Potatoes are a beloved staple in home gardens, but did you know that they don’t get along with every plant? Some companions can stunt their growth, attract pests, or hog essential nutrients. To keep your garden thriving, here are 20 plants to avoid growing near potatoes—and 5 that actually help them flourish.
1. Tomatoes
Tomatoes and potatoes share too many enemies in the garden, especially blight. When one gets infected, the other is almost guaranteed to follow.
Both are heavy feeders, quickly draining the soil of nutrients they need to thrive. Instead of working together, they just wear each other down.
Keeping them apart minimizes pest pressure and improves your harvest quality on both sides. Your garden will thank you for the distance.
2. Eggplants
Eggplants attract Colorado potato beetles like a magnet. These pests don’t care who they nibble on first—potatoes or eggplants, it’s all a feast.
Both plants belong to the nightshade family and crave similar nutrients. Growing them together means competition and vulnerability.
If you’re growing both, give them separate areas to avoid doubling your pest problem. A little spacing goes a long way.
3. Peppers
Peppers may look harmless, but they’re nightshades too—and that spells trouble. Diseases spread easily between them, especially in humid conditions.
They compete heavily for potassium, which potatoes need to produce strong tubers. This tug-of-war weakens both crops.
To avoid headaches and stunted harvests, keep them in different beds. It’s one of the easiest wins in companion planting.
4. Cucumbers
Cucumbers grow fast and wide, sprawling all over the garden. Their vines can smother young potato plants before they’ve had a chance to grow.
They also attract cucumber beetles, which carry diseases that can hurt your potatoes. It’s not a direct attack—but it’s still a risk.
Let cucumbers climb a trellis far from your potato patch. That way, both can thrive without stepping on each other’s toes.
5. Pumpkins
Pumpkins are space-hungry beasts in the garden. Their giant leaves cast too much shade, which potatoes absolutely hate.
They also bring in pests like squash bugs, which can indirectly affect nearby crops. That’s trouble your potatoes don’t need.
Give pumpkins a separate area where they can roam freely. Your potatoes will thank you with bigger, healthier tubers.
6. Squash
Squash behaves a lot like pumpkins—big, bold, and a little too dominant. It quickly overtakes shared garden space.
The root competition below ground is intense, and neither plant really benefits. Both will underperform when crowded.
Keep squash in its own bed to prevent shading, pest crossover, and stunted yields. Peaceful plants are productive plants.
7. Zucchini
Zucchini is another vine that overreaches. Its dense foliage limits sunlight, and potatoes need all the sun they can get.
They also compete for nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, reducing yields for both. Not a good trade-off.
To get the best out of both crops, grow zucchini in a spot where it won’t shade or crowd your spuds. You’ll notice the difference.
8. Sunflowers
Sunflowers are tall, beautiful, and deeply competitive. They cast a wide shadow that can rob potatoes of vital sunlight.
They also release chemicals through their roots that inhibit the growth of nearby plants. Potatoes are especially sensitive.
If you want sunflowers in your garden, plant them at the far end, well away from your potatoes. Let both shine in their own space.
9. Fennel
Fennel is a famously poor companion to just about everything. It secretes compounds that stunt nearby plants—including potatoes.
It offers no benefits in return: no pest control, no soil enrichment. Just trouble.
If you must grow fennel, give it its own isolated bed. Your potatoes will grow stronger without it nearby.
10. Asparagus
Asparagus and potatoes don’t share the same rhythm. Asparagus is a perennial, while potatoes are pulled each season.
Their root systems interfere with each other and compete for deep soil nutrients. That spells slower growth for both.
It’s best to grow asparagus with other perennials and leave potatoes to the annuals. Everyone wins that way.
11. Raspberries
Raspberries and potatoes can spread verticillium wilt to each other. This fungal disease lingers in the soil and is hard to eliminate.
They also compete for nutrients and space, and raspberry roots can be quite invasive. It’s a messy pairing.
Keep raspberries in their own section or raised bed to avoid unnecessary plant drama. Your spuds will stay healthier for it.
12. Carrots
Carrots and potatoes both grow underground, but their root shapes and needs don’t mix well. They often crowd each other out.
Potatoes can cause carrots to grow twisted or stunted due to root interference. Neither reaches full potential.
If you love both, just space them out properly. That small effort will reward you with a smoother harvest.
13. Turnips
Turnips are fast growers, but they clash with potatoes underground. Their shallow roots disrupt tuber development.
They also don’t offer any pest control or soil benefits to justify the risk. It’s not a balanced partnership.
