20 Best Cucumber Companion Plants (with Chart) & 6 to Avoid

If you’re growing cucumbers this season, companion planting can make all the difference between a struggling crop and a thriving one. I’ve found that choosing the right plant partners not only improves cucumber health but also boosts yield, attracts pollinators, and keeps pests away—naturally.

In this cucumber companion planting guide, I will walk through the best herbs, vegetables, and flowers to grow nearby, plus a few plants you should definitely avoid. We’ve also included helpful infographics so you can easily plan, visualize, and organize your companion plants with confidence.

Whether you’re working with raised beds or containers, these tips will help you create a healthier, more productive garden.

🌟 Benefits of Companion Planting for Cucumbers

Let’s talk about why companion planting is a game-changer—especially for cucumbers.

Companion planting is the practice of growing specific plants side-by-side to help each other grow organically. Think of it as teaming up in the garden. Some plants boost the soil, others repel pests, and many bring in bees and butterflies to pollinate your cucumbers. Instead of relying on sprays or fertilizers, you’re creating a natural system that supports itself.

For cucumbers, the benefits are BIG…

First, they’re a magnet for pests like cucumber beetles and aphids. But when you plant pest-repelling herbs like dill or oregano nearby, you add a layer of protection without lifting a finger. Want better fruit set? Flowers like nasturtiums and borage attract pollinators, which means more cucumbers per vine.

It doesn’t STOP there…

Adding legumes such as beans or peas helps fix nitrogen in the soil—something cucumbers love. And if you’re dealing with weeds or intense heat, try pairing cucumbers with leafy greens or tall plants like corn. They’ll act as natural mulch or offer just the right amount of shade.

20 Best Cucumber Companion Plants to Support a Healthier, More Productive Garden:

Over the years, I’ve tried and tested dozens of plant pairings in my cucumber beds. Below, I’ve listed cucumber companion plants that consistently delivered results in my garden—a reliable mix of herbs, flowers, and vegetables that help with everything from pest control and pollination to improving soil health.

I’ve grouped them by type so you can easily decide what to grow where—and build a more productive, balanced garden of your own.

Cucumber Companion Herbs to Enhance Growth and Keep Pests Out of Your Garden:

1. Dill (Anethum graveolens)

Dill is a powerhouse companion herb for cucumbers. Its tall, airy flowers attract ladybugs, hoverflies, and parasitic wasps that feast on cucumber beetles and aphids. I often let dill bloom near my cucumber patch just to bring in those natural defenders. It doesn’t hog space or nutrients, and your pickles might thank you later.

Best for: Attracting beneficial insects like parasitic wasps and hoverflies that protect cucumber vines.
Hardiness Zone: Grows well in zones 2–11.
Mature Size: Reaches 2 to 5 feet in height.
When to Plant: Sow in early spring after the last frost.
Care Requirements: Prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

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2. Oregano (Origanum vulgare)

This aromatic herb does more than season your pizza. Oregano helps mask the scent of cucumber vines, confusing pests like aphids and squash bugs. Once it starts flowering, it becomes a magnet for pollinators and predatory insects. It’s low-maintenance and thrives in sunny, dry borders near cucumber beds.

Best for: Repelling aphids and beetles with its strong aroma.
Hardiness Zone: Thrives in zones 5–10.
Mature Size: Grows 6 to 24 inches tall.
When to Plant: Plant in spring once the danger of frost has passed.
Care Requirements: Needs full sun and dry, well-drained soil.

3. Chives (Allium schoenoprasum)

Chives naturally repel pests like aphids and Japanese beetles. Plus, their shallow roots don’t compete with cucumbers for nutrients. I like planting them at the edges of raised beds—they stay compact, bloom with beautiful purple flowers, and help keep pests at bay without any fuss.

