Plant Family

Cucurbitaceae

21 plants in database

Vining ground covers that suppress weeds and retain moisture — useful in the ground layer of food forests if you have the space. Squash bugs, cucumber beetles, and vine borers target every family member, so intercrop with nasturtium and catnip at the perimeter. Varieties cross freely within species — summer squash crosses with summer squash but not winter squash — isolate by half a mile or stagger plantings for seed saving. Heavy feeders: plant over compost trenches or last year's compost pile for best results.