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Tomatoes are a staple in many home gardens, and for good reason. They’re versatile, delicious, and relatively easy to grow. But if you’re planning your garden layout, there’s one important rule to follow. Don’t plant tomatoes next to potatoes. Here we’ll discuss why planting these two next to each other is a big no-no.
Why Tomatoes and Potatoes Don’t Mix
At first glance, tomatoes and potatoes seem like perfect neighbors. They’re both part of the nightshade family (Solanaceae), which includes other favorites like peppers and eggplants. But when it comes to growing them side by side, their similarities are exactly what causes problems. You’ll find that for a variety of reasons these plants when near each other will fail to thrive. Read on to learn why it’s a bad idea to group these plants together.
1. Shared Pests and Diseases
Tomatoes and potatoes are prone to many of the same issues. The most notable is a devastating fungal disease caused by Phytophthora infestans, or potato or tomato blight. This disease can quickly spread between the two plants, especially in warm, humid conditions. If you plant them together, you double the chances of an outbreak that could wipe out both crops. The potato or tomato blight will cause your plants to rot and decay.
2. Nutrient Competition
Nutrient competition is also a big problem for tomatoes and tomatoes planted together. Both plants are heavy feeders and pull many of the same nutrients from the soil. According to gardeners, when grown close together, they compete for essential elements like nitrogen and potassium. This can stunt growth and reduce yields for both crops. Ultimately, you’ll risk damaging both your harvests.
3. Root Disturbance
Potatoes need to be dug up at harvest, and this process can easily damage the shallow roots of nearby tomato plants. This leads to blossom end rot. Blossom end rot happens formation of the fruit, where small imperfections can begin to show up. You won’t know that blossom end rot is a problem until it’s too late and your tomatoes are already growing fruit. In addition, damaged roots can lead to stress, lower fruit production, and make tomatoes more vulnerable to disease.
Better Companion Options
There are several better companion options for your potatoes and tomatoes. If you’re growing tomatoes, consider planting them near basil, marigolds, carrots, lettuce, or onions instead. These plants can help deter pests, enhance flavor, or make better use of garden space without competing too heavily. As for potatoes, good companions include beans, cabbage, and corn. These help break pest cycles or enhance the soil in ways that benefit potato growth.
Watch Your Tomatoes Thrive
While it might be tempting to keep similar plants together for convenience, tomatoes and potatoes are best kept in separate areas of the garden. Planting them together is too risky. By giving each crop its own space, you’ll reduce the risk of disease, improve yields, and make your gardening efforts much more rewarding.
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Teri Monroe started her career in communications working for local government and nonprofits. Today, she is a freelance finance and lifestyle writer and small business owner. In her spare time, she loves golfing with her husband, taking her dog Milo on long walks, and playing pickleball with friends.
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