Best for: Deterring aphids and Japanese beetles while staying compact.
Hardiness Zone: Suitable for zones 3–9.
Mature Size: Grows 12 to 20 inches tall.
When to Plant: Best planted in early to mid-spring.
Care Requirements: Prefers full sun to partial shade with moist, well-drained soil.

4. Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

Basil has a complex relationship with cucumbers. It repels harmful insects and draws in pollinators, but it can compete for nutrients if planted too close. I suggest placing basil a short distance away or in containers nearby so you still get the benefits without compromising cucumber growth.

Best for: Attracting pollinators and repelling common pests.
Hardiness Zone: Grows annually in most zones, perennial in zones 10–11.
Mature Size: Reaches 12 to 24 inches tall.
When to Plant: After the last frost date in spring.
Care Requirements: Needs full sun and evenly moist, fertile soil.

5. Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)

Chamomile isn’t just calming in tea—it’s a calming presence in the garden too. It helps cucumbers resist disease and attracts hoverflies and lacewings that hunt soft-bodied pests. The daisy-like blooms also bring in pollinators, making it a smart addition to mixed planting beds.

Best for: Boosting cucumber disease resistance and supporting pollinators.
Hardiness Zone: Performs best in zones 3–9.
Mature Size: Typically grows 15 to 30 inches tall.
When to Plant: Sow seeds in spring or early summer.
Care Requirements: Thrives in full sun to light shade and well-drained soil.

Cucumber Companion Flowers That Add Beauty and Protection to Your Garden:

6. Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus)

Nasturtiums are a personal favorite. These fast-growing flowers act like magnets for aphids and cucumber beetles, pulling them away from your cucumber vines. But they don’t just distract pests—they also draw in hoverflies and bees. Their edible blooms are a cheerful bonus for salads and borders.

Best for: Acting as a trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles.
Hardiness Zone: Grows easily in zones 2–11.
Mature Size: Usually reaches 12 to 24 inches tall.
When to Plant: Direct sow in spring after frost.
Care Requirements: Needs full sun and average, well-drained soil.

7. Marigold (Tagetes spp.)

Few flowers work harder than marigolds. Their roots release compounds that repel nematodes and soil pests, while the blooms deter beetles and attract bees. I always tuck a few marigolds between rows of cucumbers—it’s an easy way to add color and natural protection.

Best for: Repelling nematodes and attracting pollinators.
Hardiness Zone: Grows in zones 2–11.
Mature Size: Varies by variety, from 6 to 36 inches tall.
When to Plant: After the last spring frost.
Care Requirements: Requires full sun and moderately fertile, well-drained soil.

8. Borage (Borago officinalis)

Borage pulls double duty in the cucumber patch. Its blue star-like flowers bring in pollinators, while the deep roots draw up minerals that benefit nearby plants. It’s known to improve both soil health and cucumber resilience. Just give it a bit of space—it can grow big fast.

Best for: Attracting pollinators and enriching soil with trace minerals.
Hardiness Zone: Suitable for zones 2–11.
Mature Size: Can grow 18 to 36 inches tall.
When to Plant: Plant after the danger of frost has passed.
Care Requirements: Prefers full sun and average to rich, well-drained soil.

9. Calendula (Calendula officinalis)

Often called pot marigold, calendula traps small pests with its sticky petals and draws in ladybugs, lacewings, and hoverflies. It also tolerates poor soil, which makes it useful in less fertile corners of the garden. Plant it near cucumber vines to add both beauty and biological pest control.

Best for: Trapping pests and attracting beneficial insects like lacewings.
Hardiness Zone: Thrives in zones 2–11.
Mature Size: Typically grows 12 to 24 inches tall.
When to Plant: In spring or fall depending on your region.
Care Requirements: Does well in full sun to partial shade with moist soil.

10. Sweet Alyssum (Lobularia maritima)

This low-growing flower acts like a groundcover under cucumber trellises. It suppresses weeds, conserves soil moisture, and lures in beneficial insects. I especially love how sweet alyssum fills gaps in raised beds while boosting cucumber pollination. Plus, the soft scent is a nice touch.

