Tomatoes and Potatoes: A Match Made in the Garden?

The Benefits and Challenges of Planting Tomatoes and Potatoes Together

Are you considering planting tomatoes and potatoes in the same garden bed? This gardening technique has become increasingly popular in recent years, as more and more people seek to maximize their yield while minimizing the amount of space they use. But is it really a good idea to plant these two crops together?

In this blog post, we'll explore the benefits and challenges of planting tomatoes and potatoes together. We'll look at how these two crops interact, what kind of soil and environmental conditions they prefer, and what you need to know to make sure your plants thrive. So let's dive in!

What Are the Benefits of Planting Tomatoes and Potatoes Together?

There are several potential benefits to planting tomatoes and potatoes together:

1. Space-Saving

One of the main advantages of planting tomatoes and potatoes together is that it saves space. Instead of dedicating separate beds to each crop, you can plant them side by side or even intermingled. This allows you to grow more food in a smaller area, which is especially important if you have limited garden space.

2. Companion Planting

Another benefit of planting tomatoes and potatoes together is that they are companion plants. Companion planting is a gardening technique where different plants are grown near each other because they provide mutual benefits. In the case of tomatoes and potatoes, tomatoes can help repel pests that attack potatoes, while potatoes can help create a microclimate that tomatoes thrive in.

3. Soil Enhancement

Tomatoes and potatoes both have different nutrient requirements, which means they can help improve the soil for each other. For example, potatoes are heavy feeders that require a lot of nitrogen, while tomatoes prefer a more balanced fertilizer. By planting them together, you can create a more diverse soil ecosystem that benefits both plants.

What Are the Challenges of Planting Tomatoes and Potatoes Together?

While there are certainly many benefits to planting tomatoes and potatoes together, there are also some challenges to be aware of:

1. Disease Risk

One of the main risks of planting tomatoes and potatoes together is that they are both susceptible to certain diseases. For example, both crops can be affected by blight, a fungal disease that can quickly spread from one plant to another. If you're not careful, planting these two crops together could increase the risk of disease and reduce your overall yield.

2. Soil Requirements

Tomatoes and potatoes have different soil requirements, which means you need to be careful about where and how you plant them. Potatoes prefer loose, well-drained soil with a pH of around 5.5 to 6.0, while tomatoes prefer slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8. If your soil isn't suitable for both crops, you may need to amend it before planting.

3. Watering Needs

Another challenge of planting tomatoes and potatoes together is that they have different watering needs. Potatoes prefer moist but not waterlogged soil, while tomatoes need consistent moisture throughout the growing season. This means you need to be careful about how much and how often you water your plants, to ensure that both crops stay healthy.

How to Plant Tomatoes and Potatoes Together

If you're interested in planting tomatoes and potatoes together, here are some tips to get you ed:

1. Choose the Right Varieties

When planting tomatoes and potatoes together, it's important to choose varieties that are compatible with each other. Some good options include Roma or San Marzano tomatoes, which are less prone to disease than other varieties, and Yukon Gold or Red Pontiac potatoes, which are known for their resistance to scab.

2. Prepare Your Soil

Before planting, make sure your soil is suitable for both crops. This may involve testing your soil pH and adding amendments like compost, bone meal, or blood meal to improve its fertility. You may also want to consider using raised beds or containers to ensure adequate drainage and prevent disease.

3. Plant Carefully

When planting tomatoes and potatoes together, be careful not to damage the roots of either crop. You can plant them in rows or clusters, but make sure they have enough space to grow without competing for resources. If you're intermingling the plants, be aware that the tomato vines can become quite heavy and may need support.

4. Water and Fertilize Regularly

To keep your plants healthy, make sure you water and fertilize them regularly. Potatoes are heavy feeders and may require additional nitrogen throughout the growing season, while tomatoes benefit from a balanced fertilizer with plenty of potassium and phosphorus. Be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to disease and root rot.

Tips for Maximizing Your Yield

If you want to get the most out of your tomato-potato garden, here are some additional tips to consider:

1. Prune Your Tomato Plants

Pruning your tomato plants can help increase airflow and reduce the risk of disease. Remove any suckers or side shoots that appear on the lower part of the plant, and trim back any branches that are crowding the center of the plant.

2. Hill Your Potatoes

Hilling your potatoes can help increase yield by encouraging the plants to produce more tubers. To do this, simply mound soil up around the base of the plant as it grows, until the entire plant is covered except for the top few leaves.

3. Use Mulch to Conserve Moisture

Mulching your garden bed can help conserve moisture and reduce weed growth, which can in turn increase your yield. Consider using a layer of straw, leaves, or grass clippings to cover the soil around your plants.

4. Rotate Your Crops

To prevent disease and maintain soil fertility, it's important to rotate your crops regularly. This means planting tomatoes and potatoes in a different spot each year, ideally in a bed that hasn't grown either crop for at least three years.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can you plant tomatoes and potatoes together in a container?

Yes, you can plant tomatoes and potatoes together in a container, as long as the container is large enough to accommodate both plants. Be sure to choose a variety of tomato and potato that are suitable for container growing, and provide adequate support and fertilizer throughout the season.

2. Do tomatoes and potatoes grow well together?

Tomatoes and potatoes can grow well together, as long as you take care to meet their individual requirements and avoid disease. Some gardeners have reported increased yields and pest resistance when planting these two crops together.

3. How far apart should you plant tomatoes and potatoes?

When planting tomatoes and potatoes together, you should aim to space them about 18 inches apart, to give each plant enough room to grow. If you're planting them in rows, space the rows about 3 feet apart.

4. Can planting tomatoes and potatoes together cause disease?

Planting tomatoes and potatoes together can increase the risk of certain diseases, such as blight, if proper precautions are not taken. To reduce the risk of disease, choose disease-resistant varieties, rotate your crops regularly, and avoid overwatering.

5. What other plants can you companion plant with tomatoes and potatoes?

Tomatoes and potatoes can be companion planted with a variety of other plants, including basil, marigolds, and beans. These plants can help repel pests, improve soil fertility, and create a more diverse garden ecosystem.



Planting tomatoes and potatoes together can be a great way to save space, increase yields, and create a more diverse garden ecosystem. However, it's important to be aware of the potential challenges and take steps to prevent disease and ensure healthy growth. By choosing compatible varieties, preparing your soil properly, providing adequate water and nutrients, and following best practices for crop rotation and plant care, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of delicious, homegrown produce.