Potato Companion Plants: How to Boost Your Potato Harvest with the Right Pairings

Oleh Anonymous October 09, 2021 Post a Comment

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The Importance of Choosing the Right Companion Plants for Your Potatoes

Growing potatoes can be a fun and rewarding experience, but did you know that choosing the right companion plants can actually help improve your potato harvest? Companion planting is an age-old gardening technique where different plants are grown together to benefit each other. In this article, weâ€™ll explore some of the best companion plants for potatoes and how they can help you achieve a bountiful potato harvest.

Companion Planting Basics: What to Consider

Before we dive into the specifics of potato companion plants, letâ€™s go over some basic principles of companion planting. Here are some factors to consider when choosing companion plants:

Plant Growth Habits

When selecting companion plants, itâ€™s important to consider their growth habits. For example, tall plants can provide shade for shorter plants, while bushy plants can help suppress weeds.

Soil Requirements

Different plants have different soil requirements, so itâ€™s important to choose companion plants that have similar soil needs as your potatoes.

Pest and Disease Control

Some plants are known for repelling pests or attracting beneficial insects, so incorporating these plants as companion plants can help protect your potatoes from pests and diseases.

Competition for Resources

Plants compete for resources like nutrients, water, and sunlight, so itâ€™s important to choose companion plants that wonâ€™t compete too heavily with your potatoes.

The Best Companion Plants for Potatoes

Now that weâ€™ve gone over some basic principles of companion planting, letâ€™s dive into the specific plants that make great companions for potatoes.

1. Beans

Beans are a great companion plant for potatoes because they are nitrogen-fixing plants. This means that they take nitrogen from the air and convert it into a form that is usable by plants. Potatoes require a lot of nitrogen to grow, so planting beans alongside your potatoes can help provide them with the nitrogen they need. In addition, beans have shallow roots, so they wonâ€™t compete too heavily with your potatoes for resources.

How to Plant Beans with Potatoes

Plant bush beans or pole beans between the potato rows at least 6 inches apart from each other. The beans will grow up and around the potato plants, providing shade and support.

2. Marigolds

Marigolds are known for their ability to repel pests like nematodes, which can damage potato roots. In addition, marigolds attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and hoverflies, which can help control other pests. Marigolds are easy to grow and come in a variety of colors, making them a great addition to any garden.

How to Plant Marigolds with Potatoes

Plant marigolds around the edges of your potato bed, or intersperse them throughout the bed. Make sure to choose varieties that are appropriate for your growing zone.

3. Horseradish

Horseradish is a great companion plant for potatoes because it can help repel potato beetles. Potato beetles are a common pest that can defoliate potato plants and reduce yields. Horseradish has a strong smell that can deter the beetles from laying eggs on your potato plants.

How to Plant Horseradish with Potatoes

Plant horseradish in a separate area from your potatoes, as it can take over and become invasive. Plant it in a container or a designated area of your garden and harvest the roots in the fall.

4. Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are another great companion plant for potatoes because they attract aphids away from your potato plants. Aphids can damage potato leaves and reduce yields, so planting nasturtiums can help protect your potatoes. In addition, nasturtiums are edible and make a great addition to salads and other dishes.

How to Plant Nasturtiums with Potatoes

Plant nasturtiums around the edges of your potato bed, or intersperse them throughout the bed. They prefer well-drained soil and full sun.

Other Companion Plants to Consider

While the above plants are some of the best companion plants for potatoes, there are many other plants that can be beneficial to your potato crop. Here are some other plants to consider:

Comfrey

Comfrey is a nutrient-rich plant that can be used as a compost activator or mulch. It also has deep roots that can help break up hard soil and improve soil structure.

Lovage

Lovage is a tall herb that can provide shade for shorter plants like potatoes. It also attracts beneficial insects like bees and butterflies.

Chives

Chives have a pungent smell that can deter pests like aphids and slugs. They are also easy to grow and make a great addition to many dishes.

Frequently Asked Questions about Potato Companion Plants

1. Can I plant any type of bean with my potatoes?

Most types of beans can be planted with potatoes, but bush beans and pole beans are the best choices. Avoid planting runner beans, as they can compete heavily with your potatoes for resources.

2. Do I need to plant all of these companion plants with my potatoes?

No, you donâ€™t need to plant all of these companion plants with your potatoes. Choose the ones that work best for your garden and your growing conditions.

3. Can I plant tomatoes with my potatoes?

Tomatoes and potatoes are in the same family (nightshades), so they are not the best companions. They have similar soil requirements and can attract the same pests and diseases.

4. Can I plant herbs like basil or oregano with my potatoes?

Herbs like basil and oregano can be planted with potatoes, but they wonâ€™t provide the same benefits as some of the other companion plants listed here.

5. How far apart should I plant my companion plants from my potatoes?

This will depend on the specific plants you are planting, but a good rule of thumb is to plant them at least 6 inches away from your potato plants.

Choosing the right companion plants for your potatoes can help improve your potato harvest and protect your plants from pests and diseases. Beans, marigolds, horseradish, and nasturtiums are some of the best companion plants for potatoes, but there are many other options to consider. By following some basic principles of companion planting and experimenting with different combinations, you can create a thriving garden full of healthy, delicious potatoes.