Plant One Garden Favorite Flower With Your Zucchini For All Of Its Benefits

We're not afraid to say it: zucchini plants are a little needy. Not emotionally, obviously, but horticulturally. There are quite a few mistakes you could be making when growing zucchini, but if you know for certain that you have fertile soil and you're watering adequately, your problems could come down to simple pollination. This is where companion planting can step in to save your garden, particularly with zinnias (Zinnia spp.). These brightly colored flowers aren't just going to beautify your garden; they're basically party invitations for the pollinators you'll need if you want a good crop of zucchini. Bumblebees, honeybees, and butterflies will all show up for zinnia and in the process, they'll help your zucchini plants go from flower to guaranteed squash.

Since they're easy to grow from seed and thrive in USDA Hardiness Zones 9 through 11, adding a zinnia patch is usually a low-effort and high-reward move for any vegetable garden, but especially those with squash. The best thing about using zinnias is that they will continue to bloom throughout summer until the first cold snaps. Zucchini flowers don't stay open very long, and as both male and female flowers need to be open simultaneously for successful pollination, this can make the process a bit temperamental to say the least. Zinnias, however, will not only stay in bloom all season; they'll stay open all day long and their consistent pop of color will keep the pollinators coming back for more. 

Struggling with pests? Zinnias might just be your answer. As it turns out, zinnias do more than simply bring pollinators to the yard, they also attract the types of insects that handle many of the downsides to growing zucchini plants. Insects like parasitic wasps, lacewings, and ladybugs will be naturally drawn to zinnias and can help you get rid of aphids and other common pests that might be plaguing your zucchini. With zinnias in the garden as a great pest control method, you won't have to resort to chemical sprays to fend off infestations, keeping your crops organic and healthy.

These kinds of symbiotic relationships will create an overall healthier garden for you and your family to enjoy. Instead of having to react quickly to problems, having zinnias around allows for more passive gardening practices. Problems are less likely to arise in the first place thanks to a stronger, more diverse presence of beneficial insects. Planting zinnias translates to fewer pest outbreaks during the growing season, less pest damage to your zucchini plants, and better odds of pollination. This small change will make a noticeable difference, both in your garden's health and how much zucchini you end up harvesting in the summer.