Companion planting is an integral part of the organic gardening method. Basically, it’s combining plants that prove beneficial to each other by repelling bugs, fixing nitrogen into the soil for others to use, improving the flavor of one another and more.

Examples of Companion Planting

For instance, rosemary planted near carrots repels the carrot fly. Beans planted alongside corn fix nitrogen into the soil for the heavy feeding corn plant. And basil is said to improve the flavor of tomatoes when planted together.

However, what happens when fruits and vegetables take it upon themselves to “plant” their roots near one another?

It can be dicey, to say the least. Now I consider myself a nature-loving gal, so when I see plants flourishing, I let them be. Why ruin a good thing, right?

Bad Companions

Except that tomatoes and potatoes do NOT make good companions. Which is odd, considering they belong to the same family of plants. On second thought, not all family members get along, do they?

Anyhoo, tomatoes and potatoes don’t work well together because both are susceptible to fungus and can spread the disease amongst each other fairly quickly. UGH. Not a good proposition. But they look so happy…

I’m going to leave them be. My tomato plant is a beauty! (pictured above in the foreground) Call it an experiment, call it, “I couldn’t bear the thought of ripping out a perfectly healthy plant.” Doesn’t matter. The tomato plant stays. Besides, it’s the only one alive in my garden. The others didn’t survive the freeze and my new spring planting hasn’t made it out to the garden, yet.

List of Companion Plants

For a complete list of companion plants, download my free COMPANION PLANTING GUIDE. It will quickly become your go-to guide when planning your next crop!