Companion planting / intercropping with squashes?

[MissusTulip]

I've planted up a raised bed (1x2m) with 5or 6 assorted squashes... As they're still little, there's quite a lot of unused bed!

Any suggestions for intercropping? Eg would drifts of carrot or beetroot be good or will they take too long and get shaded/overgrown?

I have a salad bed already. My carrots and beet are doing v badly where I've Planted them and the cunting slugs have decimated my peas (and 2 winter squash planted elsewhere, grrrrr!)

Ta!

Carrot & beetroot will get swamped. I grow sweetcorn in my pumpkin patch - they need lots of feeding though as all hungry plants. Also sweetcorn need a fairly warm, sunny spot. You should be able to get sweetcorn plants from the garden centre as probably a little late to grow from seed now. I'd suggest between 12-16 plants for your bed.

Homegrown sweetcorn tastes amazing - nothing like shop bought

There's a native American system held up as a good example of permaculture called Three Sisters - planting corn, beans and squash together. It's meant to do wonders for your soil (and your soul!).

Ha! I was about to suggest the three sisters, too. Essentially, you need a climbing crop. Look for the bean Cherokee trail of tears.

Thanks, ladies! No sweetcorn in garden centre (v meagre selection, tho did get more little peas!). So beans it'll be! Haven't seen that variety yet, Maud, will keep my eyes peeled when trawling t'internet under sleeping baby.

Ah well, that was my concern Bertha, that they'd be swamped before I could get some tasty baby carrots and beet. Especially as they are proving reluctant to germinate this year , after bumper crops last year. This year looks like it will be all about the squash family! Except for the 2 sweet dumpling squash that the evil slimy ones have decimated.