Discovering the Perfect Sweet Potato Companion: A Guide to Growing a Healthy Crop

The Importance of Sweet Potato Companions

Are you looking to grow sweet potatoes in your garden? If so, you might be wondering what plants are best to grow alongside them. Sweet potato companions can play a vital role in ensuring the health and success of your crop. In this guide, we'll explore everything you need to know about choosing the perfect sweet potato companion.

Understanding Sweet Potato Companions: What Are They?

Before we dive into the specifics, it's essential to understand what we mean by sweet potato companions. Simply put, these are other plants that grow well alongside sweet potatoes. When grown together, they can help to improve soil quality, reduce pest infestations, and even boost crop yields.

The Benefits of Sweet Potato Companions

So why bother growing sweet potato companions? There are several benefits to doing so:

• Improved soil quality: Certain plants can help to break up compacted soil and add nutrients back into the ground.

• Pest control: Some companion plants can repel pests, reducing the need for harsh chemicals or pesticides.

• Increased yields: When grown together, certain plants can improve the overall health of the crop, leading to better yields at harvest time.

Choosing the Right Sweet Potato Companion: Factors to Consider

When selecting a sweet potato companion, there are several factors to consider. These include:

Plant Type

Different types of plants have different effects on the soil and your sweet potato crop. Some are nitrogen-fixing, while others help to repel pests or attract beneficial insects.

Plant Size

You'll want to choose plants that won't overshadow your sweet potatoes. Ideally, they should be smaller in size and have a shallow root system.

Plant Growing Requirements

Different plants have different growing requirements. Make sure you choose ones that can thrive in your particular growing conditions.

15 Sweet Potato Companion Plants to Consider

Now that we've covered some of the basics let's take a look at 15 sweet potato companion plants to consider:

1. Beans

Beans are excellent sweet potato companions because they're nitrogen-fixing. They'll help to add nitrogen back into the soil, which sweet potatoes need to thrive.

How to Plant:

Plant beans alongside sweet potatoes, making sure to space them out enough to allow both crops to grow without competing for resources.

Care Tips:

Beans prefer well-draining soil and full sun. Make sure to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and provide support for the vines as they grow.

2. Garlic

Garlic is another fantastic sweet potato companion. It has natural anti-fungal properties that can help to prevent diseases from affecting your crop.

How to Plant:

Plant garlic around the perimeter of your sweet potato patch, spacing bulbs about 6 inches apart.

Care Tips:

Garlic prefers well-draining soil and full sun. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and fertilize with a balanced fertilizer once a month.

3. Cilantro

Cilantro is an excellent choice for sweet potato companions because it attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings.

How to Plant:

Plant cilantro alongside your sweet potatoes, making sure to space them out enough to allow both crops to grow without competing for resources.

Care Tips:

Cilantro prefers well-draining soil and partial shade. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and fertilize with a balanced fertilizer once a month.

4. Marigolds

Marigolds are a classic companion plant for a reason. They're natural pest repellents, helping to keep harmful insects away from your sweet potatoes.

How to Plant:

Plant marigolds around the perimeter of your sweet potato patch, spacing them about 6 inches apart.

Care Tips:

Marigolds prefer well-draining soil and full sun. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers.

5. Peppers

Peppers are great sweet potato companions because they deter pests and attract beneficial insects.

How to Plant:

Plant peppers alongside your sweet potatoes, making sure to space them out enough to allow both crops to grow without competing for resources.

Care Tips:

Peppers prefer well-draining soil and full sun. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and fertilize with a balanced fertilizer once a month.

6. Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are a beautiful and beneficial sweet potato companion. Their bright flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.

How to Plant:

Plant nasturtiums around the perimeter of your sweet potato patch, spacing them about 6 inches apart.

Care Tips:

Nasturtiums prefer well-draining soil and partial shade. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and fertilize with a balanced fertilizer once a month.

7. Chives

Chives are another excellent sweet potato companion. They repel pests and attract beneficial insects while adding flavor to your meals.

How to Plant:

Plant chives around the perimeter of your sweet potato patch, spacing them about 6 inches apart.

Care Tips:

Chives prefer well-draining soil and full sun. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and fertilize with a balanced fertilizer once a month.

