Companion planting for potato is an experience-based observation developed over centuries. People have noticed that planting certain plants side by side has a positive effect on each other, increasing the quality and quantity of the harvest.
Companion planting is not set in stone and it is the least you can do for your plants. You can get the right care from the individual plant article. You can see the companion and the enemy plants of potato below.
| Companion plants for potato | Enemy plants of potato |
|---|---|
| Corn | Pepper |
| Lettuce | Tomato |
| Spinach | Eggplant |
| Radish | Okra |
| Cilantro | |
| Marigold | |
| Beans | |
| Cabbage | |
| Eggplant |
Why does companion planting work?
Companion planting works due to several interconnected factors:
Pest Control: Certain plants emit natural chemicals or scents that repel pests, effectively acting as natural pest deterrents for nearby plants. This reduces the need for chemical pesticides and fosters a more balanced ecosystem.
Attracting Beneficial Insects: Some companion plants attract beneficial insects like ladybugs, hoverflies, and predatory wasps, which feed on common garden pests. This creates a natural form of pest control and helps maintain ecological balance.
Soil Improvement: Different plants have varying root structures and nutrient requirements. Companion planting can enhance soil health by reducing soil erosion, suppressing weeds, and improving nutrient uptake. For example, leguminous plants fix nitrogen in the soil, benefiting neighboring plants that require nitrogen for growth.
Competition Reduction: Companion planting can help reduce competition for resources such as water, sunlight, and nutrients by utilizing plants with complementary growth patterns and root structures. This allows for more efficient resource utilization and healthier plant growth.
Biodiversity and Resilience: Planting diverse species together increases biodiversity in the garden, which can enhance ecosystem resilience. A diverse ecosystem is better equipped to withstand pests, diseases, and environmental stresses compared to monocultures.
Maximizing Space: Companion planting allows gardeners to make the most of limited space by intercropping plants with different growth habits and maturity rates. This maximizes yield per square foot and promotes efficient land use.
Overall, companion planting capitalizes on the natural synergies between plant species, creating a thriving and sustainable garden ecosystem.
What are the companion plants of potato?
The following plants have positive effects on the growth of your potato. These plants can repel pests that damage your plants. These plants provide increased nutrition to the soil that your plants can use. Therefore, we recommend planting these plants next to your potato.
Corn
Corn thrives in rich, well-drained soil under the nurturing warmth of sunlight. Flourishing in fertile earth enriched with organic matter, it embodies resilience and vitality. Consistent moisture and adequate spacing support robust growth and prolific tasseling. Corn provides general benefits to neighboring plants by shading the soil, reducing weed growth, and promoting overall garden health.
Corn is a tall, sturdy friend that offers potatoes some much-needed shade during the hottest parts of the day. Its deep roots also help break up the soil, making it easier for potatoes to grow and spread underground. Plus, corn doesn’t compete much with potatoes for nutrients, so they can grow together without getting in each other’s way.
Lettuce
Lettuce, known for its crunchy leaves and garden appeal, thrives in various soil conditions. Flourishing in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.0. Partial shade and consistent moisture nurture its tender foliage and compact heads. Lettuce offers invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by providing ground cover, conserving soil moisture, and suppressing weed growth.
Lettuce grows fast and low to the ground, making it a perfect companion for potatoes. It helps keep the soil moist and cool, which potatoes appreciate, especially in the heat of summer. Since lettuce has shallow roots, it won’t interfere with the deep-growing potato tubers. Bonus: you can harvest your lettuce long before your potatoes are ready!
Spinach
Spinach grows in fertile soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.5. Partial shade and consistent moisture nurture its tender foliage and rapid growth. Spinach provides invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by enriching the soil with nutrients, suppressing weed growth, and promoting overall garden health.
Spinach does potatoes a big favor by acting as a living mulch, covering the ground and keeping the soil cool and moist. It also helps prevent weeds from taking over, saving you time and effort in the garden. Since spinach grows quickly, you can enjoy a few harvests while waiting for your potatoes to mature.
Radish
Radishes thrive in loose soil with a pH range between 5.5 and 7.0, they embody adaptability and zest. Full sunlight and consistent moisture nurture their rapid growth and vibrant foliage. Radishes provide invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by breaking up compacted soil, improving soil aeration, and suppressing pest populations.
Radishes are quick growers that help break up the soil, making it easier for potatoes to expand underground. They also attract beneficial insects that keep pests away from your spuds. Since radishes don’t take long to mature, they’ll be out of the way long before your potatoes need extra room to grow.
Cilantro
Coriander thrives in various soil conditions. Flourishing in well-drained, fertile soil enriched with organic matter, it embodies adaptability and aroma. Adequate moisture and sunlight support lush growth and abundant foliage. Coriander extends general benefits to neighboring plants by attracting beneficial insects and enhancing overall garden biodiversity.
