Bad Companion Plants for Sweet Potatoes

Oleh Anonymous February 12, 2023 Post a Comment

Table of Contents

Sweet Potatoes and Companion Planting

Sweet potatoes are a popular crop grown by home gardeners and farmers alike due to their delicious taste and nutritional value. Companion planting is the practice of planting different crops together in order to benefit from the positive interactions between them. However, not all plants make good companions for sweet potatoes. In fact, some plants can actually harm or inhibit the growth of sweet potatoes.

The Bad Companions

Here are some plants that should not be planted near sweet potatoes:

1. Tomatoes

Tomatoes and sweet potatoes are both members of the same plant family, Solanaceae. Unfortunately, this means they are susceptible to many of the same pests and diseases, making them poor companions. Additionally, tomatoes require a lot of nitrogen, which can compete with sweet potatoes for soil nutrients.

2. Peppers

Peppers also belong to the Solanaceae family and share many of the same problems as tomatoes when planted near sweet potatoes. They can attract pests and diseases that can harm sweet potato plants.

3. Brassicas

Brassicas such as broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage are heavy feeders and can deplete the soil of nutrients that sweet potatoes need. Additionally, brassicas can attract pests such as aphids and whiteflies that can harm sweet potato plants.

4. Corn

Corn is a heavy feeder and requires a lot of nitrogen, which can compete with sweet potatoes for soil nutrients. Additionally, corn can shade out sweet potato plants, reducing their growth.

5. Pole Beans

Pole beans are often grown with corn as part of the "three sisters" planting method. While this can be beneficial for corn, it's not a good idea to plant pole beans near sweet potatoes. Pole beans also require a lot of nitrogen and can compete with sweet potatoes for soil nutrients.

Good Companion Plants for Sweet Potatoes

Now that we've looked at some bad companions for sweet potatoes, let's take a look at some plants that make good companions:

1. Okra

Okra is a good companion for sweet potatoes because it has deep roots that break up hard soil and improve drainage. Additionally, okra provides shade for sweet potato plants during hot summer months.

2. Garlic

Garlic is a natural pest repellent and can help keep pests away from sweet potato plants. Additionally, garlic has been shown to increase the yield of sweet potatoes when planted together.

3. Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are a good companion for sweet potatoes because they repel pests and attract beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings.

4. Marigolds

Marigolds are another natural pest repellent and can help keep pests away from sweet potato plants. Additionally, marigolds have been shown to improve soil health and inhibit the growth of nematodes.

5. Basil

Basil is a good companion for sweet potatoes because it repels pests and can improve the flavor of sweet potatoes when planted together.

When it comes to companion planting, it's important to choose your companions carefully. While some plants can benefit each other, others can harm or inhibit growth. When planting sweet potatoes, avoid planting them near tomatoes, peppers, brassicas, corn, and pole beans. Instead, consider planting them near okra, garlic, nasturtiums, marigolds, or basil for best results.

FAQs

Q1. Can I plant sweet potatoes near other root vegetables?

A1. Yes, sweet potatoes can be planted near other root vegetables such as carrots, beets, and onions.

Q2. What about planting sweet potatoes near fruit trees?

A2. It's generally not recommended to plant sweet potatoes near fruit trees as they can compete for soil nutrients and water.

Q3. Will planting bad companions with sweet potatoes kill them?

A3. Not necessarily, but planting bad companions can harm sweet potato growth and reduce their yield.

Q4. Can I use companion planting to control pests and diseases in sweet potatoes?

A4. Yes, planting certain companion plants such as garlic, nasturtiums, and marigolds can help repel pests and inhibit the growth of disease-causing organisms.

Q5. What should I do if I've already planted bad companions with my sweet potatoes?

A5. If you've already planted bad companions with your sweet potatoes, don't worry! You can still take steps to mitigate any negative effects. Try using natural pest control methods such as handpicking pests or spraying with an organic insecticide. Additionally, consider adding organic fertilizers or compost to help replenish soil nutrients.