Looking for the best Companion Plants for Yams? Check this post for good neighbors that repel pests and provide fresh harvest.
You may not realize it, but if you’ve ever eaten sweet potatoes, you’ve actually had yams. In the South, sweet potatoes are often referred to as yams and are typically an orange variety. When planting these plants, it’s important to choose companion plants for yams that thrive under the same conditions and can help repel pests.
The best time to decide on these companion plants is when you’re starting your yam tubers. Many herbs, which can be planted from seeds or starts, are beneficial companions. If planted simultaneously with the yams, these herbs can provide early pest protection for the young plants.
Best Plants to Grow Along Yams
Golden yams belong to South America and have been cultivated there for many years. These tubers are quite easy to grow and favor USDA zones 9-12. You can find Yams in a variety of colors, including white, purple, brown, red, and the familiar sweet, orange-fleshed variety popular in the southern United States.
Ideal companion plants for yams include those in the morning glory family, pest-deterrent plants, or those that complement the beautiful foliage and purple blossoms of sweet potatoes. When planning your crop layout, remember the importance of crop rotation. Many pests typical to certain crops can overwinter in the soil and reappear in spring to trouble your plants. Crop rotation helps reduce pest problems by replacing the favored food of pests with plants they don’t consume.
One excellent companion for yams is legumes. These plants improve soil quality and crop growth by fixing nitrogen, an important nutrient for leafy growth and plant health. Pole-type beans or peas are particularly beneficial because they can be trained to grow above sweet potatoes.
When companion planting with yams, consider the plot size and the plants’ growth habits. Yams will spread with vine-like growth, making it inadvisable to plant other spreading plants like squash nearby.
Companion Plants for Yams
Yams are found in tropical and subtropical areas. They require full sunlight, loose, healthy soil, and constant moisture. As the edible parts of the yam grow underground, the plant requires protection from insects and larvae in the soil.
- Dill entices some predatory wasps and hoverflies, which feed on pests such as spider mites and aphids.
- Grow oregano next to yam as it is also effective in repelling several pests.
- Summer savory is also a great companion to yam as it improves soil fertility and deters sweet potato weevils.
Plants to place at the edge of a sweet potato bed can include culinary companions that share similar growing requirements, such as cilantro and basil. Ideal companion plants for yams are those that can grow vertically, such as tomatoes or peppers.
Crop Rotation with Yam Companion Plants
Potatoes and sweet potatoes can be challenging to harvest completely, and any left behind may result in volunteer plants. While crop rotation is essential, rotational crops should not compete with these volunteers and should enhance the soil. Legumes or alfalfa are excellent choices for replenishing soil nutrients. Alternatively, planting a cover crop to enrich the soil for the next season is also a good option.
Red clover fixes nitrogen and decomposes quickly, loosening the soil. To further improve the soil for future yam crops, rotate other root crops or broadly rooted plants into the planting space, such as radishes, beets, or corn. These crops help loosen the soil even more. Companion planting with yams can improve soil quality, offer rotation options, and help prevent many pest species.
