Courgettes Companion Plants
Courgettes grow vigorously, so companion planting is chiefly about using the edges of a generous planting area rather than packing plants tightly together. Traditional pairings may attract pollinating insects or provide an early crop before leaves spread. Scientific evidence for specific companion effects is limited; sunlight, space and steady watering remain more important.
Good companions for Courgettes
| Plant | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| Borage | Its blue flowers traditionally draw pollinating insects to the plot, which may be useful when courgette flowers are open. |
| Nasturtiums | Nasturtiums can trail at the bed edge and are traditionally grown as a possible distraction for aphids. |
| French beans | French beans can be grown nearby where they will not shade courgettes, making good use of a sunny bed. |
| Sweetcorn | Sweetcorn is part of an adapted three sisters arrangement, providing height while courgettes cover otherwise bare soil. |
| Pot marigolds | Pot marigolds offer open flowers for insects and fit neatly around the outer edge of a courgette patch. |
| Radishes | Quick radishes may be harvested before courgette leaves expand, helping use spring space without lasting competition. |
Keep Courgettes away from
| Plant | Why to separate them |
|---|---|
| Potatoes | Both are hungry, spreading crops, so close planting can make watering, feeding and disease checks more difficult. |
| Cucumbers | They share similar space demands and can create dense foliage, especially in a small sheltered garden. |
| Fennel | Fennel is commonly isolated because it can become large and is traditionally considered an awkward neighbour for vegetables. |
Tips
Allow about 90 cm between courgette plants and keep companions outside the area their leaves will cover. Sow quick crops early, then remove them if they become shaded. Water the soil deeply in dry spells and pick courgettes regularly. In cool, wet weather, avoid a crowded jungle of foliage, which can make slug checks harder.
Courgettes companion planting: frequently asked questions
What are good companion plants for courgettes?
Good companions for courgettes include Borage, Nasturtiums, French beans, Sweetcorn, Pot marigolds, Radishes.
What should you not plant near courgettes?
Keep courgettes away from Potatoes, Cucumbers, Fennel.
How does companion planting help courgettes?
Courgettes grow vigorously, so companion planting is chiefly about using the edges of a generous planting area rather than packing plants tightly together.
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Companion planting is a traditional practice; results vary with your climate, soil and garden. Page updated 19 Sep 2026.