What grows best with potatoes?

Potatoes are a great companion plant, meaning they can be grown with other plants to benefit both. Here are some plants that grow well with potatoes:

Good Companions:

* Beans: Both bush and pole beans are excellent companions, as they fix nitrogen in the soil, which potatoes need.

* Broccoli: The two vegetables have different nutrient needs, so they don't compete for resources.

* Cabbage: Similar to broccoli, they have different nutrient requirements.

* Carrots: These vegetables are another good companion, as their shallow root systems don't interfere with the potatoes.

* Kale: Provides a similar benefit to cabbage and broccoli.

* Lettuce: This leafy green grows quickly and helps shade the soil, which can help keep potatoes cool and moist.

* Marigolds: These flowers deter pests that can harm potatoes.

* Onions: Onions help deter the potato beetle, a common pest of potatoes.

* Peas: Similar to beans, peas also fix nitrogen in the soil.

* Spinach: Provides similar benefits to lettuce.

* Strawberries: Their shallow roots don't compete with potatoes, and the potatoes provide a good source of shade for the strawberries.

Things to Avoid:

* Tomatoes: Tomatoes have the same disease vulnerabilities as potatoes, so planting them together increases the risk of infection.

* Eggplants: Similar to tomatoes, eggplants can be susceptible to the same diseases as potatoes.

* Pepper: Like tomatoes and eggplants, peppers can harbor the same diseases as potatoes.

Tips for Growing Potatoes with Companions:

* Plant in rows: Plant potatoes in rows with companion plants in between the rows.

* Space appropriately: Make sure to space the plants correctly so they have enough room to grow.

* Water regularly: Keep the soil moist but not soggy.

* Fertilize: Fertilize the potatoes regularly, especially if you're growing them with nitrogen-fixing plants.

By planting potatoes with companion plants, you can improve their growth and yield while also adding variety to your garden.