Estimated reading time: 10 minutes
Have you ever wondered how to boost your sweet potato yield and keep pests at bay? Companion planting may be your answer! In this guide, we dive deep into the best and worst plants to grow alongside your sweet potatoes.
Good companions for sweet potato plants and plants to avoid planting with sweet potatoes are listed in the table below, we go into further detail about each later in the article.
Sweet Potato Companion Chart & Plants to Avoid
| Vegetables | Herbs | Flowers |
| Bush beans | Basil | Alliums |
| Pole Beans | Borage | Alyssum |
| Peas | Catnip | Daisies |
| Horseradish | Chives | Marigold |
| Mustard | Dill | Nasturtium |
| Parsnips | Lemon Balm | Yarrow |
| Onions | Oregano | |
| Turnips | Summer Savory | |
| Spinach | Thyme | |
| Garlic | ||
| Radish |
| Plants to Avoid Near Sweet Potatoes |
| Eggplant |
| Potatoes |
| Peppers |
| Squash |
| Tomatoes |
| Sunflowers |
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What are Sweet Potatoes?
Sweet potatoes, botanically known as Ipomoea batatas, are tuberous roots that are a staple in many global cuisines due to their delicious taste and versatile nature. Here’s what you should know about these nutritious tubers:
Species and Plant Family
Sweet potatoes belong to the Convolvulaceae family, making them relatives of the morning glory plants. This contrasts with regular potatoes, like russet or Yukon golds, which are part of the Solanaceae family and are actually tubers of the plant’s stem, not its roots.
Annual/Perennial
While sweet potatoes are perennial plants in tropical and subtropical regions, they are often grown as annuals in temperate zones because of their sensitivity to cold.
Growth Habit
Unlike regular potatoes that grow in a bush-like form, sweet potatoes are known for their sprawling, vining habit. Their vines, which can extend up to 10 feet long, grow close to the ground and can be used as an effective ground cover in gardens.
Tubers
The actual “sweet potato” is a thickened part of the root, storing nutrients and energy for the plant. They come in various colors, ranging from white and yellow to orange, purple, and even red. The orange-fleshed variety is particularly high in beta-carotene, a precursor to Vitamin A.
Sweet potatoes are known for their sweet and rich flavor, which can be enhanced when roasted, boiled, or steamed. They have a slightly creamy texture and can be used in both savory dishes and desserts.
Frost Hardiness
Sweet potatoes are sensitive to frost. While the plants can tolerate cooler temperatures, the tubers can be damaged if exposed to freezing conditions.
Flavor
Sweet potatoes are known for their sweet and rich flavor, which can be enhanced when roasted, boiled, or steamed. They have a slightly creamy texture and can be used in both savory dishes and desserts.
Difference from Regular Potatoes
Apart from belonging to different botanical families, sweet potatoes and regular potatoes have several differences. Sweet potatoes are generally sweeter, have a softer texture when cooked, and come in a wider range of colors. Regular potatoes, on the other hand, can be starchier and have a more neutral flavor.
Nutritional Value
Sweet potatoes are a powerhouse of nutrition. They are rich in fiber, vitamins (especially Vitamin A), and minerals. They also have a lower glycemic index compared to regular potatoes, making them a good choice for those watching their blood sugar levels.
Understanding these facets of sweet potatoes can not only help gardeners grow them more effectively but also allows cooks to use them more innovatively in the kitchen. Whether you’re planting them in your backyard or simply cooking up a storm, sweet potatoes are a delightful addition to your repertoire.
What is Companion Planting?
Companion planting is an age-old gardening technique where certain plants are grown together, benefiting one another. Whether it’s repelling pests, improving soil, or helping with growth, these plant partnerships can work wonders!
