companion plants for yukon gold potatoes

To me, gardening is about more than just sowing seeds; it’s about getting to know how different plants work together. I always use companion planting to enhance the health and output of my garden.

Selecting the best Yukon Gold Potatoes companion plants is key to a productive garden. Knowing what to plant next to Yukon Gold Potatoes and what to plant between Yukon Gold Potatoes can protect your crops from pests and diseases. Consider plants that protect Yukon Gold Potatoes to maintain a healthy and thriving garden.

What is Companion Planting?

Companion planting is a strategic approach in gardening that focuses on arranging specific plants together to mutually improve their growth, health, and productivity, while also minimizing pest issues.

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Best Companion Plants For Yukon Gold Potatoes

If you’re curious about how this can work in your own garden, I’m here to help! Just shoot me your questions, and I’ll share all the insights and tips I’ve picked up along the way. Let’s make your garden a thriving ecosystem together!

1. Marigolds

   I’ve found that planting marigolds alongside my Yukon Gold Potatoes has been a great companion for them. The marigolds help to deter pests that can damage the potato plants, keeping them healthy and thriving.

2. Cabbage

   I first learned about using cabbage as a companion plant for Yukon Gold Potatoes from an old farmer. I have found that planting cabbage near my potatoes helps to deter pests like aphids and cabbage worms, keeping my potato plants healthier. Additionally, the cabbage leaves provide shade for the potato plants, helping to prevent sunburn on the tubers.

3. Horseradish

   Over time I figured out through trial and error that planting Horseradish alongside Yukon Gold Potatoes was a great idea. I found that Horseradish helps to deter pests that commonly attack potatoes, such as Colorado potato beetles. Additionally, the strong scent of Horseradish seems to confuse and repel other insects that may harm the potato plants. Lastly, I noticed that Horseradish acts as a natural weed suppressant, keeping the potato bed clear and allowing the potatoes to grow without competition.

4. Nasturtiums

   This one comes from the book “Carrots love Tomatoes.” I’ve found that planting Nasturtiums alongside my Yukon Gold Potatoes has been a great companion planting choice. Nasturtiums help deter pests like aphids and potato beetles, keeping my potatoes healthy and pest-free.

5. Peas

   This was a tip from a reader: I have found that planting peas near my Yukon Gold Potatoes has been a great companion planting strategy in my garden. The peas help to fix nitrogen in the soil, which benefits the potatoes by providing them with a nutrient-rich environment. Additionally, the tall pea plants provide some shade for the potatoes, helping to keep the soil cool and preventing the potatoes from getting sunburned.

6. Spinach

   I’ve found that planting spinach close to Yukon Gold Potatoes has been a great companion for my potato plants. The spinach helps to provide shade and keep the soil cool, which is beneficial for the potatoes’ growth. Additionally, the spinach acts as a natural mulch, helping to suppress weeds and retain moisture in the soil, creating a healthier environment for both plants.

7. Brussels sprouts

   I’ve found that planting Yukon Gold Potatoes next to Brussels sprouts has been a great companion for both plants. The potatoes provide shade and act as a natural mulch, keeping the soil cool and moist, which Brussels sprouts love. Additionally, the tall potato plants help to deter pests that may attack the Brussels sprouts, creating a protective barrier. Overall, I’ve had great success growing these two plants together in my garden.

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What Not To Plant With Yukon Gold Potatoes

Just like there are plants that play well together, there are others that don’t get along. Here are some plants that you’re going to want to avoid putting in close proximity to each other. Most of these aren’t the end of the world if it happens, we only have so much garden space after all, but where it makes sense, keep these in mind.

NOTE: You’ll notice some of these plants might also be a companion plant listed above. With each pairing, there are benefits and drawbacks, so I’ve listed drawbacks here if any exist.

1. Tomatoes

   I learned this the hard way: planting Yukon Gold Potatoes next to Tomatoes can negatively impact them. The potatoes can compete for nutrients and water, stunting the tomatoes’ growth.

2. Cucumbers

   This one came from my neighbor, and I’ve noticed that planting Yukon Gold Potatoes near my Cucumbers tends to stunt their growth and reduce their yield. I’m not exactly sure why, but it seems like they just don’t get along well together.

3. Pumpkins

   This also came from Carrots Love Tomatoes. Yukon Gold Potatoes negatively impact Pumpkins because they compete for the same nutrients in the soil, leading to stunted growth and reduced yields.

4. Sunflowers

   Another one I’ve heard is that sunflowers can negatively impact Yukon Gold potatoes by competing for nutrients and water in the soil. This competition can potentially stunt the potatoes’ growth and reduce their yields.

5. Asparagus

   I’ve heard mixed things about this, but planting Yukon Gold Potatoes near Asparagus can negatively impact the growth of the asparagus. The potatoes can compete for nutrients and space, potentially stunting the growth of the asparagus.

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What Should You Plant Near Yukon Gold Potatoes

In addition to the list below, there are some common plants you likely already have in your garden that I thought you might want to know. These veggies make up much of my garden, so here is what you need to know about companion planting them with Yukon Gold Potatoes.

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Tips For Companion Planting With Yukon Gold Potatoes

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Your Turn!

• What have you learned about companion planting for Yukon Gold Potatoes?

By Ryan Mitchell on July 8, 2024   /   Homesteading