Potatoes are the unsung heroes of the vegetable world, offering a plethora of delicious dishes from fries to scalloped potatoes. To ensure a bountiful harvest of this versatile tuber, strategic companion planting is key. By choosing the right plants to grow alongside your potatoes, you can promote their growth, enhance their flavor, and ward off pests and diseases. Here are twelve top companion plants to help you cultivate a successful late summer potato crop:
Spinach
Spinach, with its shallow roots, pairs well with potatoes. Its harvest coincides nicely with the potato season, making it a perfect match for creamy potato dishes.
Garlic
A natural pest deterrent, garlic's strong scent keeps aphids and beetles at bay, protecting your potato plants.
Beans
Beans contribute nitrogen to the soil, promoting potato growth. Plant them in alternating rows for a harmonious coexistence.
Cabbage
Plant cabbage near potatoes to fend off potato beetles, a common threat to your crop.
Horseradish
The pungent aroma of horseradish wards off the Colorado potato beetle, safeguarding your potatoes.
Lettuce
Lettuce and potatoes grow well together, each respecting the other's space in the garden.
Chives
The onion-like fragrance of chives repels pests and attracts beneficial pollinators.
Basil
Basil deters thrips while adding a flavorful touch to your potatoes.
Marigold
A pest-repelling powerhouse, marigolds protect potatoes from various invaders.
Cilantro
Cilantro attracts beneficial bugs that prey on potato-eating insects, ensuring a healthier crop.
Parsley
Parsley enhances potato flavor and deters Colorado potato beetles, a common threat to potato plants.
Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums distract pests away from potatoes, creating a pest-free environment for your crop.
To ensure a successful potato harvest, avoid planting potatoes near nightshade family members. Eggplants, cucumbers, and other root vegetables can compete for resources and increase the risk of disease spread among plants. By selecting the right companions and avoiding incompatible plants, you'll set your potato garden up for success. Happy planting!