Best for: Groundcover, weed suppression, and attracting hoverflies.
Hardiness Zone: Best grown in zones 5–9.
Mature Size: Stays low at 3 to 9 inches tall.
When to Plant: Sow in early spring when the soil warms.
Care Requirements: Grows in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.

11. Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium)

Chrysanthemums are packed with natural pyrethrins—compounds that repel mites, aphids, and beetles. I plant them as a border to my cucumber rows. While they look decorative, they quietly protect your crop from insect attacks that could otherwise go unnoticed.

Best for: Naturally repelling insect pests with pyrethrins.
Hardiness Zone: Hardy in zones 5–9.
Mature Size: Reaches 1 to 3 feet tall depending on the type.
When to Plant: After danger of frost in spring.
Care Requirements: Needs full sun and fertile, well-drained soil.

12. Zinnia (Zinnia elegans)

Zinnias attract all the right garden guests: bees, butterflies, and ladybugs. They’re great for pollination and act as pest deterrents by bringing in hoverflies that prey on cucumber pests. Zinnias also add a pop of bright color and can be planted along the edges to avoid shading the vines.

Best for: Drawing in pollinators and pest-hunting insects.
Hardiness Zone: Ideal for zones 3–10.
Mature Size: Grows 1 to 4 feet tall.
When to Plant: After the last frost when soil is warm.
Care Requirements: Full sun and well-drained, fertile soil are best.

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Cucumber Companion Vegetables to Boost Your Garden’s Health and Harvest:

13. Radish (Raphanus sativus)

Radishes help drive away cucumber beetles using a naturally occurring compound called methyl mercaptan. Since they grow fast and mature before cucumber vines spread, they’re ideal for succession planting. I often scatter radish seeds in the same bed before cucumbers take over.

Best for: Repelling cucumber beetles and providing early harvests.
Hardiness Zone: Suitable for zones 2–11.
Mature Size: Grows 6 to 24 inches tall depending on the variety.
When to Plant: In early spring or fall for cooler growing seasons.
Care Requirements: Prefers full sun and light, loose soil.

14. Corn (Zea mays)

Corn and cucumbers can grow in perfect harmony. Corn provides vertical support and partial shade for cucumbers during hot spells. In return, cucumbers suppress weeds around the corn base. It’s a classic tall-short partnership that makes great use of vertical garden space.

Best for: Acting as a living trellis and providing light shade.
Hardiness Zone: Grows in zones 3–11.
Mature Size: Typically reaches 5 to 12 feet tall.
When to Plant: Plant after the soil has warmed in spring.
Care Requirements: Needs full sun and nutrient-rich, well-drained soil.

15. Lettuce (Lactuca sativa)

Lettuce has a shallow root system and grows quickly, so it doesn’t compete with cucumbers. It also acts as a living mulch, cooling the soil and reducing weeds. I love tucking lettuce into corners of cucumber beds—it’s like getting two harvests from the same spot.

Best for: Weed suppression and thriving in cucumber’s partial shade.
Hardiness Zone: Performs well in zones 4–9.
Mature Size: Grows 6 to 12 inches tall.
When to Plant: Early spring or fall, depending on climate.
Care Requirements: Needs full sun to partial shade and cool, moist soil.

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16. Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris)

Beans are excellent cucumber companion plants vegetables because they enrich the soil with nitrogen, which cucumbers love. Pole beans can share a trellis with cucumber vines, helping you save space while improving soil health. It’s a classic combo in any productive garden.

Best for: Fixing nitrogen in the soil to feed cucumbers naturally.
Hardiness Zone: Grows in zones 3–10.
Mature Size: Pole types grow up to 8 feet; bush types stay under 2 feet.
When to Plant: After the soil warms in late spring.
Care Requirements: Full sun and well-drained, loamy soil is ideal.