For optimal growth, plant turnips away from your spuds and let each do their thing without interference.
14. Beets
Beets and potatoes dig into the same soil layers and fight for nutrients. This competition usually hurts both plants.
Beets also don’t repel pests or improve the soil. So what’s the point?
Grow them apart to give each plant room to breathe—and produce better crops in the process.
15. Onions
Onions are part of the allium family, and they can inhibit the growth of potatoes. Their strong presence in the soil can cause stress to nearby tubers.
They also pull similar nutrients from the soil, making things even more competitive. That’s not ideal in a tight garden.
Instead, plant onions near carrots or lettuce where they’ll do more good. Potatoes prefer more neutral neighbors.
16. Garlic
Garlic, like onions, can suppress potato growth with its potent chemical properties. It just doesn’t play well underground.
Even though it repels pests, it drains the same essential nutrients potatoes need. That’s more harm than help.
If you’re growing garlic, plant it somewhere it won’t stress your potatoes. Both crops will thrive when given space.
17. Leeks
Leeks have a strong presence both above and below the soil. Their root systems overlap and steal nutrients from nearby potatoes.
They also don’t offer pest protection or soil improvement. So they’re not bringing anything to the table.
Keep leeks with carrots or other alliums instead. That’s where they truly shine.
18. Chives
Chives grow in clumps that can interfere with young potato sprouts. Their aggressive root systems compete for space and moisture.
They may deter some insects, but at a cost to potato growth. That trade-off isn’t worth it.
Stick chives in a container or a more herb-friendly section of the garden. Potatoes grow better without them.
19. Corn
Corn is a giant compared to potatoes. Its tall stalks block sunlight, which potatoes desperately need.
They also drink up soil nutrients like a sponge, leaving little behind. Potatoes struggle to keep up.
Plant corn in a separate patch where it can stand tall without overshadowing your spuds. They’ll thank you later.
20. Melons
Melons love heat and space—but potatoes don’t enjoy competing for either. Their sprawling vines can choke out potato plants.
They also attract aphids and beetles that won’t stop at melon leaves. That spells trouble for your tubers.
Keep melons far from your potatoes for better airflow, fewer pests, and happier plants overall.
21. Beans and Potatoes Get Along Well
Beans are a perfect companion for potatoes because they fix nitrogen in the soil, which potatoes love. This symbiotic relationship helps enrich the soil, making it healthier for both plants.
Beans also grow vertically, so they don’t take up valuable space or block sunlight from your potatoes. Their vines climb upwards, leaving your spuds to bask in full sunlight.
Not only do beans improve the soil for potatoes, but they also attract beneficial insects. It’s a win-win pairing in the garden.
22. Cabbage and Potatoes Make a Great Pair
Cabbage provides excellent companionship for potatoes, as its broad leaves can shade the soil and protect potato tubers from sunscald. This is especially helpful during hotter months.
Both plants have different growth habits, so they won’t compete for space. Cabbage’s roots don’t interfere with potato development.
Additionally, cabbage helps reduce weed growth, creating a cleaner environment for potatoes. Together, they form a well-balanced duo.
23. Lettuce and Potatoes Work Harmoniously
Lettuce grows quickly and doesn’t compete heavily with potatoes for nutrients, making it a great partner. It also has shallow roots, allowing potatoes to develop deep in the soil without interference.
Because lettuce matures early, you can harvest it before the potatoes need more space. This early harvest leaves room for your spuds to expand and grow.
Lettuce also helps retain soil moisture, which benefits potatoes, especially during dry periods. This duo thrives with minimal fuss.
24. Horseradish and Potatoes Are Strong Allies
Horseradish acts as a natural pest deterrent, especially for Colorado potato beetles. Its strong scent confuses and repels insects that are usually attracted to potatoes.
This powerful plant’s roots don’t compete much with potatoes, leaving ample space for your tubers to expand. Additionally, horseradish’s growth habits don’t overshadow potatoes.
When planted at the perimeter of a potato patch, horseradish creates a natural border that keeps pests away. It’s a highly effective and space-efficient ally for your spuds.
25. Marigolds and Potatoes Work Wonders Together
Marigolds are known for their ability to deter harmful pests like aphids and nematodes, making them perfect companions for potatoes. Their fragrant blooms confuse pests and prevent them from settling on your spuds.
They also attract beneficial insects that can help pollinate your potato flowers. Marigolds grow well alongside potatoes without competing for nutrients.
With their vibrant color and natural pest protection, marigolds add both beauty and practicality to your potato patch. This pairing is a gardener’s secret weapon.