Potatoes are the foundation of the garden, but their "neighbors" can turn the harvest into a disaster!
A University of Idaho study found that sunflowers planted next to potatoes reduced their yield by 25% due to allelopathy.
Their roots secrete sulfoxides, which inhibit the growth of tubers.
But the main enemy is the pumpkin! Its wide leaves create shade, causing late blight.
A gardener from Belarus, Igor K. , wrote on the Potato Paradise forum:
“The pumpkin drowned out the potatoes - I harvested 3 times less than usual!”
List of dangerous neighbors
- Celery - attracts leafhoppers.
- Raspberry - roots compete for moisture.
- Cherry - creates excess shadow.
Saving crops
- Corn - protects from the wind.
- Horseradish repels the Colorado potato beetle.
Advice from agronomist Pavel Trannoy :
"Plant potatoes in a checkerboard pattern with beans - they will saturate the soil with nitrogen and distract pests."
Author: Valeria Kisternaya
