In the meanwhile, I'm trying to plant some butternut squash, are there any particular plants I should avoid planting near and does it have any companion plants?

As to your question, Ms. Riotte recommends planting radishes and nasturtiums with squash. She advises that you let the radishes go to seed. If you're starting your squash plants from seed, she also recommends that you plant the seeds with cigarette ash to help repel squash bugs.

I also recommend that you consider purchasing a copy of "The Complete Compost Gardening Guide: Banner batches, grow heaps, comforter compost, and other amazing techniques for saving time and money, and producing ... most flavorful, nutritous vegetables ever" since composting is good for the environment and good for your garden!

Beginner's luck had it so that I planted ten rows of corn with tomatoes in between. arggh

Good gardening, Mary