Keep Squash Vine Borers Away With These Companion Plants

Keep Squash Vine Borers Away With These Companion Plants

Squash vine borers are a common pest of squash, zucchini, and other cucurbit plants. These pests can quickly destroy a crop, so it's important to take steps to prevent them. One of the best ways to do this is to plant companion plants that will deter squash vine borers.

Companion planting is a gardening practice of planting different types of plants together to benefit each other. Some plants, such as marigolds and nasturtiums, have strong scents that can repel pests. Other plants, such as beans and peas, can help to improve the soil quality and make it less attractive to pests.

Here are some of the best companion plants for deterring squash vine borers:

• Marigolds: Marigolds have a strong, pungent scent that is known to repel a variety of pests, including squash vine borers. They also attract beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and parasitic wasps, which can help to control pests.
• Nasturtiums: Nasturtiums are another plant with a strong scent that can repel squash vine borers. They are also edible, so you can enjoy them in your salads or sandwiches.
• Radishes: Radishes have a pungent smell that can help to deter squash vine borers. They are also a good source of nitrogen, which can help to improve the soil quality for your squash plants.
• Beans: Beans are a nitrogen-fixing plant, which means they can help to improve the soil quality for your squash plants. They also attract beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and parasitic wasps, which can help to control pests.
• Peas: Peas are another nitrogen-fixing plant that can help to improve the soil quality for your squash plants. They also attract beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and parasitic wasps, which can help to control pests.
• Dill: Dill has a strong scent that can help to deter squash vine borers. It is also a good source of nectar for beneficial insects, such as bees and butterflies.
• Thyme: Thyme has a strong, citrusy scent that can help to deter squash vine borers. It is also a good source of nectar for beneficial insects.
• Wormwood: Wormwood has a strong, bitter scent that can help to deter squash vine borers. It is also a good source of nectar for beneficial insects.

In addition to planting these companion plants, there are a few other things you can do to help prevent squash vine borers:

• Inspect your plants regularly: Check your squash plants for signs of damage, such as wilting leaves or sawdust-like frass. If you see any signs of infestation, take action immediately.
• Plant resistant varieties: There are a number of squash varieties that are resistant to squash vine borers. These varieties are a good choice if you live in an area where squash vine borers are a problem.
• Apply insecticidal soap: Insecticidal soap is a safe and effective way to control squash vine borers. Apply the soap according to the directions on the label.

By planting companion plants and following these other tips, you can help to keep squash vine borers away from your garden.

Squash vine borers are a common pest of cucurbit crops, but there are a number of companion plants that can help to deter them. Some of the most effective companion plants for squash vine borers include:

• Nasturtiums: The strong scent of nasturtiums is known to repel squash vine borers. They also attract beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and parasitic wasps, which can help to control the pest population.
• Marigolds: Marigolds have a similar scent to nasturtiums, and they also produce a chemical that can help to kill the eggs of squash vine borers.
• Radishes: Radishes are a good companion plant for squash vine borers because they help to break up the soil and improve drainage. This can help to make the environment less favorable for the pests.
• Beans: Beans are a nitrogen-fixing plant, which means that they can help to provide your squash plants with the nutrients they need to grow strong and healthy. This can make them more resistant to pests and diseases.

If you are looking for a natural way to control squash vine borers, I encourage you to try companion planting. There are a number of different plants that can help to deter these pests, and they can be a great way to improve the overall health of your garden.

For more information about squash vine borer companion planting, please visit Gardenia Inspiration.

FAQ of squash vine borer companion planting

What are squash vine borers?

Squash vine borers are moth larvae that bore into the stems of cucurbit plants, such as squash, pumpkins, and melons. They can kill plants quickly, so it is important to take steps to prevent them.

What are some companion plants that can help repel squash vine borers?

Some plants that are believed to repel squash vine borers include:

• Marigolds
• Nasturtium
• Radishes
• Chives
• Garlic
• Onions
• Strawberries
• Borage
• Mint

How do I plant companion plants to repel squash vine borers?

When planting companion plants to repel squash vine borers, it is important to plant them near your cucurbit plants. You can also plant them in a row around your cucurbit plants.

What other methods can I use to control squash vine borers?

In addition to companion planting, there are other methods you can use to control squash vine borers, such as:

• Trapping: You can trap adult squash vine borers using pheromone traps.
• Inspecting plants: Inspect your cucurbit plants regularly for signs of squash vine borers. If you find any, remove them immediately.
• Spraying with insecticidal soap: You can spray your cucurbit plants with insecticidal soap to kill squash vine borers.
• Mulching: Mulching around your cucurbit plants can help prevent adult squash vine borers from laying eggs on the stems.

Image of squash vine borer companion planting

• Image 1: A photo of a squash plant with a marigold plant nearby. The caption reads, "Marigolds are a great companion plant for squash because they help to repel squash vine borers."
• Image 2: A photo of a squash plant with a nasturtium plant nearby. The caption reads, "Nasturtiums are another great companion plant for squash because they help to attract beneficial insects that prey on squash vine borers."
• Image 3: A photo of a squash plant with a sunflower plant nearby. The caption reads, "Sunflowers are a good companion plant for squash because they help to attract pollinators, which help to pollinate the squash flowers."
• Image 4: A photo of a squash plant with a chive plant nearby. The caption reads, "Chives are a good companion plant for squash because they help to repel pests, including squash vine borers."
• Image 5: A photo of a squash plant with a basil plant nearby. The caption reads, "Basil is a good companion plant for squash because it helps to repel pests, including squash vine borers."