10 Perfect Companion Plants to Grow Next to Your Potatoes for a Bigger, Healthier Harvest
Best companion plants to grow with potatoes to boost growth, repel pests, and increase your harvest.
Growing potatoes? Choosing the right companion plants can help you grow healthier plants, protect them from pests, and even improve your harvest. Some plants naturally support potatoes underground, while others work above ground to keep troublemakers away.1 Here are ten companion plants to consider.
1. Beans
Beans and potatoes make a strong garden team. Beans help improve the soil by adding nitrogen, a nutrient that potatoes need to grow. They also act as a natural ground cover, keeping weeds down and moisture in. Just don’t plant pole beans too close—they may shade out your potato plants. Stick to bush beans instead.
2. Cabbage
Cabbage and other members of the brassica family (like kale and broccoli) can help repel some insect pests that attack potatoes. These plants also grow well in similar soil and moisture conditions. Keep a little space between them to prevent overcrowding.
3. Horseradish
Horseradish is believed to help defend potatoes from insect pests, especially the Colorado potato beetle. When planted at the corners of a potato patch, horseradish can act like a natural shield. It’s a spicy root with a powerful scent that insects tend to avoid.
4. Cilantro
Cilantro is more than just a flavorful herb. Its flowers attract beneficial insects like hoverflies and parasitic wasps—natural enemies of aphids and beetles. These insects help control pests that often attack potatoes.
5. Marigolds
Marigolds are famous for their ability to keep pests away. Their strong scent helps repel nematodes, beetles, and aphids. They also attract pollinators. Plant marigolds near your potato rows for added protection and a splash of color.
6. Chives
Chives help deter pests such as aphids, Japanese beetles, and even deer. They’re also useful in suppressing mildew and mold in the soil. You can plant them around your potato bed or interplant a few rows for extra protection.2
7. Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums act as a trap crop. That means they draw pests like aphids and flea beetles away from your potatoes. These pests prefer nasturtiums and leave your potato plants alone. Plus, nasturtiums are edible and add beauty to your garden.
8. Lettuce
Lettuce grows quickly and has shallow roots, so it doesn’t compete much with potatoes. It can help shade the soil, keep it moist, and suppress weeds. This works especially well early in the season when potato plants are still small.
9. Corn
Potatoes and corn grow well together as long as they each have enough space and light. Corn provides some shade in hot climates, which can help protect potato plants from extreme heat. Just be careful not to let corn block too much sun.
10. Spinach
Spinach grows quickly and thrives in cooler weather, just like potatoes. It helps create a living mulch—shading the ground, keeping weeds down, and holding in moisture. Once spinach is harvested, potatoes still have plenty of time to grow strong.
Plants You Should Avoid Growing Near Potatoes
Not all plants get along with potatoes. Avoid these if you want a healthy crop:
- Tomatoes: They belong to the same plant family and share diseases, like blight.
- Eggplant and Peppers: Also part of the nightshade family, and attract similar pests.
- Cucumbers: Compete for nutrients and may stunt potato growth.
- Pumpkins and Squash: These vines can quickly take over and crowd out your potatoes.
- Sunflowers: Their roots release chemicals that can affect potato development.
Final Thoughts
Companion planting is a smart, natural way to support your potatoes. When you choose the right plants, you can improve soil health, reduce pests, and increase your harvest—without chemicals.
Start simple. Add a few of these companion plants to your next potato crop and watch how nature works with you to grow stronger, healthier plants.
FAQs
1. Can I plant onions with potatoes?
It’s not a good idea. Onions compete with potatoes for nutrients and can stunt their growth.
2. What’s the best herb to grow with potatoes?
Cilantro and chives are both excellent choices. They help attract helpful insects and repel pests.
3. How far apart should I plant companion plants from potatoes?
Keep at least 12 inches between potatoes and companion plants to avoid overcrowding and allow for airflow.
4. Can I grow potatoes and tomatoes together?
No. They share many diseases, including blight. Growing them together increases the risk of infection.
5. Do companion plants really improve harvest size?
Yes. When used correctly, companion planting can help reduce pests and improve growing conditions, which often leads to a better yield.
