Sweet Potato Companion Plants: A Guide to Growing Sweet Potatoes with Companions

Are you tired of growing sweet potatoes that don't yield as much as you'd like? Are you looking for a way to improve your sweet potato harvest without using chemicals? One solution might be to grow sweet potato companion plants! By planting certain herbs, flowers, and vegetables alongside your sweet potatoes, you can promote their growth, deter pests, and improve the soil. In this article, we'll explore some of the best companion plants for sweet potatoes and how to incorporate them into your garden.

The Benefits of Companion Planting for Sweet Potatoes

Companion planting is an age-old technique that involves planting different crops together in a way that benefits both plants. When it comes to sweet potatoes, there are several reasons why companion planting can be beneficial:

• Pest control: Certain companion plants can help repel pests that may attack sweet potatoes, such as wireworms, flea beetles, and root-knot nematodes.
• Improved soil: Some companion plants have deep roots that loosen the soil and bring up nutrients from deeper layers, making them available to nearby sweet potatoes.
• Nutrient cycling: Leguminous plants (such as beans and peas) fix nitrogen from the air and make it available to other plants, including sweet potatoes.
• Biodiversity: Planting a variety of crops in one area can create a diverse ecosystem that attracts beneficial insects and supports healthy soil microorganisms.

Companion Plants for Sweet Potatoes

Now that we've covered some of the benefits of companion planting, let's take a closer look at some of the best companion plants for sweet potatoes:

1. Beans

Beans planted in between rows of sweet potato vines

Beans are excellent companion plants for sweet potatoes because they fix nitrogen in the soil, which is essential for plant growth. They also help keep the soil moist and cool, which is especially important during hot summer months. Plant bush beans or pole beans in between rows of sweet potato vines, making sure to give them enough space to grow. Avoid planting beans too close to sweet potatoes, as they may compete for nutrients.

2. Marigolds

Marigolds planted around the perimeter of a sweet potato bed

Marigolds are known for their ability to repel pests, so planting them around the perimeter of your sweet potato bed can help protect your crop from insects and nematodes. They also attract beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings, which prey on aphids and other pests. Plant marigold seeds in early spring, or purchase seedlings from a nursery. Make sure to deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowering.

3. Peppers

Pepper plants growing alongside sweet potatoes

Peppers are another good companion plant for sweet potatoes because they help repel pests and add nutrients to the soil. They also provide shade for the sweet potato vines during hot weather. Plant pepper seedlings in between sweet potato vines or in separate rows nearby. Be careful not to plant peppers too close together, as they may compete for resources.

4. Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums planted in between rows of sweet potato vines

Nasturtiums are edible flowers that have a peppery flavor and bright colors. They are also great companion plants for sweet potatoes because they attract beneficial insects and repel aphids and whiteflies. Plant nasturtium seeds in early spring, or purchase seedlings from a nursery. Make sure to give them enough space to spread out, as they can grow quite large.

Tips for Growing Sweet Potatoes with Companions

Now that you know which companion plants work well with sweet potatoes, here are some tips to help you get started:

• Plan your garden layout: Before you start planting, sketch out a rough plan of where you want to place each crop. Make sure to leave enough space for each plant to grow, and avoid planting too many crops in one area.
• Plant at the right time: Sweet potatoes should be planted in the spring, after the last frost date in your area. Companion plants can be planted at the same time or a few weeks later, depending on their specific needs.
• Water regularly: Sweet potatoes need consistent moisture to grow properly, so make sure to water them regularly. Companion plants may have different watering requirements, so be sure to check their individual needs.
• Maintain good soil health: Companion planting works best when the soil is healthy and fertile. Make sure to amend your soil with compost or organic matter before planting.
• Rotate your crops: To prevent soil-borne diseases and pests, rotate your sweet potatoes and their companions to a different location in your garden each year.

Growing sweet potatoes with companion plants is a great way to improve your harvest and create a healthier, more diverse garden. By incorporating beans, marigolds, peppers, nasturtiums, and other plants into your sweet potato bed, you can enhance soil health, deter pests, and promote plant growth. Just remember to plan your garden layout carefully, plant at the right time, and maintain good soil health. With a little patience and care, you'll be rewarded with a bountiful sweet potato harvest that tastes even sweeter knowing you grew it naturally.

sweet potato, companion planting, beans, marigolds, peppers, nasturtiums