Companion Plants for Pumpkins - A Gardeners Guide!

Growing pumpkins can be a rewarding experience. However, you will need to carefully plan to get the most out of your garden space and produce the best possible harvest. One key factor is companion plants. Companion plants are plant species that grow well near each other because they have similar light and water requirements, inhibit pests or diseases through chemical secretions or attract beneficial insects which prey on garden pests. We have a complete list of companion plants for pumpkins you can add to your patch that will ensure a healthy, bountiful harvest.

Pumpkins after harvesting lined up in bright orange rows.

The Biggest Tip About Companion Plants

There are many different types of pumpkins grown for food or decoration around the world! Each plant is unique unto itself with special requirements for development. For example, some are bushier with shorter vines while others trail and long vine distances.

Some pumpkin plants need excess sunlight to produce fruit, while others can thrive in partial shade. Some are cold-hardy than others (like my favorite variety Cinderella), and some are hot. When choosing companion plants for pumpkins, it’s essential to consider all these factors and which ones work together best.

Make sure your companion plants enjoy the same environment as your chosen pumpkin variety.

Vegetables that Grow Well With Pumpkins

Several vegetables grow exceptionally well with pumpkin vines. Interplanting one or a few of these companion plants will help your pumpkin patch thrive.

Corn provides shade for pumpkins during hot weather and also marks the boundary of your pumpkin plantings.

Bush beans repel beetles that feed on pumpkin plants.

Pumpkins love a climbing plant! So plant pole beans at the base of your pumpkin vines, and they’ll provide support as well as shade.

Plant tomatoes in the same area as your pumpkin patch to keep away insects that would eat or damage your pumpkin plants.

Asparagus will attract predatory wasps.

Flea beetles are more likely to go for radishes when given a choice, so they can be used as a sacrificial trap crop if needed.

Corn growing as a pumpkin companion plant in a garden.

Flowers to Plant with Pumpkins

Some flowers are also good companion plants for pumpkins because they attract beneficial insects like bees, butterflies, wasps, and ladybugs. Flowers are also a beautiful addition to the pumpkin patch, especially in fall.

Marigolds will deter nematodes and other soil pests and attract bees and other beneficial insects.

Lavender will attract predatory wasps, prevent pests and attract pollinators. Plus lavender is great addition anywhere in the garden because it has so many uses around the home!

Nasturtiums will vine well with pumpkins and repel aphids and cucumber beetles. Nasturtiums also make a lovely ground cover which helps prevent weeds.

Cosmos increase the flavor of pumpkins and make them sweeter.

The strong scent of roses helps to confuse garden pests.

Sunflowers planted around the edge of the pumpkin patch can offer shade from direct sunlight as well as create a barrier for raccoons.

Marigolds planted as a pumpkin companion plant.

Fruits to plant with pumpkins

There are a few fruits that make good companion plants for pumpkins:

In addition, watermelons work well planted with pumpkins – the vinifera variety of watermelons repel harmful insects.

Melons and pumpkins benefit from each other’s company as they help repel harmful pests and attract earthworms, which turn and aerate the soil.

Herbs to plant with pumpkins

Numerous herbs are beneficial companion plants for pumpkins. They attract beneficial insects, repel destructive insects. Companion herbs can also improve the soil and enhance the flavor of your pumpkins.

Marjoram is said to improve the taste of pumpkins, so if you’re planting for eating pumpkins, marjoram is a companion plant you will not want to skip.

Oregano and dill repel destructive insects, like the dreaded squash bug. Oregano makes a fantastic ground cover, helping to prevent weeds. The herb also attracts beneficial insects that eat aphids like the hoverfly.

Tansy is a mostly ornamental plant that both boosts potassium in soil and repels Japanese beetles.

Growing mint can help prevent ants from taking over your pumpkin patch.

Pumpkins harvested next to a row of corn.

What to avoid planting near pumpkins?

You should avoid planting garlic, leeks, or onions near pumpkins.

These plants will cause the pumpkin plant to be more susceptible to insect and disease problems.

Garlic can also lower nutrient availability in soil for your pumpkin crop.

Grow a Healthy, Beautiful Pumpkin Patch this Fall!

With pumpkins coming into the season, we wanted to share some of our favorite companion plants that will help you grow the best pumpkin patch ever. We hope this list helps make your gardening game up a notch and makes for an enjoyable fall! Check out our other posts about gardening as well- there’s something here for everyone! Happy Fall!

Companion Plants for Pumpkins – A Gardeners Guide!