Sunflower and Potato: Allies or Competitors in the Garden

Companion planting is a popular technique among gardeners who want to use the area of the plot rationally and increase crop yields.

However, not all plants get along with each other.

Anastasia Kovrizhnykh , an expert of the online publication "BelNovosti", an agronomist and landscape designer, told how to act in such a situation.

In the case of potatoes and sunflowers, gardeners' opinions differ. Is it worth the risk of planting these crops next to each other?

The effect of sunflower on potatoes: benefit or harm

Sunflower is a tall plant with a powerful root system and wide leaves. It creates shade, which can be both beneficial and harmful for potatoes.

In regions with hot climates, the shade of sunflowers protects potato bushes from the scorching sun, preventing overheating and wilting.

In cool conditions, shade can slow down the growth and development of potatoes, reducing yields.

In addition, sunflower is a strong consumer of moisture and nutrients. Its roots go deep into the soil, competing with potatoes for resources.

This can lead to a lack of nutrition in the potato, which will affect the size and number of tubers.

Potential problems when planting together

In addition to competition for light, moisture and nutrition, there are other risks associated with planting sunflowers and potatoes together.

• Disease Spread: Both crops are susceptible to some common diseases, such as late blight. Close proximity increases the risk of infection spreading quickly.
• Attracting pests: Sunflowers attract insects such as aphids and bugs, which can spread to potatoes.
• Difficult to maintain: tall sunflower stems make potato plantings difficult to maintain, such as hilling and weeding.

Factors Affecting Compatibility

The decision to plant sunflowers and potatoes together must be made taking into account a number of factors.

• Climate conditions: In hot climates, the shade from sunflowers can be beneficial for potatoes, while in cool climates it can be harmful.
• Soil fertility: In fertile soils, competition for nutrients is less pronounced.
• Crop varieties: early maturing potato varieties have time to produce a harvest before the sunflower reaches its maximum size and begins to create significant shade.
• Location on the site: by planting sunflowers on the north side of potato plantings, we minimize shading.

Alternative Neighborhood Options

If the risks of planting sunflowers and potatoes together seem too high to you, pay attention to crops that get along well with potatoes.

1. Legumes: enrich the soil with nitrogen, which is useful for the growth of potatoes.

2. Corn: repels the Colorado potato beetle.

3. Cabbage: protects against cruciferous flea beetles.

4. Onions and garlic: have phytoncidal properties that repel pests.

Earlier we talked about why tomato seedling leaves dry out.