Why Practice Companion Planting
Companion planting is an age-old gardening technique where different crops are planted in close proximity to benefit from each other’s presence. It’s not just about making your garden look pretty; this method can offer a myriad of advantages, from pest control to enhanced growth. Let’s delve deeper into the reasons why many seasoned gardeners swear by companion planting:
Repelling Insect Pests
Some plants emit natural chemicals or fragrances that deter common garden pests. For example, marigolds are known to repel nematodes, while basil can keep mosquitoes and flies away. By integrating such plants among your main crops, you can reduce the need for chemical pesticides.
Attracting Beneficial Insects
Not all insects are harmful. In fact, many are essential for a thriving garden. Companion planting can attract these beneficial bugs. For instance, flowers like daisies or alyssum can bring in ladybugs and lacewings, which feast on aphids.
Weed Prevention
Ground cover plants, like sweet potato vines or clover, can be used to suppress weed growth. Their dense foliage blocks sunlight, making it hard for unwanted plants to take root.
Improved Soil Nutrients
Some plants, especially legumes like beans and peas, have a unique ability to fix nitrogen from the air into the soil. This enhances the soil’s fertility, benefiting neighboring plants by providing them with essential nutrients.
Providing Ground Cover
Certain plants act as living mulch, protecting the soil from direct sunlight, which can reduce moisture loss. This natural ground cover not only retains moisture but also regulates soil temperature, creating a conducive environment for root growth.
Offering Shade
Some crops, especially in regions with intense sun, can benefit from a little shade. Taller plants, like sunflowers or corn, can act as natural shade providers for more sensitive, shorter plants beneath them.
Natural Support
Climbing or vining plants sometimes need support to grow optimally. Instead of using stakes or trellises, you can plant them next to taller, sturdy plants. For instance, peas can naturally climb corn stalks.
Improved Taste and Growth
Believe it or not, certain plant pairings can actually influence flavor! Basil, when planted with tomatoes, not only protects them from pests but is believed to enhance their taste. Similarly, some plants can stimulate the growth of their neighbors through various beneficial interactions.
Companion planting is much more than just placing plants side by side; it’s about understanding and harnessing the natural relationships between plants to create a harmonious and productive garden. By observing these interactions and tweaking plant pairings, gardeners can foster a more resilient and bountiful garden without heavy reliance on artificial means.
What are Good Companion Plants for Sweet Potatoes?
Sweet potatoes, with their sprawling vines and delicious tubers, are a favorite among many gardeners. But to make the most out of your sweet potato cultivation, it’s wise to consider their neighbors. Certain plants can enhance their growth, protect them from pests, or even improve the soil around them. Let’s discuss the ideal companions for sweet potatoes:
Vegetable Companions for Sweet Potatoes
Bush Beans and Pole Beans
These legumes can improve soil health by fixing nitrogen, a nutrient essential for sweet potatoes. The beans’ bushy nature can also provide some shade to the sweet potato plants, which can be beneficial in very sunny conditions.
Peas
Similar to beans, peas can enhance soil nitrogen content. Additionally, their growth pattern doesn’t compete with sweet potato vines, ensuring that both plants can flourish.
Horseradish
This root crop can deter pests that might otherwise be attracted to sweet potatoes, ensuring that your tubers remain unharmed.
Mustard
The strong scent of mustard can repel harmful pests and protect the sweet potato vines.
Parsnips, Turnips, Radish
These root vegetables have different growth patterns compared to sweet potatoes, ensuring they don’t compete for space. They can also help in breaking the soil, making it looser for sweet potatoes.
Onions and Garlic
Their pungent smell can deter many pests, making them great companions for sweet potatoes. Plus, their vertical growth doesn’t interfere with the sprawling nature of sweet potato vines.
Spinach
A low-growing leafy green, spinach can act as a ground cover, helping retain soil moisture and suppress weeds without competing with the sweet potatoes.
Herb Companion Plants
Basil, Oregano, and Summer Savory
These aromatic herbs can deter various pests with their strong scents. Moreover, they attract beneficial insects which can keep potential sweet potato pests in check.
