Companion Plants for Potatoes: The Ultimate Guide

Growing Potatoes and Companion Plants

Growing potatoes can be a fun and rewarding experience for gardeners of all skill levels. But did you know that planting certain companion plants alongside your potatoes can improve their growth and yield? Companion planting is a method of growing different plants next to each other so that they can benefit each other in various ways. In this blog post, we will discuss the best companion plants for potatoes that can help you grow healthier, more productive crops.

The Best Companion Plants for Potatoes

1. Beans

Beans are an excellent companion plant for potatoes because they fix nitrogen in the soil, which is essential for potato growth. Nitrogen is one of the most important nutrients for plant growth, and potatoes need a lot of it to produce healthy tubers. Planting beans alongside your potatoes can also help deter pests like Colorado potato beetles.

To get the most benefit from companion planting with beans, it's best to plant them at the same time as your potatoes. You can either interplant them in the same row or alternate rows of potatoes and beans.

2. Peas

Peas are another legume that fixes nitrogen in the soil, making them an ideal companion plant for potatoes. They also attract beneficial insects like bees and hoverflies, which can help pollinate your potato plants.

Plant peas alongside your potatoes early in the season, and make sure to provide them with support structures like trellises or stakes.

3. Carrots

Carrots are a great companion plant for potatoes because they have deep roots that can help break up compacted soil. They also release chemicals that repel certain pests like wireworms and carrot flies, which can damage potato plants.

Plant carrots alongside your potatoes in the same row or alternate rows. Make sure to plant them early in the season, as they take longer to mature than potatoes.

4. Marigolds

Marigolds are a popular companion plant for many vegetables, including potatoes. They release chemicals that repel pests like nematodes and Colorado potato beetles, making them an excellent natural pest control method.

Plant marigolds around the perimeter of your potato patch or interplant them in between your potato rows.

5. Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are a colorful and edible companion plant that can help deter pests like aphids and whiteflies. They also attract beneficial insects like bees and hoverflies, which can help pollinate your potato plants.

Plant nasturtiums around the perimeter of your potato patch or interplant them in between your potato rows.

6. Radishes

Radishes are another root vegetable that can help break up compacted soil and improve soil structure. They also attract beneficial insects and repel certain pests like flea beetles.

Plant radishes alongside your potatoes in the same row or alternate rows. Make sure to plant them early in the season, as they mature quickly.

7. Chives

Chives are a herb that can help deter pests like aphids and slugs. They also attract beneficial insects like bees and hoverflies, which can help pollinate your potato plants.

Plant chives around the perimeter of your potato patch or interplant them in between your potato rows.

8. Thyme

Thyme is another herb that can help deter pests like aphids and whiteflies. It also has antimicrobial properties that can help protect your potato plants from diseases like blight.

Plant thyme around the perimeter of your potato patch or interplant it in between your potato rows.

9. Sage

Sage is another herb that can help deter pests like slugs and snails. It also has antimicrobial properties that can help protect your potato plants from diseases like blight.

Plant sage around the perimeter of your potato patch or interplant it in between your potato rows.

10. Horseradish

Horseradish is a root vegetable that can help repel pests like Colorado potato beetles and wireworms. It also contains compounds that can help stimulate potato growth.

Plant horseradish around the perimeter of your potato patch or interplant it in between your potato rows.

11. Borage

Borage is an edible and medicinal herb that can help attract beneficial insects like bees and hoverflies. It also has pest-repelling properties that can help protect your potato plants.

Plant borage around the perimeter of your potato patch or interplant it in between your potato rows.

12. Calendula

Calendula is a colorful and edible flower that can help attract beneficial insects and repel pests like aphids and whiteflies. It also has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can help protect your potato plants.

Plant calendula around the perimeter of your potato patch or interplant it in between your potato rows.

13. Garlic

Garlic is a pungent herb that can help deter pests like aphids, spider mites, and nematodes. It also has antimicrobial properties that can help protect your potato plants from diseases like blight.

Plant garlic around the perimeter of your potato patch or interplant it in between your potato rows.

14. Onion

Onions are another pungent herb that can help deter pests like aphids and spider mites. They also have antimicrobial properties that can help protect your potato plants from diseases like blight.

Plant onions around the perimeter of your potato patch or interplant them in between your potato rows.

15. Yarrow

Yarrow is an herb that attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, which can help control pest populations in your potato patch. It also has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can help protect your potato plants.

Plant yarrow around the perimeter of your potato patch or interplant it in between your potato rows.

FAQs about Companion Plants for Potatoes

Q1. What vegetables should not be planted with potatoes?

A1. It's best to avoid planting members of the nightshade family, such as tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants, alongside your potatoes. These plants are susceptible to many of the same pests and diseases as potatoes, which can lead to a buildup of pathogens in the soil.

Q2. Can I plant companion plants after my potatoes have already sprouted?

A2. While it's best to plant your companion plants at the same time as your potatoes, you can still plant them later in the season. Just make sure to provide them with enough sunlight, water, and nutrients to ensure their growth and development.

Q3. How far apart should I plant my companion plants from my potatoes?

A3. This will depend on the specific companion plant you are planting. In general, it's best to plant them close enough to provide benefits but not so close that they compete for resources. A good rule of thumb is to plant your companion plants within 12-18 inches of your potato plants.

Q4. Do I need to use any special gardening techniques to plant companion plants with my potatoes?

A4. No, you don't need any special techniques to plant companion plants with your potatoes. Just make sure to provide them with the same care and attention that you would give to your potato plants, including adequate water, sunlight, and nutrients.

Q5. Can I still use pesticides and herbicides if I'm companion planting with my potatoes?

A5. While companion planting can help reduce pest and disease problems in your potato patch, it's still possible for pests and diseases to occur. If you do decide to use pesticides or herbicides, make sure to read the label carefully and follow all instructions to ensure safe and effective use.



In there are many different companion plants that can benefit your potato crop by improving soil health, deterring pests, attracting beneficial insects, and more. By incorporating these plants into your garden, you can grow healthier, more productive crops while reducing the need for chemical inputs. Happy gardening!