Asking yourself, what should potatoes not be planted near? We got the answer and so much more. You see, potatoes are a versatile and beloved vegetable that can be enjoyed in many different ways. They can be mashed, fried, baked, boiled, and even turned into chips. However, if you plan on planting potatoes in your garden this year, it’s important to know that they have specific requirements for their growing environment.
One of the most important considerations when planting potatoes is what not to plant them near. Some plants can have a negative impact on the growth and health of your potato crop, while others may actually benefit them. Let’s take a look at some of the plants you should avoid planting near your potatoes and why they can be harmful.
Common Bad Companion Plants for Potatoes:
| Plant Species | Negative Impact on Potatoes | Alternative Plants |
| Tomatoes | Can spread blight and attract similar pests | Beans, peas, and corn |
| Cucumbers | Compete for nutrients and can attract pests that also harm potatoes | Radishes, lettuce, and spinach |
| Pumpkins/Squash | Can outcompete potatoes for space and nutrients | Leafy greens, herbs, and beans |
| Sunflowers | Can stunt potato growth by blocking sunlight | Marigolds, petunias, and zinnias |
| Asparagus | Competes for nutrients and can attract pests that also harm potatoes | Carrots, beets, and garlic |
| Eggplant | May attract the same pests as potatoes and compete for nutrients | Peppers, beans, and peas |
| Brassicas (cabbage, broccoli, etc.) | Competes for soil nutrients and can attract pests that harm potatoes | Carrots, onions, and chives |
| Nightshades (peppers, chili peppers, etc.) | Can attract pests that also harm potatoes and compete for nutrients | Carrots, onions, and garlic |
Note: This list is not exhaustive, and the specific plants that may harm or benefit potatoes can vary depending on the local environment and growing conditions. It is always recommended to conduct thorough research and consult with local gardening experts before planting any crops.
What grows well next to potatoes?
Planting complementary crops alongside your potato plants can help improve soil health, increase yields, and even repel pests. Not all plants make great companions for potatoes, though – some may compete for nutrients or attract unwanted insects. Here are some good companion plants for your potatoes.
Alyssum
Alyssum is a fragrant and pretty white flower that can boost the growth and health of your potato plants. Here are some reasons why you should plant alyssum with potatoes:
- Alyssum attracts beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and lacewings, which eat harmful pests like aphids. This means fewer pesticides are needed to protect your crops.
- Alyssum has shallow roots so that it won’t compete with the deeper-rooted potatoes for nutrients and water in the soil.
- As a cover crop, alyssum shades the soil and suppresses weeds, reducing competition for resources between plants.
Basil
Basil repels pests such as aphids and whiteflies, which can harm potato plants. This means that growing the two together can help protect your potato crop naturally without resorting to chemical pesticides.
Likewise, basil attracts beneficial insects like bees which can help pollinate the flowers on the potato plants. Pollination is important for producing healthy potatoes, so having bees nearby will increase your chances of success.
Beans
Beans and potatoes are both nutrient-rich crops that complement each other in the garden. Beans are known to fix nitrogen in the soil, which can help improve the health of potato plants.
Catnip
Catnip attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings that feed on pests such as aphids, mites, and caterpillars. These insects help protect your potato plants from harmful pests without using chemical pesticides that can harm the environment.
Additionally, catnip has natural fungicidal properties that can help prevent diseases like blight from affecting your potatoes. Blight is a common problem for potato growers and can significantly reduce yields. By planting catnip alongside your potatoes, you’ll be taking a proactive step toward preventing this disease from taking hold.
You might enjoy these posts:
- 20 Ways to Use Companion Planting for Natural Pest Control
- What are Bad Companion Plants for Tomatoes
- Cabbage Companion Plants (A Quick Guide)
Corn
A reason to plant corn with potatoes is that they grow well together. Corn grows tall and provides shade for the potato plants below. In turn, the potato plants help hold moisture in the soil and prevent erosion. Plus, both crops benefit from similar growing conditions, so caring for them together is easy.