17. Peas (Pisum sativum)

Peas also fix nitrogen in the soil, but they shine when planted early in the season. As they finish up, cucumbers can take over. This tag-team approach works especially well in raised beds or small gardens where every square foot counts.

Best for: Early nitrogen fixation and soft trellising support.
Hardiness Zone: Suitable for zones 3–11.
Mature Size: Grows 2 to 3 feet tall on average.
When to Plant: In early spring while the soil is still cool.
Care Requirements: Prefers full sun to light shade and fertile, moist soil.

18. Carrot (Daucus carota subsp. sativus)

Carrots don’t directly benefit cucumbers, but they’re great space-fillers and soil looseners. Their narrow roots won’t compete, and they help break up compacted soil for better cucumber root spread. I often sow them between young cucumber plants to make use of early-season gaps.

Best for: Loosening soil and filling early-season space.
Hardiness Zone: Grows in zones 3–10.
Mature Size: Usually grows 12 to 18 inches long.
When to Plant: Early spring as soon as the soil is workable.
Care Requirements: Full sun and loose, stone-free soil are key.

19. Beets (Beta vulgaris)

Beets and cucumbers grow well together because they don’t fight for space above or below ground. Beets prefer partial shade in warmer climates, and cucumber leaves provide just enough cover. They also subtly improve soil texture with their firm, spreading roots.

Best for: Improving soil texture and tolerating cucumber shade.
Hardiness Zone: Best in zones 2–10.
Mature Size: Grows 12 to 18 inches tall.
When to Plant: Sow in early spring or late summer.
Care Requirements: Needs full sun to partial shade and rich, loose soil.

20. Onion (Allium cepa)

Onions naturally repel aphids, thrips, and even slugs—making them a smart border crop for cucumbers. They don’t need a lot of room, and their scent acts like a shield against soft-bodied pests. I often plant onions as a living line of defense around cucumber beds.

Best for: Repelling cucumber pests like aphids, thrips, and cutworms.
Hardiness Zone: Thrives in zones 3–10.
Mature Size: Reaches 12 to 30 inches tall depending on the variety.
When to Plant: Early spring, ideally from sets or transplants.
Care Requirements: Needs full sun and well-drained, moderately fertile soil.

❌ Avoid These Bad Companion Plants for a Healthier Cucumber Patch

Just like good neighbors can help your cucumbers thrive, bad ones can hold them back. Certain plants either compete for nutrients, attract harmful pests, or release chemicals that stunt cucumber growth. Through years of experience (and some trial and error), here are the plants I recommend keeping away from your cucumber beds:

Potato (Solanum tuberosum) – They compete aggressively for nutrients and can spread blight that affects cucumbers too.
Sage (Salvia officinalis) – Unlike dill or chamomile, sage tends to inhibit cucumber growth. It prefers drier soil and doesn’t play nice with cucumber’s moisture needs.
Melon (Cucumis melo) – As tempting as it is to group them together, melons and cucumbers attract the same pests (like cucumber beetles), and they compete for space and resources.
Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) – Fennel is notorious for inhibiting the growth of nearby vegetables, including cucumbers. Keep it in a separate bed altogether.
Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) – While great for dry-soil-loving plants, rosemary dislikes the consistently moist conditions that cucumbers need. This mismatch in water requirements can lead to poor growth for both plants.
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) – Thyme prefers drier, well-drained soil and doesn’t thrive in the damp environment cucumbers love. Growing them together can create stress and hinder overall performance.

If you’re creating a cucumber companion planting chart, mark these as “do not plant nearby” for an easier season ahead.

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Cucumber Companion Planting Chart

You can download and print the following companion planting chart for cucumbers and keep it in your greenhouse, garden shed, or near your raised bed setup. It’s a quick, handy guide to remind you which plants to grow alongside your cucumbers—and which ones to keep far away.

