Battle the bad bugs with good plants! Consider these three methods of companion planting to make life difficult for unwanted insect pests like Cucumber Beetles and Squash Bugs!
- Companion plants that repel - plant these high scented varieties in between and as a perimeter crop. Nasturtium, Marigold, Dill, Common Chives & Borage. The scent is not desirable to cucumber beetles and squash bugs.
- Plants that attract predatory/beneficial insects like Syrphid flies and Parasitic Wasps, who pray on the ‘bad bugs' - Arugula, Buckwheat, Radish, (must not harvest but let plants bolt/flower all season) Interplant and/or use as a permitter crop.
- Plants that act as trap crops - Blue Hubbard Squash - Cucumber beetles and squash bugs are highly attracted to these flowers and foliage. Destroy the plant and/or Cucumber beetles and squash bugs once infested (sow 2-3 weeks ahead of the main desirable crop and plant at least 6-10’ away.)
Early Scarlet Globe Radish - Attracts beneficial insects at bloom stage.
Sylvetta Arugula - Attracts beneficial insects at bloom stage.
Common Buckwheat - Attracts beneficial insects at bloom stage.
Purple Tansy - Fragrant companion (repel).
Cracker Jack Marigold - Fragrant companion (repel).
Garlic Chives - Fragrant companion (repel).
Dill Bouquet - Fragrant companion (repel).
Japanese Catnip - Fragrant companion (repel).
Blue Hubbard Squash - Trap Crop
*Products in collection may not be exactly as shown in image
