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Cucumber is the summertime veg that seems to get along with pretty much every other veg you could cerebrate of .
However , there are herbaceous plant that you should n’t originate near cucumbers for various reasons , and those let in almost allaromatics .
Companion planting is all about mutual welfare ; herbs deter pests and meliorate flavor while other veggies provide them with tribute , perhaps some flat coat covering fire , moisture aegis , and weed crushing .
But why is it such a terrible musical theme to grow cucumbers near aromatics ?
It ’s because …
Aromatics And Cucumbers Are Terrible Companions
… aromatic herbaceous plant can interchange the look of cucumbers in a sorry way . Cucumbers are mostly compose of water , which take in the flavor of nearby aromatic herb such as St. Basil the Great , sage , mint , etc .
But there are other reasons why herbs and cucumbers are n’t expectant familiar plants .
For instance , mint is quite invasiveand may outcompete cucumbers , uptaking all the wet and nutrient they need for proper growth .
Sage , on the other hired hand , is drought - tolerantand can not prosper in the same moist growing conditions as cucumbers . Additionally , cucumbers can overgrow it and barricade the sunlight , and this herbaceous plant ask plenitude of it .
Basil now seems like a great companion . It thrives in similar conditions as cucumber and it is n’t invasive . However , it will switch the flavor of your veg , and if you do n’t need your cucumbers to taste like Basil of Caesarea , do n’t rise them together .
Finally , the most important reason why you should n’t grow cucumber near aromatic herbaceous plant is because they areallelopathic , or rather herbs will stunt the growth of cuke . ( 1 )
Of course , it does n’t intend that you have to choose one plant over the other . implant the cucumbers in your veg garden , mint in a can to prevent it from invading your yard , keep basil on your kitchen counter , and grow sage near lavender and rosemary .
Best Cucumber Companion Plants
But just because some aromatics are bad neighbors to cucumbers , it does n’t have in mind that you should forefend planting all herb near this veg .
Dilland cucumbers are great companions . They have similar originate conditions which give their maintenance easier , and dill attracts good bug and pollinator that make certain your cucumber are pest free and decent pollinated .
Another obvious choice aremarigolds . They even repel cervid , so you ’re more than likely to be left with an intact Cucumis sativus harvesting . They exude chemicals that kill radical - mi roundworm and pull in pollinators and parasitic dirt ball that feed on cuss .
Sunflowersare another great option that add looker to your veg plot and attract numerous pollinators that will ensure you get a eminent cuke yield .
But they serve in another way . Their strong stalks provide natural trellises to cucumbers , preventing them from dragging on the ground where high wet top to increased risk of fungous disease .
Finally , you’re able to growcover cropsthat will serve as pollinator magnetsand ensure a gamey production . And after they finish flowering , you could shorten them and use them as unripe manure .
They will also fix N while they ’re alive , so they do seem like a unadulterated neighbour , giving your cucumbers everything they call for .
References :
1 . Gruenhagen , G. ( 1996).Bad Neighbors . UA Cochise County Master Gardeners .
