10 Plants for Amazing Summer Squash Growth

3. Radishes: The Unsung Heroes of My Summer Squash Garden

Okay, I’ll admit it—I used to think radishes were just those spicy little red bulbs you find in salad bars. But then I tried growing them alongside my summer squash, and wow, did I get schooled. 🌱 These guys are so much more than a crunchy snack. They’re fast, they’re functional, and they actually help your squash thrive—especially if you’re working with compacted soil or limited space.

How Radishes Became My Garden’s Secret Weapon

So here’s the deal: last spring, I was setting up my raised beds for summer squash, and one corner felt like concrete. No matter how much compost I added, it was still kinda hard-packed. Instead of yanking my hair out trying to fix it, I decided to try something new—planting radishes there instead.

Turns out, they’re great for breaking up compacted soil because their roots grow quickly and loosen things up as they develop. It’s like nature’s own aerator! And since they mature in just 3–4 weeks, I was able to pull them early and give my squash more room to spread without any backbreaking work. Total win.

Why I’m Obsessed with Planting Radishes with Squash

One of the best parts? You actually get something from planting them—even before your squash is ready to harvest! I started picking mine when they were about an inch wide and tossed them into salads, pickled batches, and even DIY garnishes for dinner parties. 🥕✨

If you love edible DIY projects or want to make the most of every square inch in your garden, radishes are perfect. They also pair beautifully with companion planting for vegetables, especially squash. Since they don’t stick around long, they play nice with everyone and leave room for your bigger plants to take over.

Radishes Are Perfect for Beginners (and Tiny Spaces!)

Honestly, I don’t know why more people don’t talk about radishes when giving urban gardening tips. They’re super easy to grow—even total newbies can do it—and they thrive in containers or balcony setups. I planted mine in deep pots next to my squash and barely had to water them.

They’re also ideal for small-space gardening, which makes them a no-brainer for city dwellers like me who are trying to squeeze every ounce of productivity out of a tiny plot. Plus, seeing results in just a few weeks? That’s the kind of instant gratification that keeps you motivated!

👉 Ready for a legume that gives back? Click Next to see why beans are the ultimate team player in your summer squash patch!