Ah, potatoes!
The versatile spud is a staple in kitchens worldwide, and a favorite among gardeners.
But even the humble potato could use a few friends to help it thrive.
That’s where companion planting comes in!
In this article, we’ll explore 14 plants that not only get along with potatoes but actually help them grow better.
Are you ready to become a potato matchmaker?
Let’s get started!
1. Marigolds
Marigolds are like potato guardian angels.
Their vibrant flowers and strong scent help deter common potato pests, such as potato beetles and nematodes.
Plus, marigolds are just as attractive to pollinators, bringing beneficial insects to your garden.
So not only will your potato plants be safer, but your garden will be more colorful and lively.
Give your spuds a marigold buddy, and they’ll thank you for it!
What’s more, marigolds are incredibly low maintenance and can easily adapt to various soil types, making them a perfect companion for potatoes in any garden setting.
2. Beans
Beans and potatoes are a match made in garden heaven.
Beans, being legumes, have the unique ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, providing essential nutrients to the surrounding plants, including your potatoes.
By enriching the soil naturally, you’ll likely see an increase in your potato yield.
Additionally, beans and potatoes have different growth habits, so they don’t compete for space, making them great neighbors.
They also have complementary nutrient requirements, ensuring that neither plant hogs all the resources.
Lastly, growing beans means you get to enjoy a bountiful harvest of tasty legumes alongside your potatoes.
3. Peas
Peas, another legume, make excellent companions for potatoes for similar reasons to beans.
They fix nitrogen in the soil, providing a valuable nutrient boost to your potato plants.
Their vines can even offer some shade for young potato plants, giving them a little break from the sun.
And because they have different growth patterns, peas won’t compete with potatoes for space or nutrients.
Plus, you get the added bonus of a delicious pea harvest to complement your potatoes.
4. Garlic
Garlic is more than just a kitchen staple; it’s a powerful companion plant for potatoes.
Its pungent odor can deter pests, such as aphids and wireworms, from feasting on your potato plants.
Moreover, garlic has natural antifungal properties that can help prevent potato blight and other diseases.
Plant garlic near your potatoes and enjoy a double harvest of two kitchen essentials, all while protecting your spuds from pests and diseases.
5. Horseradish
Horseradish, with its spicy kick, makes an excellent companion for potatoes.
Its strong scent and deep roots help repel pests and diseases that can harm your potato plants, like wireworms and potato cyst nematodes.
And since horseradish is a perennial, it will keep coming back year after year to protect your potatoes and enhance the flavor of your dishes.
6. Basil
Basil is another fragrant herb that plays well with potatoes.
Its aroma confuses and repels various pests, keeping them far away from your potato plants.
Additionally, basil is said to improve the flavor of potatoes when planted nearby, making your harvest even more delicious.
Enjoy the added bonus of fresh basil for your favorite potato dishes.
7. Cilantro
Cilantro, with its fresh, bright flavor, can be a beneficial companion for potatoes.
It attracts beneficial insects, like ladybugs and lacewings, that help protect potato plants from pests.
Cilantro can also help deter potato beetles, making it a valuable addition to your potato patch.
And let’s not forget the added benefit of fresh cilantro to spice up your potato recipes!
8. Lettuce
Lettuce is an ideal companion for potatoes because it has shallow roots and doesn’t compete for nutrients.
It also provides a living mulch, helping to retain moisture in the soil and suppress weeds.
Plus, lettuce can benefit from the shade provided by taller potato plants during hot summer days.
Grow lettuce alongside your potatoes and enjoy a lovely harvest of both for your salads and other dishes.
9. Chives
Chives are not only a flavorful herb but also a fantastic companion for potatoes.
Their strong scent deters pests like aphids and potato beetles, keeping your spuds safe from these hungry insects.
Chives also attract pollinators, which can be beneficial to other plants in your garden.
Use freshly harvested chives to add a delicious, onion-like flavor to your potato dishes.
10. Spinach
Spinach is another leafy green that pairs well with potatoes.
Like lettuce, it doesn’t compete for nutrients and can benefit from the shade provided by potato plants.
Growing spinach near your potatoes ensures that both plants can thrive together without competition.
Enjoy the added benefit of a spinach harvest to add to your potato dishes or fresh salads.
11. Radishes
Radishes are great companions for potatoes due to their different growth habits.
As quick-growing root vegetables, radishes help break up soil, making it easier for potato roots to spread and access nutrients.
Additionally, radishes can act as a decoy for pests, luring them away from your potato plants.
Enjoy a quick harvest of radishes while your potatoes continue to grow.
12. Carrots
Carrots make good neighbors for potatoes, as their long roots help break up the soil, improving drainage and aeration for the surrounding plants.
Their differing nutrient requirements also mean they won’t compete with potatoes for resources.
Not to mention, you’ll get to enjoy a harvest of sweet, crunchy carrots along with your potatoes.
13. Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums are more than just a pretty face; they’re also a helpful companion for potatoes.
These colorful flowers deter pests like aphids and whiteflies, protecting your potato plants from their harmful effects.
The vibrant blossoms also attract pollinators, contributing to a healthy garden ecosystem.
And don’t forget that nasturtium flowers and leaves are edible, adding a peppery kick to your potato dishes.
14. Parsley
Parsley, another fragrant herb, makes a great companion for potatoes.
Its scent can repel pests like carrot flies and aphids, keeping your potato plants safe.
Parsley’s attractive flowers also draw beneficial insects like hoverflies and predatory wasps, helping to maintain a balanced garden ecosystem.
Plus, fresh parsley is a fantastic addition to many potato dishes.
Final Thoughts
And there you have it! Fourteen fantastic companion plants that will help your potatoes grow strong, healthy, and delicious.
By incorporating these companions into your garden, you’ll create a more productive, diverse, and harmonious space.
So, happy planting, and may your potato harvest be bountiful!