Properly selected neighbors for cucumbers can not only improve the conditions for cucumbers, but also optimize the use of space in the beds.
Anastasia Kovrizhnykh, an expert of the online publication "BelNovosti" - a scientist, agronomist and landscape designer, told what to do in such a case.
Corn: a living support
Corn is an excellent neighbor for cucumbers, acting as a living support.
Climbing cucumber vines happily climb up tall corn stalks, receiving sufficient light and air. This neighborhood saves space in the garden bed and simplifies plant care.
Legumes: enriching the soil
Peas, beans and other legumes are useful neighbors for cucumbers.
They enrich the soil with nitrogen, which is necessary for the growth and development of cucumbers. In addition, legumes repel some pests, such as the Colorado potato beetle.
Onions and garlic: protection from pests
Onions and garlic are natural repellents that repel many pests, including aphids, spider mites and slugs.
Growing them together with cucumbers helps protect plants and reduces the risk of diseases.
Lettuce and Spinach: Efficient Use of Space
Lettuce and spinach are fast-growing crops that can be planted between cucumber bushes. They effectively fill the empty space and do not compete with cucumbers for resources.
In addition, lettuce and spinach provide additional shading of the soil, retaining moisture and preventing weed growth.
Radish and horseradish: quick harvest
Radishes and horseradish are early maturing crops that can be planted next to cucumbers.
They have time to ripen before the cucumber vines grow and begin to shade neighboring plants.
Dill: Attracting beneficial insects
Dill attracts beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings, which are natural enemies of aphids and other cucumber pests.
Growing dill and cucumbers together promotes biological protection and reduces the risk of plant damage.
Cabbage: protection from white butterflies
Cabbage, especially cauliflower and broccoli, repel cucumber white butterflies, which are pests of cucumbers. Growing these crops together helps protect cucumbers and reduces the risk of leaf damage.
Nasturtium: a living trap
Nasturtium is a brightly colored flower that attracts aphids, distracting them from cucumber plants. Thus, nasturtium serves as a living trap for pests, protecting cucumbers.
Previously we talked about how to increase strawberry yields .
Expert: Anastasia Kovrizhnykh