Horseradish
Planting horseradish alongside potatoes can help deter pests like potato beetles. Horseradish contains compounds that repel these pesky insects, keeping your potato plants healthy and thriving.
Additionally, horseradish has deep roots that can help break up compacted soil around the potatoes. This allows for better water and nutrient absorption by the potato plants, leading to bigger and healthier yields come harvest time.
Parsley
Parsley acts as a natural pest repellent. It releases strong scents and oils that keep harmful insects away from the parsley and nearby potato plants. Likewise, parsley enriches the soil with nutrients like nitrogen, which helps potatoes grow stronger and healthier roots.
Another benefit of planting these two crops together is that they can be harvested at different times. Potatoes typically take around three months to mature, while parsley can be harvested within just a few weeks of planting.
Peas
Peas and potatoes have different root systems that complement each other. Peas have shallow roots, while potatoes have deeper ones. This means they don’t compete for nutrients in the soil and can coexist without any problems.
When peas and potatoes are grown together, they help keep pests at bay. The strong scent of pea foliage repels pests like aphids and potato beetles that could otherwise harm your potato plants. In addition, peas fix nitrogen from the air into the soil, which helps feed both plants with vital nutrients needed to grow healthy and strong.
Petunias
Planting petunias with potatoes is a great way to improve the health and appearance of your potato plants. Petunias are known for their vibrant colors, which can add a pop of color to your garden. But more importantly, petunias attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies. These insects help pollinate potato flowers, which results in better yields.
In addition to attracting beneficial insects, petunias also repel harmful pests like aphids and tomato hornworms. These pests can damage both potato plants and fruits. Planting petunias alongside potatoes creates a natural barrier that deters these pests from invading your garden.
Scallions
Scallions are low in calories and high in nutrients like vitamins A and C, calcium, iron, and fiber. They also contain antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation and support a healthy immune system. When planted alongside potatoes, scallions act as natural pest deterrents, keeping harmful insects away from both crops.
In addition to their health benefits, planting scallions with potatoes is an easy way to maximize space in your garden. Because the two plants have different root depths, they can be grown together without competing for soil nutrients or water.
Spinach
Planting spinach alongside potatoes provides a natural shade for the spinach leaves. This helps to keep them cool during hot summer months, preventing them from wilting or bolting prematurely. Additionally, spinach is an excellent companion plant for potatoes because it has shallow roots and doesn’t compete for nutrients with the deeper-rooted potato plants. This creates a mutually beneficial relationship where both crops can grow to their full potential without inhibiting each other’s growth.
Yarrow
Yarrow is a perennial flowering plant with numerous benefits for the soil and surrounding crops. It attracts beneficial insects such as ladybugs, lacewings, and hoverflies. These insects help control pests that can damage potato plants, reducing the need for harmful pesticides. The yarrow’s strong scent also helps repel unwanted pests such as aphids and spider mites.
Can you plant onions and potatoes together?
Yes! Planting onions and potatoes together is a great way to maximize space in your garden. Both plants require full sunlight, well-draining soil, and regular watering. However, they have different growth requirements, which make them perfect companions.
Onions are shallow-rooted plants that grow quickly, while potatoes are deep-rooted that take more time to mature. When planted together, the onion’s fast-growing roots help loosen the soil for the potato’s developing tubers. This will improve overall soil health and increase both crops’ yields. Another benefit of planting onions with potatoes is repelling each other’s pests. Onions release pungent odors that deter potato bugs, while potatoes give off compounds that inhibit onion root maggots’ growth.
Potatoes are a versatile crop that can be grown in a variety of environments. However, it is important to consider what should not be planted near them to ensure the health and productivity of your crop. Avoid planting potatoes near tomatoes, eggplants, peppers, or other nightshade family members to prevent the spread of disease and pests.
By following this simple guideline, you can maximize your potato harvest and enjoy delicious homegrown spuds year after year. Happy planting!
