Gardening Tips
Best Companion Plants for Jerusalem Artichokes: Grow Better Crops
Nov
If you’re a passionate gardener, you may have already encountered the challenge of deciding which plants to pair with your Jerusalem artichokes (also known as sunchokes). Planting the right companions can make a significant difference in how well your crops grow, and selecting the wrong ones can hinder your success. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best companion plants for Jerusalem artichokes, the ones you should avoid, and how companion planting can boost your garden’s productivity. Let’s dig in!
Jerusalem artichokes are tubers that come from a type of sunflower, and they’re known for their nutty, slightly sweet taste. They’re great for those who want a nutritious, easy-to-grow crop. Jerusalem artichokes can be eaten raw in salads, roasted, or even made into soups. They’re also perfect for those interested in growing something a little different from the usual potatoes or carrots.
What makes Jerusalem artichokes so unique, though, is how they interact with other plants. With the right companion plants, you can enhance your yields, keep pests at bay, and optimize your garden’s layout.
You may like:
- What You Need to Know About Jerusalem Artichokes (Sunchokes): A Gardener’s Guide
- Common Mistakes to Avoid When Growing Jerusalem Artichoke from Seeds
The Importance of Companion Planting for Jerusalem Artichokes
Companion planting is more than just a gardening trend; it’s a natural way to improve plant health, boost productivity, and maintain a sustainable garden. By strategically placing certain plants next to each other, you can:
Encourage natural pest control
Improve soil health
Maximize space and light exposure
Enhance flavor and growth
With Jerusalem artichokes, pairing them with the right plants can also help protect them from pests and diseases while ensuring they get the nutrients they need to thrive. But which plants are the best companions?
Best Companion Plants for Jerusalem Artichokes
When selecting companion plants for Jerusalem artichokes, you’ll want to focus on plants that complement the artichokes’ growing habits and nutritional needs. Below are some of the best companion plants for Jerusalem artichokes, with tips on how to make the most of them.
1. Beans (e.g., Pole Beans, Bush Beans)
Beans are fantastic companions for Jerusalem artichokes. Why? Beans are nitrogen-fixing plants, meaning they naturally replenish the soil with nitrogen, an essential nutrient for Jerusalem artichokes. In turn, the artichokes can benefit from the enriched soil, resulting in stronger, more vigorous growth.
Beans also benefit from growing near Jerusalem artichokes because the tall artichoke plants provide some natural support for climbing beans. If you’re planting pole beans, this can be a match made in heaven. The beans grow vertically, saving space in your garden while benefiting from the fertile soil around the artichokes.
Tip: Plant pole beans alongside your Jerusalem artichokes but ensure they have enough vertical space to grow. Bush beans are a great choice if you have limited space.
2. Marigolds
Marigolds are excellent companion plants for Jerusalem artichokes. These cheerful flowers do more than brighten up your garden; they also repel harmful insects like aphids, beetles, and nematodes that can damage your artichokes. By planting marigolds near your artichokes, you’re essentially setting up a natural barrier against common pests.
Marigolds also attract beneficial insects like ladybugs, which can help control pests naturally.
Tip: Plant marigolds around the edges of your Jerusalem artichoke bed, where they can act as a protective barrier against pests.
3. Squash and Pumpkins
If you have a larger garden or raised beds, squash and pumpkins can be wonderful companions for Jerusalem artichokes. These plants spread out with sprawling vines that naturally create ground cover, helping to conserve moisture and reduce weed growth. The leaves of squash and pumpkins can also shade the soil, providing relief for your artichokes during hotter months.
Another benefit is that squash and pumpkins don’t compete heavily with Jerusalem artichokes for nutrients. Since they spread out, they won’t overcrowd or crowd out your artichokes.
Tip: Be sure to leave enough space for squash and pumpkin vines to spread. Consider planting them on the edges of your bed to avoid overcrowding your artichokes in the center.
