10 Potato Companion Plants for a More Robust Crop

Potatoes in garden — Photo:
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When it comes to planting a robust vegetable garden, the secret to a successful harvest has as much to do with what you’re growing as what you’re planting next to those crops. Certain plants work really well when planted next to one another because they can help enrich the soil, keep pests away, and enhance the flavor of whatever you’re growing. When it comes to potatoes, the best companion plants are those that do all three! We asked gardening experts to recommend the most beneficial plants to grow next to your potatoes.

Brian Shaunfield, store manager and home and garden expert at Lowe’s
Lindsey Chastain, homesteader and gardening expert, The Waddle and Cluck.

01 of 10

Spinach

Spinach is a shallow-rooted vegetable that helps to fill space in between the potato plants, which makes it a great plant to add when you’re looking to bulk up your edible garden, says Brian Shaunfield, home and garden expert at Lowe’s. "The plant is fast growing (compared to potatoes), so it can be harvested earlier in the year without disturbing the potatoes growing deeper in the soil," he says.

Zones: 6-10
Size: 1 to 12 inches long and 0.5 to 6 inches wide
Care requirements: Full sunlight, frequent watering

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02 of 10

Beans

These healthy vegetables aren’t just packed with the nutrients you need to thrive, they can also help keep your potatoes healthy. "They help keep nitrogen in the soil which nourishes the potatoes," says Lindsey Chastain, homesteader, The Waddle and Cluck. "Potatoes need a lot of nitrogen."

Zones: 3-10
Care requirements: Beans are easy to care for requiring full some and just moderate watering

03 of 10

Chives

Chives are another garden addition that can benefit your potatoes both in and out of the soil. Shaunfield says that this flavorful herb can repel pests while also attracting beneficial insects and pollinators for your garden. “When planted along the borders of beds, chives can act as a barrier to protect other plants,” he says.

Zones: 3-10
Size: 6 to 18 inches tall and 8 to 12 inches long
Care requirements: Full sunlight, well-draining soil rich in organic matter

04 of 10

Cabbage

You won’t have to worry about any critters getting to your potatoes before you do when you plant them next to some cabbage, which helps prevent potato beetles, a pest that likes to nosh on the growing leaves of the tubers, says Chastain.

Zones: 2-9
Size: 1.2 to 2 feet tall
Care requirements: Full sun, 1 to 2 inches of water a week

05 of 10

Cilantro

The flowers on cilantro are excellent at attracting beneficial insects, like parasitoid wasps, hoverflies, ladybugs, and lacewings, that prey on harmful pests, says Shaunfield, who suggests planting this tasty plant along with your potatoes. "In addition, cilantro is a delicious herb that can be used in cooking," he says. "Its delicate white flowers yield coriander seeds that can be used as a spice."

Zones: Annual in most zones but will overwinter in milder climates
Size: 24 inches tall and 12 inches wide
Care requirements: Full sunlight, well-draining soil rich in organic matter

06 of 10

Garlic

Garlic is also a pest deterrent and anti-fungal, says Chastain. Keeping some garlic around can be helpful, especially when it comes to deterring alternaria brown spot or brown leaf spot, two sources of potato blight. Plus, fresh garlic makes a great addition to most potato recipes!

Zones: 4-9
Size: 3 feet tall
Care requirements: Full sun, frequent watering

07 of 10

Marigolds

No garden is complete without marigolds, which deter a variety of pests that can potentially wreak havoc on your garden. Marigolds not only deter potato beetles, but they are thought to enhance the flavor of potatoes, says Shaunfield.

Zones: 2-11
Size: Varies depending on variety
Care requirements: Full sunlight, well-draining soil

08 of 10

Basil

This leafy green is another one that not only helps in the garden, but it helps when harvested and used in recipes as well. "Basil deters thrips and can enhance the flavor of potatoes," says Chastain.

Zones: 10-11
Size: 12 to 20 inches tall
Care requirements: Full sun, frequent watering

09 of 10

Yarrow

If you’re looking for a companion plant for your potatoes that will help with keeping those harmful insects out of your garden, this may be the best plant you can add. "Yarrow attracts beneficial pests like ladybugs," says Chastain of the pollinator favorite.

Zones: 3-9
Size: 3 feet tall
Care requirements: Full sun, well-draining soil

10 of 10

Horseradish

"The most compelling reason to plant horseradish with your potatoes is as a pest deterrent—and it might even repel pesky moles and mice," says Shaunfield. "In addition, you reap the benefits of interesting new flavors that the potato tubers sometimes adopt." However, he adds that you’ll need to be mindful of planting and growing patterns, as horseradish plants can be a bit invasive if left to their own devices.