What To Plant Next To Butternut Squash

Planting butternut squash next to the right companion plants can boost its growth, improve pollination, and help keep pests away.
 
If you’ve been wondering what to plant next to butternut squash, the answer is a mix of herbs, flowers, and vegetables that support its sprawling vines without competing too hard for nutrients.
 
Butternut squash is a heavy feeder and a space hog, so the plants you choose to grow next to it need to either help it thrive or at least stay out of its way.
 
In this post, we’ll go over the best plants to grow next to butternut squash, why they work, and a few you should keep far away from your squash patch.
 
Let’s dig in.
 

What to Plant Next to Butternut Squash

Butternut squash grows best next to plants that repel pests, attract pollinators, or cover the ground while the squash vines spread out.
 
Here are the best companion plants for butternut squash and why they work so well.
 

1. Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums make an excellent companion for butternut squash because they act as a trap crop for aphids and squash bugs.
 
These pests go after the nasturtiums first, which keeps them off your butternut squash vines.
 
Nasturtiums also attract beneficial insects like ladybugs that feed on the pests attacking your squash.
 

2. Marigolds

Marigolds are a classic companion plant for butternut squash because their roots release compounds that repel nematodes in the soil.
 
They also help mask the scent of squash vines, making it harder for pests to find your butternut squash plants.
 
Plant marigolds around the edges of your squash bed for the best results.
 

3. Radishes

Radishes grow quickly and work well next to butternut squash because they loosen the soil and deter cucumber beetles.
 
You can harvest radishes long before your butternut squash vines take over the space.
 
This makes radishes a smart pick if you want to use your growing space efficiently while the squash is still small.
 

4. Beans and Peas

Beans and peas are legumes that fix nitrogen in the soil, which gives butternut squash the nutrients it needs to grow big and healthy.
 
Pole beans can even climb up a trellis while your butternut squash spreads along the ground below.
 
Just don’t let the beans shade your squash too much, since butternut squash needs full sun to produce fruit.
 

5. Corn

Corn and butternut squash are a classic pairing in the Three Sisters garden method along with beans.
 
Corn provides a natural trellis for beans while butternut squash acts as a living mulch that shades the soil and suppresses weeds.
 
Just give each plant enough room, because butternut squash vines can crowd corn stalks if they’re planted too close.
 

6. Borage

Borage is one of the best flowers to plant next to butternut squash because it attracts bees and other pollinators.
 
Better pollination means more butternut squash on the vine when harvest time rolls around.
 
Borage also repels tomato hornworms and cabbage worms, adding another layer of pest protection to your garden.
 

Herbs That Grow Well Next to Butternut Squash

Herbs are great companions for butternut squash because they take up little space and often repel pests with their strong scent.
 
Here are a few herbs that grow well next to butternut squash.
 

1. Dill

Dill attracts beneficial insects like parasitic wasps that prey on squash bugs and aphids.
 
Just keep in mind that dill can stunt the growth of butternut squash if it’s planted too close, so give it some room.
 

2. Oregano and Marjoram

Oregano and marjoram have strong scents that help repel pests looking for a butternut squash meal.
 
They also grow well in the same sunny conditions that butternut squash loves.
 

3. Mint

Mint repels ants, cabbage moths, and squash bugs, making it a useful companion for butternut squash.
 
Just plant mint in containers, because it spreads aggressively and can take over your squash bed if left unchecked.
 

4. Chamomile

Chamomile attracts hoverflies and other beneficial insects that help control pests on butternut squash.
 
It also improves the flavor of nearby plants, which is a nice bonus when you’re growing butternut squash for the kitchen.
 

What Not to Plant Next to Butternut Squash

Not every plant makes a good neighbor for butternut squash, so here are a few you should avoid.
 

1. Potatoes

Potatoes compete with butternut squash for nutrients and water, and both are prone to similar diseases.
 
Keeping them apart reduces the risk of spreading blight and other problems through your garden.
 

2. Other Squash Varieties

Planting other squash varieties next to butternut squash can lead to cross-pollination, which affects the flavor and quality of your crop.
 
If you’re saving seeds, keep different squash types separated by a good distance.
 

3. Fennel

Fennel releases compounds that can inhibit the growth of butternut squash and many other garden plants.
 
It’s best to grow fennel in its own dedicated spot away from your squash patch.
 

4. Cucumbers

Cucumbers and butternut squash are both cucurbits, so they attract the same pests and diseases.
 
Planting them together makes it easier for problems like powdery mildew and cucumber beetles to spread.
 

So, What to Plant Next to Butternut Squash?

What to plant next to butternut squash comes down to picking companions that repel pests, attract pollinators, and improve the soil without crowding your vines.
 
Nasturtiums, marigolds, radishes, beans, corn, and borage are all great choices that support butternut squash in different ways.
 
Herbs like dill, oregano, mint, and chamomile also work well as long as you give them space.
 
Avoid planting potatoes, fennel, cucumbers, and other squash varieties next to butternut squash to keep pests and diseases at bay.
 
With the right companions in place, your butternut squash will have everything it needs to thrive all season long.