Companion planting is a great tool for promoting the growth of healthy pumpkin plants and managing common pests like squash bugs, cucumber beetles, and aphids. Aromatic herbs such as oregano, chives, chamomile, and marjoram serve as excellent companions, attracting pollinators and repelling pests. Radishes can be utilized as a sacrificial trap crop for flea beetles, while nasturtiums attract natural predators to combat garden pests. Following the traditional Native American "Three Sisters" method, planting pumpkins with corn and beans optimizes growth; corn stalks provide natural trellises, and low-lying pumpkin leaves act as living mulch, enhancing weed control and overall pumpkin production.
