More potatoes and fewer bugs: a garden trick to increase yields

There is one very interesting method of planting potatoes. A potato and peas are thrown into the same hole. And the point here is not only to save space on the bed.

Experts say that they are compatible crops, and the close proximity will help to get a generous harvest. They will not compete for light, nutrients or growth area. Read the article OBOZREVATEL how to plant potatoes with peas and whether it will do any good.

How do peas affect potatoes

It turns out that peas will be very useful for the growth of potatoes. Pea roots form small "capsules" in which nitrogen-fixing bacteria accumulate nitrogen. These bacteria are able to convert nitrogen, which they extract from the air, into another form that is quickly and easily assimilated by plant roots.

And we are not just talking about peas. In general, legume crops enrich the soil for potatoes, so the latter will give a large and generous harvest.

How to plant potatoes with peas

It's very simple. There are two ways to plant. You can simply drop potatoes and peas together into the holes when planting.

Another, equally effective way is to wait until the first potato sprouts appear and gently insert a pea pod into each bush.

When the peas are mature, the pods should be cut off. And the stem itself is dug up in late summer and early fall along with the potatoes. Peas have short roots and will not depress the growth of tubers at all.

Alternative to peas

There are also alternatives to peas. Alternatively, other legumes, such as beans, can be used instead of peas. The principle is the same: one potato and one bean are thrown into each hole during planting.

Experienced gardeners say that peas or beans help to get rid of the Colorado potato beetle. Those who have already tested this tiphack, claim that the pests really become less. Even insecticide treatment may not be necessary. Peas and beans also protect potatoes from wireworms.

By the way, ordering the beds, you should not forget about the rules of neighborhood. Some vegetables can not be planted next to each other - they will "take" each other's nutrients from the soil and will have common diseases. For potatoes, for example, tomatoes, eggplants, hot and sweet peppers will be bad neighbors. Read more in the article.

Earlier OBOZREVATEL told about the Chinese method of planting potatoes.

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