The cucumber is a popular member of the gourd family. In addition to the ideal site conditions for cultivation, it is necessary to take a look at the cucumber's neighbors.
In a nutshell
- a mixed culture includes various plants that complement each other, protect each other and thrive together
- the cucumber is ideal for mixed cultivation
- Good neighbors of the cucumber include leeks, peas, dill and fennel
- bad neighbors of the cucumber are potatoes, radishes, tomatoes and zucchini
- regular crop rotation is required, since the cucumbers should not be grown in the same location for 3-5 years
The mixed culture
A mixed culture in your own garden makes sense if there are good neighbors in the vicinity of the plant. Mixed cultivation initially means that you plant different species next to each other. The individual members benefit from a protective effect of their neighbors. In addition, an effective use of the vegetable patch is possible.
15 good neighbors
Different plants are suitable for the environment of the cucumber with the scientific name Cucumis sativus. The 15 following vegetables and herbs are ideal neighbors for the cucumber genus and complement the vegetables of the year 2022/2022-2023 magnificently.
Plants from A - D
Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
- popular spice plant
- known as basil, basil herb or royal herb
- Cultivation in subtropical and temperate regions
- As a good neighbor of the cucumber, it prefers a well-drained soil
- Culture of the spice plant lasts between 80 and 100 days
Beans / kidney beans (Phaseolus vulgaris)
Runner beans, Phaseolus coccineus- belong to the legumes
- numerous genera and species
- the kidney bean is the most important species in Europe
- preferred cultivation in mixed cultures
- semi-shady location preferred
- Fertilization with nitrogen to accelerate vegetative growth
Dill (Anethum graveolens)
- known as dill, cucumber herb, dill herb or dill fennel
- Worldwide cultivation (one of the most popular spices in Germany)
- up to 75 centimeters tall
- various subspecies and varieties of dill
- suitable for outdoor and greenhouse
- Harvest between May and October
- generative propagation
Plants from E - K
Peas (Pisum)
- Member of the legume family
- the most important species is the garden pea (Pisum sativum)
- herbaceous plants with tendrils
- prefers humus-rich soils as a good neighbor of the cucumber
- strongly incompatible with himself
- Cultivation between March and April
Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)
- Global vegetable and spice plant
- biennial and herbaceous plant
- up to 200 cm tall
- prefers nutrient-rich soils
- Sow in July
- prefers moderately dry soil as a good neighbor of the cucumber
Carrots (daucus carota subsp. sativus)
Source: AnRo0002, 20110716Hockenheim27, Edited by Plantopedia, CC0 1.0- known under the names carrot, carrot, carrot or root
- biennial herb
- Taproot most important component with valuable ingredients
- prefers sandy and well-drained soils
- Cultivation in temperate regions
- Maturation time between 70 and 220 days depending on the species
- over 300 varieties in Europe
Cabbage (Brassica)
- some of the most important cultivated plants belong to the cabbage genus
- annual to perennial herb plants
- over 40 species of the genus
Cumin (Carum carvi)
- one of the oldest spices in the world
- deciduous plant
- Growth height up to 80 centimeters
- Flowering time from spring to early summer
- Seed ripening between July and August
Planting from L - R
Leek (Allium ampeloprasum subsp. ampeloprasum)
- different names such as leeks, common leeks, winter leeks or meat leeks
- biennial herb
- up to 80 centimeters high
- predominantly cultivated in Europe
- Cultivation between March and April
- extensive crop rotation required; predestined as a good neighbor of the cucumber for mixed cultivation
Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)
- Parsley occurs as a wild herb in Central Europe
- biennial herb with thick roots
- up to 100 centimeters tall
- prefers nutrient-rich soils as a good neighbor of the cucumber
- loamy soil preferred
Beetroot (Beta vulgaris)
- beetroot is a vegetable related to sugar beet and Swiss chard
- biennial herb that can weigh up to 0.6 kilograms
- in the second year the stalk of the plant is formed
- Cultivation in temperate climates
- Cultivation between April and July
- Harvest in summer and autumn
Planting from S - Z
Lettuce (Lactuca sativa)
Lollo Bionda- Garden lettuce as the most well-known species
- annual to biennial herb
- first the basal leaf grows and eventually the plant reaches a height of up to 100 centimeters
- Flowering time from June to August
- Cultivation area mainly in Central Europe
- various cultivated forms
Celery (Apium)
- there are about 30 different types
- the plants are annual or biennial
- common in temperate climates
- The main vegetable is celery (Apium graveolens)
- upright stems with strong branches
Sunflower (Helianthus annuus)
- belongs to the sunflower genus
- herbaceous plant
- up to three meters high
- Stem very hairy
- Roots up to two meters in the ground
- good light conditions required for growth
- Flowering between June and September
- prefers a nutrient-rich soil
Onions (Allium cepa)
- known as table onions, Zipfle, kitchen onions or garden onions
- different sorts
- Cultivation of summer and winter onions possible
- Sow the onion between March and April
Bad neighbors
On the other hand, in every mixed culture there are plants that are bad neighbors that are not compatible with the cucumber. The plants usually compete for much-needed nutrients. The plants do not develop their full growth potential. Examples of cucumber companions that are not suitable are potatoes (Solanum tuberosum), radishes (Raphanus sativus var. sativus), radishes (Raphanus), tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) or courgettes (Cucurbita pepo subsp. pepo convar. giromontiina). .
zucchinifrequently asked Questions
Which location is best for cucumbers?When growing cucumbers, it is necessary to look at the different types. Salad cucumbers are mainly found in the greenhouse, while outdoor cucumbers are suitable for growing in the garden. A wind-protected location and humus-rich, loose soil conditions are considered ideal for the cucumber plants.
Which plants are suitable for next year?Various plants are suitable for cultivation next year: cauliflower, leeks, radishes, white cabbage or sweetcorn are ideal follow-on plants. Growing cucumbers in the same location is not recommended for the next three to five years.
What time is recommended for mixed cultivation with cucumbers?Cucumbers and their neighbors are plants that love warmth. Sowing takes place from the end of April in the greenhouse or from the end of May outdoors.