Summer Squash + Nasturtium

Nasturtium and summer squash are a practical pairing for gardeners dealing with squash bug and squash vine borer pressure. Nasturtium acts as a deterrent for both pests when planted at the base of squash plants, where its sprawling habit covers bare soil around the crown and stems. Plant nasturtium seeds or transplants at the same time as squash, or a week or two earlier to give it a head start before squash canopy closes in. Spacing is forgiving: one or two nasturtium plants per squash hill is sufficient. Both crops tolerate similar growing conditions, including average to poor soil. Rich, high-nitrogen soil encourages leafy nasturtium growth at the expense of flowers, which reduces the deterrent effect, so avoid heavy feeding near nasturtium. This pairing is most useful in regions with consistent squash vine borer pressure (primarily east of the Rockies). In low-pressure areas, the benefit is less clear.