic companion for cucumbers, as it attracts beneficial insects like wasps and ladybugs. These insects prey on cucumber pests like aphids and caterpillars, keeping their population in check. Furthermore, dill's aromatic foliage can enhance the flavor of cucumbers when grown nearby.

4) Radishes: Soil Enrichers

Bunch of radishes with tops still on on the soil in the sunshine

Radishes are excellent companion plants for cucumbers, primarily for their soil-enhancing qualities. As radishes grow, their roots help break up compacted soil, improving aeration and drainage. This benefits cucumber plants, as they prefer well-drained soil. Additionally, radishes repel cucumber beetles, a common pest that can damage cucumber vines.

5) Sunflowers: Providing Shade and Support 

Looking upward at Sunflowers growing against a blue sky

Sunflowers make wonderful companions for cucumbers due to their tall stature and broad leaves. When grown near cucumbers, sunflowers provide shade, protecting the delicate cucumber plants from scorching heat. Furthermore, the sturdy sunflower stalks can serve as a natural trellis, providing support for cucumber vines to climb.

6) Borage: The Pollinator Magnet

Borage herb growing showing blue flowers

Borage is a true pollinator magnet and an excellent companion for cucumbers. Its vibrant blue flowers attract bees and other pollinators, ensuring proper pollination of cucumber blossoms. This, in turn, leads to abundant fruit set and a higher cucumber yield.

7) Marigolds: Nature's Pest Control

Marigold flowers growing

Marigolds are excellent companions for cucumbers, primarily due to their pest-repelling properties. The strong scent of marigolds acts as a natural deterrent for aphids and other harmful insects that often plague cucumber plants. Additionally, marigolds attract pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, which help in the fruiting process.

8) Chives: Repelling Pests with Scent:

Chives in flower with a bee

Chives are not only a flavorful addition to your culinary repertoire but also effective at repelling pests. The strong scent of chives helps deter aphids, Japanese beetles, and other common cucumber pests. Planting chives alongside your cucumbers can help protect them from these nuisances.

9) Nasturtiums: Beauty with Benefits

close up of a Narsturtium flower growing

Nasturtiums are not only visually appealing but also beneficial for cucumbers. These vibrant flowers attract aphids, keeping them away from your cucumber plants. Moreover, nasturtiums act as a sacrificial plant, drawing pests away from your cucumbers. The leaves of nasturtiums are edible and make a zesty addition to salads.

Plants to Avoid Planting Near Cucumbers

While companion planting offers numerous benefits, there are a few plants that should be kept away from cucumbers due to potential negative interactions.

Avoid planting cucumbers near

  1. Potatoes, as they are both susceptible to fungal disease blight. 
  2. Aromatic herb plants like sage and basil as these can inhibit growth of cucumbers
  3. Melons - they are both the same family so susceptible to the same pests increasing the chances of a pest wipeout.   .

Click through to discover How to Grow Cucumbers

Which Cucumber Variety is right for me?

Easiest Cucumber Variety to Grow at Home

If you're a beginner or looking for a fuss-free cucumber variety, "Marketmore 76" cucumber is a good choice. This variety is known for its reliability and adaptability to various growing conditions. This cucumber variety is resistant to many common cucumber diseases, making them an excellent choice for gardeners of all skill levels.

cucumber graphic showing a large cartoon cucumber and a small cartoon cucumber side by side

Largest Cucumber Variety

If you're aiming for an impressive cucumber size, consider growing the "English Long" cucumber. This variety can reach lengths of up to 18 inches and is a favorite for slicing. Be sure to provide proper support, such as Ornamental Plant Support Frame, to prevent the heavy fruit from bending or breaking the vines.

Smallest Cucumber Variety:

If you're limited on space or prefer small pickling cucumbers, the "Bush Pickle" variety is an ideal choice. This compact cucumber plant produces small-sized cucumbers, perfect for pickling or fresh snacking. Its compact growth habit makes it suitable for growing in a Vegetable planter or Raised Bed.

Companion planting is a valuable technique that can significantly benefit your vegetable garden or allotment. By carefully selecting companion plants, such as marigolds, nasturtiums, dill, and more, you can enhance the growth, deter pests, and create a thriving garden ecosystem.

Have fun exploring different cucumber varieties and enjoy the bountiful harvest from your cucumber garden and learn all you need to know to grow them here How to Grow Cucumbers

Sarah Talbot

Comments

Our top tip for growing cucumbers in somewhere like Arizona is to ensure that the soil has warmed to at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit before you do. I think that would be mid-April in Arizona but if you have had weather like us here in the UK maybe later! Before you plant, add a few inches of compost to the soil to improve drainage and nutrient content.
As for Jalapenos – they adore the SUN so choose a really sunny spot then make sure you add lots of organic compost to make the soil rich and moist. Space the jalapeno plants out well with 2 -3 feet between rows and enough space as they will prob get to about 3 feet high.
Happy growing! Check out the Garden Your Way website for Haxnicks supplies in the USA too…

— Haxnicks

I’ve just moved to the Arizona valley and would like to try to grow cucumbers and jalapeños. Any suggestions?

— Mary P