Companion Planting with Potatoes
While there are good beneficial companion plants for potatoes, there are also plants that can cause disease and growth problems. Before planting potatoes, keep the following in mind:
Raspberry, tomato, cucumber, squash, and pumpkin are more susceptible to developing blight if planted with potatoes. Carrots, asparagus, fennel, turnip, onions, and sunflowers can stunt the growth and development of potato tubers. Potato plants also should not be planted in the same spot where eggplant, tomatoes, and anything in the nightshade family has previously been planted.
There are, however, many beneficial potato plant companions.
Plant cabbage, corn, and beans around potato hills to improve their growth and taste. Growing horseradish as a companion plant for potatoes is said to make potatoes resistant to diseases. Lettuce and spinach are often planted between rows of potatoes to save room in the garden and because they do not compete for nutrients. Chamomile, basil, yarrow, parsley, and thyme are herbal companion plants for potatoes that improve their growth and flavor, while also attracting beneficial insects to the garden. Petunias and alyssum also attract beneficial insects to potato plants.
What to Plant with Potatoes to Keep Bugs Away
While I’ve already mentioned plants that attract good bugs near potatoes, there are also several potato plant companions that deter bad bugs.
Lamium improves potato flavor, encourages its growth, and deters harmful insects. Sage keeps flea beetles away. Nasturtium, coriander, tansy, and catmint planted around potato plants deter potato beetles. Green beans also deter potato beetles and add nitrogen to the soil; in return, the potato plants deter the Mexican beetle from eating the green beans. The old farmer’s favorite, marigolds, deter harmful pests from potato plants and also protect them from viral and bacterial diseases.
