10 Plants for Amazing Summer Squash Growth

2. Nasturtiums: The Colorful, Clever Pest Magnet

Okay, so when I first heard about nasturtiums being good for the garden, I was like, “You want me to plant more stuff next to my squash just to attract bugs? That sounds counterintuitive.” But—get this—they’re basically the ultimate distraction tool. 🎭 These bright, bold bloomers act as a natural trap crop, luring aphids away from your precious summer squash and giving them a tasty alternative to munch on.

Why I Gave Nasturtiums a Shot (And Why You Should Too)

I’ll admit it—I was skeptical. I mean, who wants to grow plants that invite pests? But after losing half my squash crop to aphid infestations the previous season, I figured I had nothing to lose. So I tucked a few nasturtiums around the edges of my raised beds. And guess what? Within days, those little green buggers were swarming the nasturtium leaves instead of my squash.

It was like watching a magic trick. 🎩🐇 This method is one of those organic gardening tips that feels like cheating—but in the best way. If you’re into companion planting for vegetables, nasturtiums are an easy win, especially if you’re dealing with aphids or looking for natural pest control in gardens.

Edible Beauty with Zero Fuss

Now here’s the kicker—these aren’t just bug bait. Oh no, they also look gorgeous and taste amazing. The flowers are totally edible, with a peppery kick kind of like arugula. I started tossing them into salads for a burst of color and flavor, and even used them to garnish cocktails during a backyard dinner party. 🍽️

They also work wonders for garden design—those vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows pop against green foliage like nothing else. Bonus: nasturtiums thrive in poor soil, so they don’t need much coddling. Perfect for busy folks in urban gardening situations who don’t have time to fuss over finicky plants.

Small-Space Savior

If you’re growing in containers or on a balcony like I am (hello, city dweller life!), nasturtiums are a total lifesaver. They adapt beautifully to small-space gardening and can trail or climb depending on the variety. I grew mine in hanging baskets near my squash pots, and it worked like a charm.

They’re also great at adding visual interest and texture to garden layouts without demanding constant attention. Talk about a low-maintenance MVP!

👉 Ready to move on to a crunchy, fast-growing friend of squash? Click Next to find out why radishes are a secret weapon in the garden!