Cilantro is more than just a tasty herb—it’s a great pest repellent! Its strong scent confuses and deters pests that like to snack on potatoes. On top of that, cilantro’s flowers attract helpful insects like bees and ladybugs, which keep the garden healthy and thriving.
Marigold
Marigold flourishes in well-drained, loamy soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.0. Full sunlight and consistent moisture nurture its colorful flowers and aromatic foliage. Marigold provides invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by repelling pests, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies, and enhancing overall garden biodiversity.
Marigolds are a potato’s best friend when it comes to fighting off pests. They keep away nematodes and other soil-dwelling troublemakers that could harm your potato crop. Plus, they add a beautiful splash of color to your garden while working hard to protect your plants.
Beans
Beans are thriving in well-drained soil and basking in ample sunlight, these leguminous wonders enrich the soil with nitrogen, enhancing the vitality of their botanical companions. As stalwart providers of sustenance and greenery, beans epitomize the essence of garden bounty and vitality.
Beans bring one of the best gifts to the garden—extra nitrogen! Since potatoes are heavy feeders, beans help enrich the soil, giving them a much-needed nutrient boost. With beans fixing nitrogen in the soil, your potatoes will grow stronger and healthier without the need for extra fertilizer.
Cabbage
Cabbage thrives in various soil conditions. Flourishing in well-drained soil enriched with compost, it adapts to pH levels ranging from slightly acidic to neutral. Adequate moisture and sunlight foster robust growth and ample foliage. Belonging to the Brassicaceae family, alongside esteemed companions like kale and Brussels sprouts, cabbage epitomizes the culinary versatility and natural elegance found within the garden's domain.
Cabbage is another leafy friend that does well alongside potatoes. Its broad leaves help shade the soil, keeping it cool and moist, which potatoes love. Plus, cabbage and potatoes don’t compete for nutrients, so they can grow together without issues.
Eggplant
Eggplant thrives in well-drained, loamy soil under the nurturing warmth of sunlight. Flourishing in fertile earth enriched with organic matter, it embodies resilience and grandeur. Consistent moisture and adequate spacing support robust growth and prolific fruiting. Eggplant provides general benefits to neighboring plants by shading the soil, reducing weed growth, and promoting overall garden health.
Eggplant is in the same plant family as potatoes, and surprisingly, they make good neighbors! Since eggplants grow above ground and potatoes grow below, they don’t get in each other’s way. Eggplant also attracts pollinators, which help keep the whole garden buzzing with life.
What are the enemy plants of potato?
Planting these plants next to potato has a huge negative effect on the development of your plant. Growing enemy plants can appeal detrimental insects, change the taste of the grown plant and even consuming all of the nutrients and water from your potato. Because of these negative effects, we don’t recomment growing the plants below next to your potato.
Pepper
Peppers expand in diverse soil conditions. Flourishing in well-drained, loamy soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.0. Full sunlight and consistent moisture nurture their vibrant foliage and prolific fruiting. Peppers provide invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by deterring pests with their pungent compounds, attracting pollinators, and adding diversity to the garden landscape.
Peppers might seem harmless, but they’re bad news for potatoes. Both plants pull the same nutrients from the soil, leaving your potatoes hungry and struggling to grow. Plus, peppers can attract some of the same pests (aphids) and diseases (blight), making it more likely for trouble to spread through your garden.
Tomato
Tomatoes thrive in various soil conditions. Flourishing fertile soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.0. Full sunlight and consistent moisture nurture their sprawling vines and abundant fruiting. Tomatoes provide invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by attracting pollinators, suppressing weed growth with their dense foliage, and adding richness to culinary dishes.
Tomatoes and potatoes are like distant cousins that just don’t get along. Since they’re both in the nightshade family, they’re prone to the same diseases—like blight—which can wipe out your whole crop if you’re not careful. It’s best to keep these two far apart to prevent one sick plant from ruining the other.
Eggplant
Eggplant thrives in well-drained, loamy soil under the nurturing warmth of sunlight. Flourishing in fertile earth enriched with organic matter, it embodies resilience and grandeur. Consistent moisture and adequate spacing support robust growth and prolific fruiting. Eggplant provides general benefits to neighboring plants by shading the soil, reducing weed growth, and promoting overall garden health.
Eggplant competes for nutrients and space, making it harder for your potatoes to thrive. Worse yet, eggplants attract pests like potato beetles, which can quickly spread and wreak havoc on your spuds.
Okra
Okra expands in diverse soil conditions. Flourishing in well-drained, loamy soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.0. Full sunlight and consistent moisture nurture its lush foliage and prolific fruiting. Okra provides invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by shading the soil, conserving moisture, and promoting overall garden health.
Okra is a space hog with deep, thirsty roots that don’t mix well with potatoes. It pulls a lot of moisture and nutrients from the soil, leaving your potatoes struggling to grow. To keep both plants happy, it’s best to plant okra somewhere else in the garden.