4. Cabbage and Kale
Leafy greens like cabbage and kale are great additions to a Jerusalem artichoke garden. They share similar growing conditions and won’t compete with the artichokes for nutrients. These plants also benefit from the shade provided by the tall Jerusalem artichokes, especially in hotter climates.
Tip: Rotate your leafy greens with Jerusalem artichokes for better soil health and to avoid disease buildup.
5. Basil and Oregano
Herbs like basil and oregano are beneficial companions for Jerusalem artichokes because they can help repel pests while also improving the flavor of your crops. Basil, in particular, is known to deter aphids, whiteflies, and even mosquitoes, which can be a nuisance in the garden.
Tip: Use these herbs in your companion planting arrangement as a natural pest deterrent while adding flavor to your meals.
What Not to Plant with Jerusalem Artichokes
While there are many plants that thrive alongside Jerusalem artichokes, there are a few that should be avoided. Certain plants can compete for the same nutrients or create unfavorable growing conditions for your artichokes. Here’s a list of plants to keep out of your Jerusalem artichoke garden.
1. Nightshades (Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplants)
Nightshades, such as tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants, should not be planted near Jerusalem artichokes. These plants have similar nutrient needs, especially for nitrogen, and they can easily compete for the same soil resources. This could result in stunted growth for both your artichokes and your nightshades.
Tip: If you must grow nightshades, plant them in separate beds or areas to avoid overcrowding.
2. Other Heavy Feeders
Just like nightshades, other heavy-feeding plants such as corn and potatoes are not good companions for Jerusalem artichokes. They’ll compete for the same nutrients, especially nitrogen, and can lead to nutrient depletion in the soil. This can affect the health and growth of your Jerusalem artichokes.
Tip: Stick to planting light feeders like beans or leafy greens alongside your artichokes.
3. Fennel
Fennel is another plant to avoid around Jerusalem artichokes. While fennel has its benefits, it releases toxic compounds that can inhibit the growth of other plants. For this reason, it’s best to keep fennel far from your artichokes.
Sunchokes and Companion Planting in Different Climates
Jerusalem artichokes thrive in USDA hardiness zones 4-9, and companion planting will vary depending on your climate.
Best Growing Zones
For cooler climates, such as those found in the northern United States, you may want to focus on companion plants that can tolerate a short growing season, like beans or kale. In warmer regions, consider adding heat-tolerant herbs like basil and oregano to your garden.
Companion Plants for Cold vs Warm Climates
In cooler climates, the shade provided by Jerusalem artichokes can help protect more delicate plants like lettuce or spinach. However, in warmer areas, you might need to pair your Jerusalem artichokes with heat-loving crops, such as peppers or squash, to maintain a balanced garden.
Tips for Maximizing Jerusalem Artichoke Growth
To get the most out of your Jerusalem artichoke harvest, it’s important to consider the following:
Soil and Watering Needs
Jerusalem artichokes thrive in well-drained soil rich in organic matter. They prefer a slightly acidic to neutral pH, so make sure your soil is suitable for them. Water them regularly but avoid over-watering, as they’re relatively drought-tolerant once established. A balanced mix of moisture and good drainage will ensure strong growth.
Pest Control and Natural Remedies
While Jerusalem artichokes are generally resistant to pests, they can still attract aphids or root aphids. Companion plants like marigolds and basil help to deter these pests, so keep them planted close by.
Conclusion
Companion planting for Jerusalem artichokes is an excellent way to optimize your garden’s health and productivity. By choosing the right plants—like beans, marigolds, and squash—you can boost your artichokes’ growth while also promoting natural pest control and soil health.
To ensure the success of your garden, avoid planting heavy-feeding crops, nightshades, and fennel alongside your artichokes. With a little planning and some thoughtful companion planting, you’ll be well on your way to a fruitful harvest.
Next Steps: Ready to take your gardening skills to the next level? Check out our guide on growing Jerusalem artichokes or explore our tips for creating the perfect organic garden.
By following these best practices, you’ll set your garden up for success while enjoying the process. Happy gardening!