Bad Companion Plants For Potatoes That Will Ruin Your Harvest

Bad Companion Plants for Potatoes That Will Ruin Your Harvest

Potatoes are a staple crop for many people around the world. They are relatively easy to grow, but there are a few things you need to know to get a good harvest. One of those things is companion planting. Companion planting is the practice of planting certain plants together that benefit each other. By planting the right companions next to your potatoes, you can improve their growth, yield, and resistance to pests and diseases.

However, there are also some plants that you should avoid planting near potatoes. These plants can compete with potatoes for nutrients and water, attract pests and diseases, or even release toxins that can harm the potatoes.

Here are some of the worst companion plants for potatoes:

• Tomatoes: Tomatoes and potatoes are both members of the nightshade family, and they are susceptible to the same pests and diseases. Planting them together can increase the risk of infection.
• Eggplants: Eggplants are also members of the nightshade family, and they can compete with potatoes for nutrients and water.
• Peppers: Peppers are another member of the nightshade family, and they can also compete with potatoes for resources.
• Cucumbers: Cucumbers can attract the same pests that attack potatoes, such as aphids and spider mites. They can also spread powdery mildew, a fungal disease that can damage potatoes.
• Pumpkins and squash: Pumpkins and squash can shade out potatoes, stunting their growth. They can also attract pests such as squash bugs and cucumber beetles.
• Onions: Onions can release a chemical called allicin that can stunt the growth of potatoes. They can also attract aphids and other pests.
• Carrots: Carrots can compete with potatoes for nutrients, especially nitrogen. They can also spread diseases such as blackleg, a fungal disease that can kill potato plants.
• Fennel: Fennel can release a chemical called anethole that can inhibit the growth of potatoes. It can also attract pests such as carrot flies and cabbage loopers.

If you are planning to plant potatoes in your garden, it is important to avoid planting any of these plants near them. By choosing the right companions, you can help ensure a bountiful harvest of potatoes.

In addition to the plants listed above, there are a few other things to keep in mind when companion planting potatoes.

• Plant potatoes with legumes: Legumes, such as beans, peas, and lentils, fix nitrogen in the soil, which can benefit potatoes.
• Plant potatoes with herbs: Herbs, such as chives, garlic, and mint, can repel pests and diseases.
• Plant potatoes with flowers: Flowers, such as marigolds and nasturtiums, can attract beneficial insects that help control pests.

By following these tips, you can create a healthy and productive potato garden.

Potatoes are a delicious and versatile vegetable that can be enjoyed in many different ways. But did you know that there are some plants that you should avoid planting near your potatoes? These bad companion plants can compete with potatoes for nutrients, water, and sunlight, and they can also attract pests and diseases.

Some of the worst companion plants for potatoes include:

• Tomatoes: Potatoes and tomatoes are both members of the nightshade family, and they can share the same pests and diseases. Planting them together can increase the risk of your plants becoming infected.
• Cucumbers: Cucumbers are heavy feeders, and they can compete with potatoes for nutrients. They can also attract pests such as cucumber beetles.
• Eggplants: Eggplants are susceptible to the same pests and diseases as potatoes, and planting them together can increase the risk of infection.
• Fennel: Fennel is a strong-smelling plant that can stunt the growth of potatoes. It can also attract pests such as swallowtail butterflies.
• Onions: Onions can release chemicals that can inhibit the growth of potatoes. They can also attract pests such as aphids.

If you're planning on planting potatoes in your garden, it's important to do your research and avoid planting them near these bad companion plants. For more information about which plants are good and bad companions for potatoes, you can visit Gardenia Inspiration.

FAQ of bad companion plants for potatoes

1. What are some bad companion plants for potatoes?

Some bad companion plants for potatoes include:

• Nightshade family members: Potatoes are members of the nightshade family, so avoid planting them near other nightshades such as tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, and okra. This is because they share many of the same genes and are susceptible to the same diseases and pests.
• Cucumbers: Cucumbers are heavy feeders that take up a lot of water, so if planted right next to potatoes they will compete viciously for the nutrients.
• Fennel: Fennel is slightly allelopathic and may stunt the growth of potatoes.
• Sunflowers: These vibrant flowers grow tall and can shade out garden potatoes.
• Apple, peach, and cherry trees: Fruit trees like peach, apple, and cherry often attract blight, a disease that can decimate a potato crop.

2. Why should I avoid planting bad companion plants with potatoes?

Planting bad companion plants with potatoes can lead to a number of problems, including:

• Reduced yield: When plants compete for the same resources, such as water, nutrients, and sunlight, they will not grow as well as they would if they were planted with compatible companions.
• Diseases and pests: Planting bad companion plants can make potatoes more susceptible to diseases and pests. For example, cucumbers can attract the cucumber beetle, which can damage potato plants.
• Poor flavor: The flavor of potatoes can also be affected by planting them with bad companion plants. For example, fennel can impart a bitter taste to potatoes.

3. What are some good companion plants for potatoes?

Some good companion plants for potatoes include:

• Alyssum: This ground-cover flower attracts beneficial insects and serves as a natural mulch to retain soil moisture and deter weeds.
• Cabbage family plants: Cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts can all help to repel pests from potato plants.
• Corn: Corn provides shade and support for potato plants, and it also helps to attract beneficial insects.
• Chives: Chives can help to repel aphids and other pests from potato plants.
• Leeks: Leeks can help to improve the flavor of potatoes.

4. Can I plant onions next to potatoes?

Onions are generally considered to be a good companion plant for potatoes, but there are some potential drawbacks to planting them together. For example, onions can release compounds that can stunt the growth of potato plants. Additionally, both onions and potatoes are susceptible to the same diseases, so planting them together could increase the risk of infection.

5. What are some other tips for companion planting with potatoes?

Here are some other tips for companion planting with potatoes:

• Consider the size of the plants: When choosing companion plants, it is important to consider the size of the plants. For example, you would not want to plant a large sunflower next to a small potato plant, as the sunflower would quickly shade out the potato plant.
• Plant in blocks: Instead of planting individual plants, plant companion plants in blocks. This will help to create a more balanced ecosystem and reduce the risk of pests and diseases.
• Rotate your crops: After harvesting your potato crop, do not plant another nightshade family member in the same spot for at least two years. This will help to reduce the risk of diseases and pests.

Image of bad companion plants for potatoes

Here are 5 different images of bad companion plants for potatoes from Pinterest:

1. Tomatoes. Tomatoes and potatoes are both members of the Solanaceae family, and they can harbor similar pests and diseases. Planting them near each other can increase the risk of spreading these problems.
2. Eggplants. Like tomatoes, eggplants are also susceptible to pests and diseases that can be spread by potatoes. Additionally, eggplants can compete with potatoes for nutrients and water.
3. Peppers. Peppers are another Solanaceae family member that should not be planted near potatoes. They are also susceptible to the same pests and diseases, and they can compete with potatoes for resources.
4. Cucumbers. Cucumbers and potatoes are both heavy feeders, and planting them near each other can lead to nutrient competition. Additionally, cucumbers can attract pests that can also damage potatoes.
5. Pumpkins/Squash. Pumpkins and squash can also compete with potatoes for nutrients and water. Additionally, their vines can spread and smother potato plants.