Borage and Dill
These herbs are known to attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and wasps, which can fend off harmful pests that threaten sweet potatoes.
Lemon Balm
Its pleasant citrusy aroma can repel unwanted insects, while also attracting pollinators that benefit the entire garden.
Catnip
Apart from its effects on cats, catnip can deter various pests, making it a great companion for sweet potatoes.
Chives and Thyme:
These low-growing herbs can act as a natural barrier against pests, thanks to their pungent aroma.
Flower Companions for Sweet Potatoes
Alliums and Daisies
These flowers are not just ornamental; they can attract beneficial insects that prey on common pests, ensuring your sweet potatoes remain undamaged.
Alyssum
Its sweet fragrance can lure in beneficial insects while its dense growth can act as a living mulch.
Marigold and Nasturtium
Both flowers have been praised for their ability to repel harmful pests, making them invaluable companions. Marigolds, in particular, can deter nematodes – microscopic worms that can damage sweet potatoes.
Yarrow
This flower can attract predatory insects that feed on pests, ensuring your sweet potatoes have a natural line of defense.
Companion planting is all about creating a harmonious environment where every plant helps its neighbor in some way. For sweet potatoes, this means fewer pests, improved soil health, and an overall bountiful harvest.
What are Bad Companion Plants for Sweet Potatoes?
Just as some plants help sweet potatoes thrive, others might hinder their growth or even attract pests. It’s essential to know these plants so you can ensure your sweet potatoes get the best chance to flourish. Here are plants that may not be the best companions for sweet potatoes:
Eggplant
While it might seem like these two plants would get along, they often attract the same types of pests. The flea beetle, which feasts on eggplant, can also cause damage to sweet potato vines. By planting them together, you might create a buffet for these pests.
Potatoes
Regular potatoes (like russet or Yukon gold) and sweet potatoes are quite different in many aspects, but they share a few common enemies. By planting them side by side, you risk attracting a larger number of pests that can infest both crops.
Peppers
Like eggplants, peppers can also attract pests that are harmful to sweet potatoes. It’s a good practice to keep them separated to prevent potential pest issues.
Squash
While both sweet potatoes and squash are sprawling plants, they might compete for the same ground space and nutrients if planted too close. It’s essential to give both ample space to grow and ensure neither is outcompeting the other.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes can attract the whitefly, a pest that can also infest sweet potatoes. Additionally, tomatoes, being heavy feeders, might compete with sweet potatoes for nutrients.
Sunflowers
These towering plants might seem harmless, but they can cast dense shade over sweet potatoes. While some shade can be beneficial for sweet potatoes, the thick shadow from sunflowers can be a bit too much, hindering the sweet potato’s growth.
It’s always crucial to remember that successful gardening involves understanding the relationships between plants. By being aware of potential issues and planning your garden accordingly, you can ensure that all your crops, including sweet potatoes, have the best environment in which to thrive.
Conclusion
Armed with this knowledge, you can now optimize your garden space, grow sweet potatoes more efficiently, and enjoy a bountiful harvest. Remember, a harmonious garden is a happy garden!
FAQ
Sweet potato vines can stretch up to an impressive 10 feet long!
While marigolds can deter them, poor garden hygiene and planting sweet potatoes near certain plants can attract these pests.
While the vines can spread far, the tubers grow underground and should be spaced about 12 inches apart for best results.
From a single sweet potato plant, you can expect to harvest anywhere between 3 to 6 pounds (1.4 to 2.7 kg) of sweet potatoes, depending on growing conditions and care provided. The number of tubers per plant can vary, but it’s typical to find 3 to 10 sweet potatoes of varying sizes. Factors such as soil fertility, adequate watering, sunlight, and absence of pests and diseases play significant roles in determining the yield of each plant. Proper spacing in the garden will also affect the growth and yield, as crowded plants can produce fewer and smaller tubers.