8. Spinach

Spinach is a great choice for sweet potato companions because it's nitrogen-rich and can help to improve soil quality.

How to Plant:

Plant spinach alongside your sweet potatoes, making sure to space them out enough to allow both crops to grow without competing for resources.

Care Tips:

Spinach prefers well-draining soil and partial shade. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and fertilize with a balanced fertilizer once a month.

9. Radishes

Radishes are an excellent choice for sweet potato companions because they can help to break up compacted soil and add nutrients back into the ground.

How to Plant:

Plant radishes alongside your sweet potatoes, making sure to space them out enough to allow both crops to grow without competing for resources.

Care Tips:

Radishes prefer well-draining soil and full sun. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and fertilize with a balanced fertilizer once a month.

10. Sunflowers

Sunflowers make fantastic sweet potato companions because they attract pollinators and add a beautiful touch to your garden.

How to Plant:

Plant sunflowers around the perimeter of your sweet potato patch, spacing them about 6 inches apart.

Care Tips:

Sunflowers prefer well-draining soil and full sun. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and fertilize with a balanced fertilizer once a month.

11. Sage

Sage is an excellent choice for sweet potato companions because it repels pests and adds flavor to your meals.

How to Plant:

Plant sage around the perimeter of your sweet potato patch, spacing plants about 6 inches apart.

Care Tips:

Sage prefers well-draining soil and full sun. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and fertilize with a balanced fertilizer once a month.

12. Parsley

Parsley is another fantastic sweet potato companion. It attracts beneficial insects while adding flavor to your meals.

How to Plant:

Plant parsley around the perimeter of your sweet potato patch, spacing plants about 6 inches apart.

Care Tips:

Parsley prefers well-draining soil and partial shade. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and fertilize with a balanced fertilizer once a month.

13. Borage

Borage is a beautiful and beneficial sweet potato companion. Its blue flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.

How to Plant:

Plant borage around the perimeter of your sweet potato patch, spacing plants about 6 inches apart.

Care Tips:

Borage prefers well-draining soil and partial shade. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and fertilize with a balanced fertilizer once a month.

14. Oregano

Oregano is a great choice for sweet potato companions because it repels pests and adds flavor to your meals.

How to Plant:

Plant oregano around the perimeter of your sweet potato patch, spacing plants about 6 inches apart.

Care Tips:

Oregano prefers well-draining soil and full sun. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and fertilize with a balanced fertilizer once a month.

15. Thyme

Thyme is another excellent sweet potato companion. It repels pests and adds flavor to your meals.

How to Plant:

Plant thyme around the perimeter of your sweet potato patch, spacing plants about 6 inches apart.

Care Tips:

Thyme prefers well-draining soil and full sun. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and fertilize with a balanced fertilizer once a month.

Choosing the Perfect Sweet Potato Companion

Ultimately, the best sweet potato companions will depend on your specific growing conditions and needs. However, by selecting plants that are nitrogen-fixing, pest-repelling, or beneficial to pollinators, you'll be well on your way to a healthy and bountiful crop.

FAQs About Sweet Potato Companions

1. Can I grow sweet potatoes with tomatoes?

While it's possible to grow sweet potatoes with tomatoes, it's generally not recommended. Tomatoes prefer more acidic soil than sweet potatoes, which can lead to nutrient imbalances and reduced yields for both crops.

2. What should I do if my sweet potato companion plants aren't thriving?

If your companion plants aren't doing well, it may be a sign that they're not well-suited to your growing conditions. Try adjusting the soil pH or providing more or less water depending on the plant's needs.

3. Do I need to fertilize my sweet potato companion plants?

Yes, it's important to fertilize your companion plants regularly to ensure they have the nutrients they need to thrive. Use a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.

4. Can I grow sweet potatoes with other root vegetables?

While it's possible to grow sweet potatoes with other root vegetables, it's generally not recommended. These crops tend to compete for resources in the soil, which can lead to reduced yields.

5. What's the best time of year to plant sweet potato companions?

The best time to plant sweet potato companions will depend on your particular growing conditions and climate. In general, aim to plant companion plants at the same time you plant your sweet potatoes, making sure to space them out enough to allow both crops to grow without competing for resources.