Potatoes are a gardener’s delight, but as with all plants, they have their share of frenemies.
In this article, we’ll explore 13 plants you should never grow with potatoes.
These troublemakers may compete for nutrients, attract pests, or just not get along well with your spuds.
So, let’s dive into the world of potato plant foes and learn who not to invite to the potato party!
1. Tomatoes
Tomatoes and potatoes are like feuding siblings – they just don’t get along.
Being in the same family (Solanaceae), they’re susceptible to the same pests and diseases, like blight.
Growing them together can exacerbate these problems and leave you with a sickly harvest.
Keep tomatoes and potatoes separate to ensure healthy plants.
It’s just safer to give these two some space, and your garden will thank you.
2. Cucumbers
Cucumbers may seem like innocent bystanders, but they can cause problems when planted near potatoes.
Both crops are heavy feeders, competing for the same nutrients in the soil.
This competition can lead to stunted growth and lower yields for both plants.
Also, cucumbers and potatoes have different watering needs, which can make it challenging to manage their care when planted together.
Do your potatoes and cucumbers a favor, and plant them in separate areas of your garden.
3. Squash
Squash and potatoes share some common enemies, making them less-than-ideal garden buddies.
Squash vine borers and cucumber beetles can spread diseases like bacterial wilt and mosaic virus, which can infect potatoes.
Also, squash plants can take up a lot of space, potentially overshadowing your potato plants and limiting their access to sunlight.
Avoid planting these two crops together for a more harmonious garden.
4. Sunflowers
Sunflowers are beautiful, but they can be bullies in the garden when planted near potatoes.
Sunflowers have allelopathic properties, releasing chemicals that can inhibit the growth of nearby plants, including potatoes.
Their large size and extensive root system can also compete with potatoes for valuable nutrients and water.
Give your potatoes some breathing room by keeping sunflowers at a distance.
5. Asparagus
Asparagus and potatoes may both be tasty veggies, but they don’t play well together in the garden.
Asparagus plants can harbor a disease called asparagus rust, which can spread to potatoes and cause significant damage.
Also, these two plants have different nutrient needs, and planting them together may result in competition for resources.
It’s best to keep asparagus and potatoes separated for a healthier, more productive garden.
6. Fennel
Fennel is not a good companion for many plants, and potatoes are no exception.
Fennel’s strong scent can deter some pests, but it can also inhibit the growth of nearby plants, including potatoes.
This herb can be quite the garden diva, so it’s best to plant it in a separate area away from your precious spuds.
7. Melons
Melons may be sweet and refreshing, but they’re not a friend to potatoes in the garden.
Like cucumbers, melons are heavy feeders and can compete with potatoes for nutrients.
Additionally, melons need lots of water, which can be problematic for potatoes, as overwatering can lead to rot.
For the sake of both crops, keep melons and potatoes apart in your garden.
8. Eggplant
Eggplant, a member of the Solanaceae family like potatoes and tomatoes, shares many of the same pests and diseases.
Growing eggplants close to potatoes can increase the risk of infestation and illness, potentially harming both crops.
Avoid planting these two together to minimize the risk of issues like blight and pest infestations.
Give each plant the space and care they need to flourish on their own.
9. Peppers
Peppers, like tomatoes and eggplants, are part of the Solanaceae family and can attract pests and diseases that affect potatoes.
Colorado potato beetles, for instance, also enjoy dining on pepper plants.
Planting peppers and potatoes together can make it easier for these pesky critters to move between the plants, causing more significant damage.
Keep your peppers and potatoes separate for a healthier, happier garden.
10. Celery
Celery might be crunchy and delicious, but it’s not a good companion for potatoes.
Both plants have different nutrient requirements and growing conditions.
Celery needs consistently moist soil, while too much water can cause potatoes to rot.
Additionally, celery can attract pests like carrot flies, which can harm potato plants as well.
Keep these two veggies apart for a more successful harvest.
11. Broccoli
Broccoli and potatoes don’t make the best garden companions for a few reasons.
First, broccoli can attract pests like aphids and flea beetles that can also harm potato plants.
Second, broccoli is a heavy feeder, which means it competes with potatoes for nutrients in the soil.
To give both plants the best chance at a bountiful harvest, plant them in separate areas of your garden.
12. Cauliflower
Cauliflower, like broccoli, can attract pests that are harmful to potatoes.
In addition to aphids and flea beetles, cauliflower plants can draw in cabbage root maggots, which can damage potato roots.
Cauliflower is also a heavy feeder and can compete with potatoes for nutrients.
Keep your potatoes safe and productive by keeping them away from cauliflower.
13. Kohlrabi
Kohlrabi and potatoes don’t get along well in the garden.
Kohlrabi can attract the same pests that broccoli and cauliflower do, including aphids, flea beetles, and cabbage root maggots.
These pests can cause significant damage to your potato plants if they’re close enough to jump between the two crops.
Maintain a pest-free potato patch by keeping kohlrabi at bay.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know which plants to avoid growing with potatoes, you can create a garden that keeps your spuds happy, healthy, and productive.
By steering clear of these 13 troublemakers, you’ll ensure a bountiful potato harvest and minimize the risk of pests and diseases in your garden.
Happy planting!
