Potato Companion Plants: What To Plant With Potatoes

Potatoes are a versatile and beloved crop, but did you know that certain plants can act as excellent companions to your potato plants?

These companion plants will harmoniously connect with your potato plant and help your potatoes grow quicker and stronger. Companion plants add so much value to your main plant that it is a shame not to use them in gardening.

By knowing which plants to grow near potatoes, you can improve the growth and health of your potato plants.

Are you planting potatoes this year? If so, then try out these companion plants, you will definitely see your potatoes thrive. 

Why Grow Companion Plants With Potatoes:

There are quite a few reasons why growing companion plants with your potatoes can be a great idea. When people think of companion planting, often it is for attracting beneficial insects to a garden.

But companion plants do a lot more than just attract beneficial insects, they enhance nutrition, provide physical support, deter pests, improve health and flavor, improve soil quality, and many others.

How Companion Plants Help Your Potato Plants:

• Plants such as Beans and other legumes increase nitrogen levels in the soil. So if you plant them near your potatoes, your potato plants will get a free fertilizer boost from their neighbors. 
• Leafy greens such as lettuce and spinach are shallow-rooted plants, and they don’t compete with your potato plants for nutrients. So you can easily plant them between the rows of potato hills and save a lot of garden space. 
• Some plants like basil, parsley, thyme, etc. can enhance the flavor of the potato tubers if you plant them with potatoes. 
• Flowers such as petunias can attract beneficial insects that can be helpful to fight potato pests. 
• Our all-time favorite marigolds, help you deter pests and pathogens and protects your potato plants from many viral and bacterial diseases.

Best Companion Plants for Your Potatoes:

So to sum it up followings are some of the best companion plants for your potatoes. You should grow them with your potato plants to see better results in terms of yield and maintenance.

• Beans
• Peas
• Cabbage
• Cilantro
• Basil
• Thyme
• Horseradish
• Parsley
• Lettuce
• Spinach 
• Marigolds
• Petunias 
• Nasturtium
• Radishes
• Scallions

Plants You Should Not Grow With Potatoes:

Now, although potato is a very easy-to-grow plant and most plants do well when grown with them, not all plant shows the same results. 

Never plant tomatoes, cucumbers, etc with your potato plant. If your potato gets infected with blight it will also spread to those plants. Also, avoid squash and pumpkins for this same reason.

Being a member of the nightshade family, you should not plant any other plant of the same family like eggplants near your potato plants. 

Plants such as carrots or onions can shunt the growth of potato tubers. So don’t plant them in close proximity to your potato plants. 

Worst Companion Plants for Your Potato Plants: 

Here is a list of the plants that you should avoid planting near your potatoes. They either cause trouble to your potato plants or their growth will be hampered by the potatoes.

• Tomatoes
• Cucumbers
• Sunflowers
• Carrots
• Squash
• Turnips
• Raspberries
• Pumpkins
• Onions
• Eggplant
• Fennel
• Peppers

When you start growing potatoes remember all the plants that you should or should not grow with your potato plants. These Companion planting strategies will help you increase your potato yields without the use of chemicals.

How to Plant Potatoes with Companion Plants

Now that you have selected your companion plants, it’s time to learn how to plant potatoes alongside them effectively:

1. Prepare the soil: Ensure the soil is well-drained and fertile. Remove any weeds or debris from the planting area.
2. Plan your layout: Determine the spacing between potato plants and companion plants based on their specific requirements. Consider the mature size of each plant to avoid overcrowding.
3. Plant potatoes: Dig trenches or individual holes for your potato seedlings, placing them at the recommended depth. Space them according to the variety and expected size of the plants.
4. Integrate companion plants: Plant your chosen companions around the potato plants, leaving enough space for both to grow without competing for resources.
5. Mulch and water: Apply a layer of organic mulch around the potato plants and companion plants to suppress weeds and retain moisture. Water thoroughly after planting to ensure good establishment.
6. Provide support if needed: Install trellises or stakes for climbing plants like beans or cucumbers to keep them upright and prevent them from overwhelming the potatoes.

Caring for Potato Companion Plants

To ensure the success of your potato companion planting, it’s important to provide proper care and maintenance:

Watering and Fertilizing

Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, as potatoes require adequate moisture for growth. Water deeply and regularly, especially during dry periods. Apply organic fertilizers or compost to provide essential nutrients to both the potato plants and their companions.

Pest and Disease Control

Monitor your plants regularly for any signs of pests or diseases. Remove any affected leaves or plants promptly to prevent the spread. Utilize organic pest control methods such as handpicking pests, introducing beneficial insects, or using natural sprays like neem oil when necessary.

Proper spacing and good airflow between plants can also help prevent the onset of fungal diseases.

Conclusion:

We hope this article has inspired you to start using companion plants for your beloved potatoes. By embracing the power of companionship, you can create a garden that is not only visually stunning but also abundant in flavor and yield.

Share this valuable knowledge with fellow gardeners and help them experience the magic of potato companion planting. If you’re hungry for more gardening tips, tricks, and inspiration, be sure to explore our website, where you’ll find a treasure trove of articles related to growing potatoes and others to fuel your passion for gardening.

Now, it’s time to take action! Grab your gardening gloves, select your favorite potato varieties, and start planning your dream potato patch with carefully chosen companions.

Witness the symbiotic relationships unfold, as the flavors intensify, the pests retreat, and your garden thrives. The journey to a bountiful potato harvest awaits you!