Why Should You Not Plant Cucumbers Near Tomatoes?
There are several reasons not to plant tomatoes and cucumbers near each other in your garden. Marigolds are known to repel cucumber beetles and Nasturtiums are known to attract aphids. Cucumbers suffer from Phytophthora blight, root rot, and aphids. Read on to discover what you can plant near these plants.
Marigolds repel cucumber beetles
If you’re worried about cucumber beetles invading your garden, you’ve probably tried using diatomaceous earth (DE). This natural pesticide kills adult cucumber beetles and prevents larvae from hatching. The downside is that DE is toxic to beneficial insects, including bees and butterflies. Using a DIY version of DE is also an option. Combine half a cup of food-grade DE with one liter of water. This solution can be sprayed on affected plants.
Marigolds are not only a natural insecticide, but they also attract beneficial insects. Because of their bright colors and sweet fragrance, marigolds also attract predatory and parasitic insects. This means that marigolds repel cucumber beetles. They are not just pest-deterrent plants; they also attract beneficial insects that aren’t likely to leave your garden once they find a food source.
- Audible Audiobook
- William Alexander (Author) – Paul Bellantoni (Narrator)
- English (Publication Language)
- 06/07/2022 (Publication Date) – Grand Central Publishing (Publisher)
Last update on 2025-12-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Nasturtiums attract aphids
Growing nasturtiums next to tomatoes not only helps keep aphids away, but they’re also a sacrificial crop. This plant attracts beneficial insects like hoverflies, which eat aphids. Nasturtiums also serve as ground cover and can deter weeds, too. As a bonus, they attract pollinators and repel aphids and other garden pests.
Aphids are a common problem for tomato gardeners, and they are responsible for destroying the fruit of the tomato plant. To reduce your aphid problem, plant nasturtiums next to tomatoes. Nasturtiums are sacrificial plants that attract beneficial pollinators, like ladybugs. Ladybugs linger long enough to lay their eggs, while hoverflies feed on pollen and aphids. In addition to that, the fragrant flowers of nasturtiums attract hoverflies, green lacewing, and other beneficial insects that feed on aphids.
Although nasturtiums are highly susceptible to aphids, they are beneficial in vegetable gardens because they deter aphids from feeding on your tomatoes. You can easily get rid of aphids by spraying them with a hose, but nasturtiums need neutral soil to thrive. They’re best grown in a pot near tomatoes and other plants.
Phytophthora blight
Phytophthora blight in cucumbers is caused by a fungus called Verticillium dahliae, which invades the water-transporting xylem. This fungus produces black fruit by blocking the vines’ vital tubes. Mild infestations do not manifest until the plant is warm, but severe ones can lead to the collapse of affected tissues and plant death. Fortunately, many of these diseases can be prevented by crop rotation or soil solarization, which is used before growing valuable crops.
If you are growing these vegetables in a field with a history of the disease, it is important to manage water well. A well-drained field means that any rain will easily seep into the soil and help the disease develop. Too much rain can create hot spots in the soil and spread quickly from plant to plant. For the most effective control, try to plant your vegetables in areas that receive little rainfall and a moderate climate.
Root rot
There are several reasons why you should not plant cucumbers near tomatoes. Tomatoes are very susceptible to root rot, which is a major cause of the tomato’s failure to produce fruit. Cucumbers need an equal amount of moisture and sunlight to thrive. To prevent root rot, plant disease-resistant seeds. You should plant cucumber seeds at least six to eight weeks before outdoor transplanting.
When planted next to tomato plants, you should plant them at least three feet apart. Cucumbers may also inhibit weed growth in the space between tomato plants, which is helpful for the tomato. Fewer weeds mean fewer choking hazards for the plant. It’s important to plant cucumbers on trellises, as they grow naturally on them. Root rot can destroy the entire plant if it spreads too widely.
