What "neighbors" are zucchini friends with?

Squashes, pumpkins, squash and cucumbers belong to the pumpkin family. The conditions of growing and planting are very similar, but at the same time the neighborhood in the beds is not always safe for the future harvest.As a result of cross-pollination, hybrids are formed, which differ significantly from their "parents" both in appearance and in taste. Complications with the harvest may arise when planting other plants together. This is especially true for small areas, when you have to land as compact as possible.

When selecting "neighbors" for any crops, the following factors should be taken into account:

• sizes of plants and their roots (in order to avoid competition);
• ripening terms;
• requirements for soil and nutrition (it is better if they are similar);
• susceptibility to disease (common pathogens are undesirable);
• elimination of the possibility of cross-pollination (for related crops).

For zucchini is also important.

Squashes are very fond of space, but their size reaches only in the middle of summer. The plant at the zucchini is very large, will block access of sunlight. Therefore, for a more advantageous use of land space, it is possible to plant crops nearby that can already be cleaned by this period. For example, winter onions and garlic. These plants have an antibacterial effect, disinfect the soil, thereby protecting zucchini from disease. Radishes can be planted around the perimeter, because it does not need a lot of sun, it grows quickly and can be sown several times per season. But at the same time, it is easily susceptible to infection by bacterial rot, which can spread to the neighbors.

You can also plant spinach, various types of lettuce and greens, except for parsley. Dill gets on well with many cultures, it can be sown in small rows between the beds. Good neighborhood with zucchini and basil, thanks to its spicy aroma. But it’s absolutely impossible to plant dill and basil together.

Another good neighbor is black radish. It has longer rhizomes, which excludes the struggle for nutrients in the soil, but with its phytoncides the radish will scare away the spider mite. Another zucchini well next to get along with beets and carrots.

Perfectly side by side with zucchini and cabbage. These cultures require the same care. Kohlrabi and white cabbage are particularly well suited. And between them you can put calendula in the same bed. These flowers attract pollinating insects with their fragrance. Or plant a nasturtium that scares the whitefly.

For the neighborhood, it is better to select cultures with similar care requirements. For example, it is not recommended to plant zucchini near watermelons. Zucchini love moisture, but no watermelons. But with another berry - strawberries - the neighborhood will be great. At the same time, is it possible to plant cucumbers, squash, zucchini and pumpkins nearby? The family is one, the conditions of care and watering are also the same. Unfortunately, it is impossible, because the "kinship" intimacy impedes the quality and quantity of the crop.

Seasoned gardeners do not recommend planting zucchini and pumpkins nearby. And it's not just that these plants love space. As a result of pollination, unsuitable hybrids are formed. Squashes grow rounded with a characteristic yellowish tinge and a specific taste. Pumpkins change only the shape, it becomes oblong, and the skin itself - more subtle. Hybrids are quite edible, but conserving them is no longer recommended, and zucchini dishes will have a specific flavor.

It happens that the fruits practically do not change. This is a deceptive impression, because the seeds already carry the genes of another vegetable. If they are used for planting next year, the hybrids will grow. That is why such seeds leave no sense. For the same reason, it is not recommended to plant the scallops and melons next to the squash.

Feel very uncomfortable next to the open ground cucumbers.Zucchini not only pulls nutrients from the soil, but also acts on this culture depressingly. The very powerful root system of zucchini intertwines the roots of cucumbers, worsening their nutrition, and the shoot-antennae prevent the full growth of the neighbor. With cross-pollination, female flowers get too much pollen, and this has a very negative effect on the formation of the ovary. As a result, yield is reduced.

It is not recommended to plant zucchini next to the plants that are most susceptible to late blight so as not to get infected. For example, tomatoes, eggplants and peppers. Although with tomatoes in zucchini can be formed and a good tandem, because they protect from aphids, sawfly and moth. In general, the nightshade perfectly get along with the pumpkin family, so planting or not is an open question.

The seeds of zucchini must be prepared before planting. To do this, they are sorted and wrapped in a damp gauze or cloth to swell.

Next, there are two options for landing:

• immediately to the ground (2-4 seeds);
• in containers for growing seedlings.

In the latter case, it is recommended to use peat pots, since the rhizomes of the courgettes are extremely sensitive and can be damaged when transplanting from plastic containers. Planting should be rare, at a distance of 30-70 cm. The culture has an extensive root system. The site for planting should be protected from the winds; higher cultures can be planted around the perimeter. The best location is as close as possible to the compost heap. Sometimes there are problems with pollination. To attract insects, you can spray the stalks with sugar syrup with boric acid.

Given the undesirable neighborhood, it is necessary to plan in advance the landing for the most rational use of the land. It is best to use a mixed method of planting: in the center is a row of zucchini, and on the sides are compatible plants. On the one hand from the pumpkin plant plants that improve the composition of the soil, such as mustard or beans, and on the other - to protect, for example, beets or garlic. Side plants should have small rhizomes.

Such a mixed planting reduces soil fatigue, allows you to organize drip irrigation, repels insect pests, and even allows you to increase the yield several times (up to 20 kg per 1 sq. M). The optimum width of such a bed is 1 m. This will provide convenience for planting, weeding and harvesting.

You can use the linear method of planting, when zucchini planted in 1-2 rows, alternating with other cultures. If you want full-fledged beds with only zucchini, then you need to form them in a square shape.

When in a small area you need to place pumpkins and squash, then between the beds should be at least 3-4 meters, and it is better that there was a separation building or bushes. If the site is very small, then close to the squash can be planted large-fruited or nutmeg pumpkins. This is the only exception when the neighborhood of "relatives" does not harm. If the manufacturer does not specify the type of pumpkin on the package, then it can be determined by seed. In large-fruited, they are white to brown in color, bulging and large; in nutmeg, they are medium-sized gray. If the seeds are solid with a characteristic rim, then these are solid-ground pumpkins, which are no longer suitable for planting.

Between pumpkin can be planted corn or sunflower. The plants are tall and strong enough to provide additional support for creeping shoots.There is no competition for a place that protects the root system from pests. Corn perfectly frightens off ants, protects against bacterial decay, and even slightly pritenuya, improves the taste of the crop. The main thing is to fertilize the soil well, so that the nutrients are enough for everyone.

In general, squash is well co-located with plants from other families, since there is no danger when pollination, as with other species of the pumpkin family. If the plants are not very high, then they partially protect from the wind and the scorching sun, without blocking the access of light.

On the combined planting of zucchini and corn, see the video below.