Potatoes can be combined with different plants in the bed. We give tips on mixed crops, good neighbors and crop rotation after potatoes.

Mixed cultures rich in species have various advantages, also when growing potatoes

The potato (Solanum tuberosum) is being grown in more and more gardens for self-sufficiency. A mixed culture with other types of vegetables and herbs imitates a natural, species-rich form of cultivation and has significant advantages for gardeners and nature compared to a monoculture in the bed. In this way, the yield can often be increased and harmful organisms prevented. Below you will find tips for creating a mixed crop with potatoes and good neighbors. We also explain the benefits of crop rotation and what crops can be grown after potatoes.

Potato intercropping: Is intercropping worth it?

Potato intercropping has a number of advantages. The combination of the nutrient-hungry potatoes with more undemanding species protects the soil and prevents soil fatigue. Some cultures even keep potato pests away, shade the soil and thus reduce evaporation. The soil structure and microorganisms also benefit from a natural, diverse planting. In the long term, the fertility of the soil is maintained and sometimes even increased.

Garlic or onions can be planted well next to potatoes

Good neighbors for potatoes

At a glance: Which plants go well with potatoes?

  • Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris)
  • Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis)
  • Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica)
  • Fava beans (Vicia faba)
  • Strawberries (Fragaria)
  • Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus)
  • Garlic (Allium sativum)
  • Kohlrabi (Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes)
  • Corn (Zea mays): Sweet, Grilled or Popcorn Corn
  • Mint (Mentha)
  • Spinach (Spinacia oleracea)
  • Savoy (Brassica oleracea convar. capitata var.sabauda)
  • Onion (Allium cepa)

In general, high-consumption potatoes should be paired with vegetables that have lower nutritional requirements to avoid depleting the soil. In a mixed culture, as many different plant families as possible should be planted side by side. Close relatives are at risk of spreading disease quickly and compete for the same nutrients. You should therefore not plant any nightshades (Solanaceae), and therefore neither aubergines (Solanum melongena), peppers (Capsicum annuum) or tomatoes ( Plant Solanum lycopersicum) next to potatoes. Courgettes (Cucurbita pepo subsp. pepo convar. giromontiina) also do not go well with potatoes, as they have similar nutrient requirements. Potatoes should also not be planted with root vegetables as they will compete with each other for underground space.

Closely related species, such as potatoes and tomatoes, often suffer from the same diseases, such as late blight (Phytophthora infestans)

Flat-rooted vegetables such as spinach or strawberries are the best choice here. This is a good way to plant potatoes and beans together, as the latter also develop a shallow root system. A special combination is the planting of a bed in a mixed culture of potatoes, pumpkins (Cucurbita), beans and corn. All of these cultures come from South America and have been planted in this combination of deep-rooted, steeply upright, vine-climbing plants for thousands of years. The beans climb up the corn plants, while the squash covers the space between the plants and the potatoes mainly thrive underground. Cabbage species (Brassica) also get along well with the tuber-forming plants. Planting potatoes and garlic together can deter voles (Arvicolinae) . Peppermint and nasturtium are said to act as a deterrent to snails (Gastropoda) and various insects, including the Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata).

Squash, corn and potatoes, and sometimes beans, have been grown together for thousands of years

Potato crop rotation: what to plant after potatoes?

Potatoes are good preceding crops themselves, meaning they prepare the ground for other species. The potato is important as a previous crop, especially on heavy soils, since its largeroot system loosens the soil. Potatoes are followed by medium-consuming root vegetables, such as carrots (Daucus carota), parsnips (Pastinaca sativa), salsify (Scorzonera hispanica ) as well as beetroot (Beta vulgaris) and turnips (Brassica napus subsp. rapifera) . The following year, weakly consuming leafy vegetables such as lettuce, radishes (Raphanus sativus), peas (Pisum sativum) or spinach are planted. The following year, i.e. the third after the potato, is used to build up humus. A green manure serves to replenish organic matter for soil organisms, at the same time provides food for insects and covers the soil. This prevents dehydration and erosion. Fodder Radish (Raphanus sativus), Mustard (Sinapis alba), Bee Friend (Phacelia tanacetifolia) and Cress ( Lepidium sativum) are just a few of the many possible green manure plants.

Once a suitable area has been found in the garden for growing potatoes, the question arises next year at the latest: Can potatoes always be planted in the same spot? Potatoes are basically self-compatible, so theoretically they can be grown after themselves. However, some potato diseases are soil-borne, which means that they survive in the soil for many years and can reinfect the plants from there again and again. Potatoes and their close relatives should therefore only be planted in the same area every 4 - 5 years.

Would you also like to grow potatoes successfully? We give 10 useful tips from choosing a location, planting, care and harvesting to storing the nutritious tubers.

Category:

Vegetables