Can You Plant Potatoes Beside Tomatoes

Are you planning your vegetable garden and wondering which crops can be planted together? Specifically, can potatoes be planted beside tomatoes? The short answer is yes, but there are some things you should keep in mind before you start planting.

Companion Planting Guidelines

Companion planting is the practice of planting different crops beside each other to enhance growth, protect against pests, and improve flavor. However, not all plants get along well together, and some can even harm each other. When planting potatoes and tomatoes together, here are some guidelines to follow:

Plant potatoes and tomatoes on opposite sides of the garden bed or container to prevent competition for nutrients

Give each plant enough space to grow and spread out

Plant tomatoes in a location that receives full sun, and potatoes in a location that receives partial shade

Avoid planting near plants from the same family such as peppers, eggplants, and tomatillos as they can all attract the same pests and diseases

Plant herbs such as basil and parsley nearby to repel pests and improve flavor

The Benefits of Planting Potatoes and Tomatoes Together

Planting potatoes and tomatoes together can have several benefits. For one, potatoes are known for their ability to repel pests such as the Colorado potato beetle. By planting tomatoes and potatoes together, the beetles may be deterred from attacking the potato plants. The two plants also have different root depths, with tomato plants having shallow roots and potato plants having deep roots. This can help prevent soil compaction and improve soil health overall. Finally, planting the two crops together can save space in your garden and allow you to grow more plants overall.

Harvesting Potatoes and Tomatoes

When it comes time to harvest your potatoes and tomatoes, it is important to do so carefully. Potatoes should be dug up gently with a garden fork, being careful not to pierce or damage the potatoes themselves. Tomatoes should be harvested when they are fully ripe and have reached their mature color. They can be gently picked by hand or with pruning shears.

In Conclusion

So, can you plant potatoes beside tomatoes? Yes, you can! By following the guidelines for companion planting and taking care during harvest, you can grow healthy, delicious crops that complement each other in your garden. Not only will you save space and improve soil health, but you may also deter pests and improve flavor overall.