Steps to download this Cucumber companion planting chart:

On Desktop/PC:

Chrome: Right-click the image and select Save image as…
Safari (Mac): Control-click the image and choose Save Image to “Downloads” or Save Image As…

On Mobile Devices:

Android: Tap and hold the image, then select Download image
iPhone (Safari): Tap and hold the image, then tap Save to Photos

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🧭 How to Arrange Cucumber Companion Plants in the Garden

Designing your cucumber bed layout with companions in mind is all about balance—light, airflow, and root space. Here’s how I lay it out for success:

Use vertical space wisely. Let cucumbers climb a trellis or cage to save ground room. This frees up space around the base for herbs like chives, basil, and chamomile.

Plant shallow-rooted greens like lettuce and radishes underneath or nearby as living mulch. They cool the soil and reduce weeds without crowding roots.

Surround cucumbers with borders of marigold, nasturtium, or zinnia. These flowering companions offer both beauty and pest defense.

Mix in legumes like beans or peas a short distance away to enrich the soil with nitrogen—don’t crowd them too close.

Alternate rows: Place cucumbers between alternating strips of leafy greens and nitrogen fixers. This creates healthy spacing and avoids monoculture stress.

Companion planting isn’t just about what you grow, but how you arrange it. Done right, your garden becomes a thriving, self-supporting system.

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FAQs About Cucumber Companion Planting

What’s a good companion plant for cucumbers?

Marigolds, dill, nasturtium, and beans are all excellent choices. They help repel pests, improve pollination, and enhance soil health, making your cucumber vines stronger and more productive.

What are Armenian cucumber companion plants?

Armenian cucumbers pair well with nasturtiums, marigolds, dill, beans, and carrots. These plants improve pollination and deter pests like cucumber beetles while respecting the Armenian cucumber’s spreading growth habit.

What should you not plant cucumbers next to?

Avoid potatoes, sage, fennel, and melons. They either attract the same pests, compete for nutrients, or release growth-inhibiting chemicals that harm cucumbers.

What can be intercropped with cucumber?

Lettuce, radishes, carrots, bush beans, and basil make great intercrops. They have shallow roots, fast growth, or symbiotic benefits that won’t compete with cucumber vines.

What are the three sisters planting with cucumbers?

Traditionally, the “Three Sisters” refers to corn, beans, and squash. You can modify this by replacing squash with cucumbers—corn supports the vines, beans fix nitrogen, and cucumbers suppress weeds.

What should not be mixed with cucumber?

Don’t mix in strong-rooted or water-hating plants like sage, rosemary, or potatoes. These either leech nutrients or create conflicting conditions for cucumber roots.

Can you plant peppers next to cucumbers?

Yes, but with caution. Both need similar conditions, but they also attract aphids. Keep them well-spaced and monitor for shared pest problems if planting together.

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🌱 Conclusion

When you place cucumbers next to helpful herbs, flowers, and vegetables, you build a stronger, more pest-resistant garden without relying on chemicals.

Whether you’re using dill to attract ladybugs, beans to enrich the soil, or marigolds to repel nematodes, each plant has a role to play. Just as importantly, avoiding bad neighbors like potatoes or sage keeps your cucumbers growing happy and healthy.

🌿 Found this article helpful? Got a cucumber companion plant that worked wonders—or one that didn’t play nice? Tell us about it in the comments below! And if you’re wondering about other veggie or flower pairings, let us know. We’re here to grow better gardens together. 🌱

🥒 Know someone growing cucumbers or planning a summer garden? Share this article with friends, family, or fellow gardeners who’d love to see their cucumbers thrive. They’ll thank you for it!

Information Sources:

Here at RASNetwork Gardening, integrity and accuracy are at the core of our content creation, with every article solidly backed by peer-reviewed research and reliable references. See the list of trusted sources used in this article below.

1. Postharvest Research and Extension Center

2. Integrated Pest Management, University of Missouri

3. American Society for Horticultural Science

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