Selecting the correct companion plants for your potatoes can prevent common pests like the Colorado potato beetle, aphids, and cutworms from damaging your crop. You can maintain the strength and health of your tubers and keep pests away without using harmful pesticides by using a variety of herbs, vegetables, and flowering plants.
Find below a list of top potato companion plants and key tips for maximizing your potato harvest by using these plants as partners.
Sweet Alyssum
The sweet alyssum is a small, blooming annual with delicate white and purple flowers. However, alyssum serves a purpose beyond just being a beautiful decoration. Additionally, it is considered a top choice for companion planting with potatoes. Alyssum blooms are a magnet for beneficial insects such as hoverflies and ladybugs, which help control unwanted potato pests. Alyssum, when utilized as a groundcover, aids in retaining soil moisture and controlling weeds, ultimately leading to larger and stronger growth of your potatoes.
Cabbage Family Members
Broccoli, cauliflower, kale, and other similar plants have shallow root systems that will not vie with your potatoes for essential soil space. Combining these two types of plants in your garden beds will maximize your garden’s potential. Make sure to remember that these plants need a lot of nutrients, so be sure to fertilize them regularly with a well-balanced fertilizer to provide your veggies with all the nutrients they require.
Horseradish
Not many backyard gardeners grow horseradish, but it’s a great condiment and an excellent companion plant for potatoes. The large leaves of horseradish provide a natural barrier, protecting the soil around your potatoes from weeds and retaining soil moisture. Additionally, it seems that horseradish has the ability to drive away the harmful Colorado potato beetle and enhance potatoes’ natural resistance to disease. On the flip side, horseradish has the potential to spread rapidly, so it’s advisable to only plant it in areas where you can control its growth.
Alliums
Growing chives, leeks, onions, and other alliums is highly recommended for natural pest control in your garden. Many garden pests, such as aphids and beetles, are repelled by the strong aroma of these plants. Once harvest time arrives, you’ll be delighted that you planted these companions together because you’ll have all the ingredients you need for a delicious potato and leek soup.
Cilantro
Cilantro is a great companion plant for potatoes, especially when it’s given the opportunity to bloom. During its blooming period, this plant draws hoverflies, lacewings, ladybugs, and parasitic wasps to your garden. These insects, on the other hand, hunt and feed on regular potato pests such as Colorado potato beetle grubs and aphids.
Nasturtium
Nasturtium is a beautiful plant often cultivated for its ornamental qualities or collected for its tasty flowers and zesty leaves. Nasturtium is an excellent companion plant for natural pest control, as it actively helps to control various troublesome insects. Nasturtiums are often used as “trap crops,” attracting pests such as aphids and Colorado potato beetles away from potatoes, making it easier to control and remove them.
Beans and Peas
You can plant beans and peas without worrying about them competing with your potatoes for space or nutrients, and they won’t stunt your potato harvest. Furthermore, the natural ability of legumes to fix nitrogen provides essential nutrients to the soil. Planting legumes with your potatoes can aid in producing healthier and more abundant potato plants.
In addition, beans have the ability to repel Colorado potato beetles. Potatoes, in turn, help to ward off Mexican bean beetles that can cause extensive damage to your bean plants.
Sage
Sage, an aromatic herb, is perfect for drawing bees and other pollinators to your garden. However, its potent fragrance is famous for repelling flea beetles and other typical pests. Additionally, sage and potato gnocchi make for an unbeatable cozy night in, if you needed any more reasons to grow sage alongside your potatoes.
Lettuce
Growing potatoes in the garden can be time-consuming as they require months to mature, which can occupy valuable garden space. On the other hand, when you plant slow-growing potatoes alongside fast-growing plants such as lettuce and leafy greens, you can maximize the yield from your vegetable garden. Planting lettuce alongside your potatoes is a clever way to make the most of your garden space. Plus, because lettuce doesn’t require much, it won’t compete with potatoes for nutrients either.
Marigolds
One of the most effective natural ways to prevent pests in your organic garden is by keeping marigolds. The fragrance of marigolds naturally repels numerous common pests, such as Colorado potato beetles. By sowing marigolds alongside your tubers, you can naturally keep pests away from your plants while also adding a pop of bright color to your garden beds.
In conclusion, cultivating a pest-free potato garden becomes a rewarding endeavor when you harness the power of companion planting. The 10 must-have companion plants—such as marigolds, basil, horseradish, and others—act as natural guardians, protecting your potatoes from a range of pests.
By strategically integrating these companions into your garden, you not only enhance pest resistance but also promote a harmonious ecosystem. Remember, the synergy between plants goes beyond pest control; it nurtures healthier soil, encourages biodiversity, and ultimately contributes to the overall success of your potato garden. So, embrace the art of companion planting and watch your spuds thrive in a pest-resistant haven of greenery. Happy gardening!
What are the Most Effective Companion Plants to Keep Potato Pests at Bay?
Cilantro, Alliums, Horseradish, Cabbage, Sweet Alyssum, Nasturtium, Beans and Peas, Sage, Lettuce, Marigolds, Borage, Basil, Thyme, Oregano, Garlic, Onion, Eggplant etc..
How Can I Prevent Pests in my Potato Patch with Companion Planting?
Companion planting has been a common practice in gardening since the early days of agriculture. In brief, companion planting involves growing plants in close proximity to one another to mutually benefit their growth. Certain plants can be planted alongside others to repel insects and other pests, providing protection for their more vulnerable companions. Companion plants have the ability to enhance the flavor, taste, scent, beauty, and growth of other plants as well. There are numerous beneficial companions for potato plants.
What Factors Should I Consider when Choosing Potato Companion Plants for Pest Control?
When choosing potato companion plants for pest control, consider plants that repel common potato pests like Colorado potato beetles. Marigolds deter nematodes, while basil and horseradish can repel aphids and other pests. Additionally, planting beans with potatoes enhances soil fertility. Rotate crops annually to reduce pest buildup and promote a healthy ecosystem.
Are there Specific Companion Plants that Act as Natural Insect Repellents for Potatoes?
Yes, several companion plants act as natural insect repellents for potatoes:
Marigolds: Repel nematodes in the soil and deter certain above-ground pests.
Basil: Acts as a natural repellent for mosquitoes, aphids, and mites that can affect potatoes.
Horseradish: Deters Colorado potato beetles.
Nasturtiums: Attract pests away from potatoes and serve as a trap crop.
Rosemary: Can repel pests like the Colorado potato beetle.
