Potato Companion Plants: The Best Companion Plants for Healthier, More Productive Potatoes
Growing potatoes is rewarding, but healthy harvests require more than just good soil and regular watering. As a shallow rooted root vegetable, potatoes benefit greatly from thoughtful garden planning, especially when it comes to selecting compatible companions that share similar growing needs.
Choosing the right companion plants to grow alongside potatoes can help improve plant health, reduce pest pressure, and make better use of garden space. In particular, pairing potatoes with fast growing crops can maximize productivity in smaller gardens by making efficient use of the soil surface while the potato plants develop underground.
Companion planting is the practice of growing different crops together so they benefit one another. Some plants attract pollinators and beneficial insects, while others help deter pests or improve soil conditions.
This guide explains the best companion plants for potatoes, which plants to avoid, and how companion planting can help you grow a stronger potato crop.
Why Use Companion Plants with Potatoes?
Potatoes are a root crop grown for their underground tubers. Like many vegetables, they can benefit from nearby plants that support healthy growth.
Good companion planting potatoes strategies can:
- Help attract pollinators and beneficial insects
- Reduce pest problems
- Improve garden diversity
- Maximize space in a vegetable garden
- Support healthier plants throughout the season
While companion planting is not a cure-all, it can be a useful part of an organic gardening plan.
Best Companion Plants for Potatoes
When choosing companion plants with potatoes, focus on plants that do not compete heavily with potato roots.
Bush Beans
One of the best potato companions is bush beans.
Beans help improve soil by working with bacteria that add nitrogen to the soil. Potatoes use nitrogen for healthy leaf growth, making beans one of the most popular companion crops for potatoes.
Because bush beans are relatively compact, they fit well beside potato rows.
Aromatic Herbs
Many gardeners use aromatic herbs as a companion plant for potatoes.
Herbs such as:
- Basil
- Thyme
- Oregano
- Cilantro
may help confuse insect pests with their strong scent. They also attract beneficial insects that feed on garden pests.
Alyssum and Flowering Plants
Sweet alyssum and similar flowers attract pollinators and predatory insects.
Alyssum is a low-growing ground cover that attracts beneficial insects such as hoverflies and parasitic wasps. These insects can help reduce aphids and other pests that damage crops.
Horseradish
Some gardeners include horseradish in companion planting for potatoes because it may help reduce certain pest problems.
It should be planted near the edge of the bed since it can spread aggressively.
Companion Plants for Sweet Potatoes
Although potatoes and sweet potatoes are different crops, gardeners often ask about sweet potato companion plants and companion plants for sweet potatoes.
Good companions for sweet potatoes include:
- Bush beans
- Marigolds
- Alyssum
- Dill
These plants can attract beneficial insects while leaving room for spreading sweet potato vines.
Successful companion planting sweet potatoes focuses on plants that will not overcrowd the vines.
Plants to Avoid Near Potatoes
Not every plant makes a good neighbor.
When planning companion planting with potatoes, it is important to know which crops may create problems.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes and potatoes belong to the same plant family. They can share diseases such as early blight and late blight.
Growing them together can increase disease pressure.
Eggplant and Peppers
Like tomatoes, these crops belong to the nightshade family and can share pests and diseases with potatoes.
Pole Beans
Unlike bush beans, a pole bean can compete with potatoes for sunlight and growing space. This makes it a less desirable companion.
Common Potato Pests Companion Plants May Help With
Companion planting will not eliminate pests, but it can support a healthier garden ecosystem.
Colorado Potato Beetle
The Colorado potato beetle is one of the most damaging potato pests. Diverse plantings that attract beneficial insects may help reduce populations.
Flea Beetles
Flea beetles feed on potato leaves and can weaken young plants. Herbs and flowering companion plants may help attract insects that prey on these pests.
General Pest Prevention
Plants that attracts beneficial insects can help reduce pest pressure naturally. This is one reason many gardeners use companion planting in organic gardens.
Seed Potatoes for a Strong Start
Healthy plants begin with quality planting stock.
Browse Grow Organic's collection of organic seed potatoes before planning your garden.
Popular options include:
- Organic Lamoka Seed Potato, known for strong disease resistance.
- Organic Yukon Gold Seed Potato, a favorite for home gardens.
- Organic Kennebec White Seed Potato, valued for reliable harvests.
- Organic German Butterball Seed Potato, known for excellent flavor.
- Organic Rainbow Mix Seed Potato, a fun choice for gardeners who want variety.
For more growing tips, see Grow Organic's articles on growing bigger, healthier potatoes, maximizing small-space potato yields, and perfect timing for potato harvest.
Conclusion
The best companion plants potatoes are those that support healthy growth without competing for space.
Bush beans, flowering plants, and herbs are among the best good companions for potatoes. They can help attract beneficial insects, reduce pest pressure, and make your garden more productive.
Whether you are new to companion gardening potatoes or have years of experience, thoughtful companion planting can help you grow potatoes more successfully and enjoy a healthier potato crop.
