Companion Plants to Grow with Potatoes

Companion planting with potatoes can improve growth, reduce pest problems, and make better use of garden space. While potatoes are relatively easy to grow, choosing the right companion plants helps keep them healthier and more productive throughout the season.

⭐ Recommended Products — Seed Potatoes & Planting Essentials

• Seed Potato Collection (Early, First & Second Earlies)
A mixed pack of quality seed potatoes to plant for a steady harvest from early summer through to autumn. Ideal if you want variety in size and maturity times.
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• Certified Seed Potatoes (Single Variety Packs)
Choose popular individual varieties (e.g., Maris Piper, Charlotte, King Edward) to suit your taste and growing goals — consistent results from true seed stock.
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• Potato Grow Bags / Containers
Reusable, breathable bags designed specifically for growing potatoes — great for patios, small gardens, or increasing yield in limited space.
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• Potato Fertiliser / Soil Booster
Specially formulated feed to support healthy tuber development and improve yields — apply at planting or as a top-dress during the season.
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• Potato Planting Guides & Markers
Helpful tools and guides that take you through planting depth, spacing, and care — plus reusable markers to keep track of different varieties.
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Why Companion Planting Helps Potatoes

Good companion plants can:

• Deter common potato pests
• Improve soil health
• Attract beneficial insects
• Make efficient use of space
• Reduce disease pressure

Poor companions, on the other hand, can increase competition and disease risk.

Best Companion Plants for Potatoes

Legumes (Beans and Peas)

Legumes are excellent companions for potatoes.

• Fix nitrogen into the soil
• Improve soil fertility
• Support strong potato growth

Grow peas early in the season or beans nearby once potatoes are established.

Brassicas (Cabbage Family)

Cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, and sprouts grow well near potatoes.

• Different nutrient needs reduce competition
• Benefit from soil structure left by potatoes
• Fit well into crop rotation systems

Ensure good spacing to maintain airflow.

Sweetcorn

Sweetcorn is a strong companion plant.

• Deep roots reduce competition
• Tall growth provides light shade
• Uses nutrients differently to potatoes

Ideal for larger plots and allotments.

Lettuce and Spinach

Leafy greens are great space fillers.

• Shallow roots
• Grow quickly between potato rows
• Harvested before potatoes fully develop

Perfect for maximising growing space.

Onions and Garlic

Alliums help deter pests.

• Their scent can discourage aphids and beetles
• Compact growth fits well alongside potatoes

Avoid overcrowding and allow airflow.

Herbs That Benefit Potatoes

Certain herbs support pest control and pollinators:

• Marigolds: Repel nematodes and attract beneficial insects
• Coriander: Confuses pests and attracts predators
• Thyme: Low-growing and pest-resistant

Plant herbs around the edges of potato beds.

Plants to Avoid Growing with Potatoes

Some plants compete heavily or share diseases with potatoes and should be avoided.

Tomatoes

• Share blight and disease risks
• Compete for nutrients
• Should never be grown close together

Peppers and Aubergines

• Same plant family (nightshades)
• Increase pest and disease pressure

Cucumbers and Squash

• Compete for space and nutrients
• Can restrict airflow

Carrots and Parsnips

• Compete underground
• Can become misshapen near potato roots

Companion Planting in Containers and Grow Bags

When growing potatoes in containers:

• Use shallow-rooted companions only
• Lettuce, spinach, and herbs work best
• Avoid large or heavy feeders

Never overcrowd grow bags — potatoes need space to form tubers.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right companion plants to grow with potatoes improves plant health, reduces pest issues, and helps you get the most from your garden space. Legumes, brassicas, leafy greens, alliums, and selected herbs all work well alongside potatoes. Avoid planting other nightshades nearby and focus on good spacing for the healthiest, most productive potato crop.