Jerusalem Artichokes in Companion Planting

When planning your vegetable garden, think about how the placement of certain plants can assist neighboring vegetables. Some plants repel unwanted pests that favor attacking a nearby plant, like planting sweet basil next to tomatoes to keep whiteflies away from the tomato plants. Other crops, such as corn, can provide shelter from the sun and wind for nearby crops. These are examples of what is known in the gardening community as "companion planting." If you plan to grow Jerusalem artichokes in your garden, it is important to know which companion plants they can help to thrive.

Plant Jerusalem artichokes on the sunniest side of your garden. These plants can reach 10 feet in height, so they can provide shade for smaller, more vulnerable plants. If you want to plant sweet corn as well, place the sweet corn on the sunniest side and the Jerusalem artichokes in the next sunniest area to provide maximum shade for other crops in your garden.

Pair pole beans with Jerusalem artichokes. Jerusalem artichokes' height also can provide sturdy supports for climbing plants. The pole beans will grow and climb up the Jerusalem artichokes. Additionally, the pole beans infuse the soil with nitrogen that benefits the Jerusalem artichokes and other nitrogen-hungry crops, like corn.

Plant cucumbers on the shady side of Jerusalem artichokes. Jerusalem artichokes and corn protect the cucumbers from wilting under the heat of the sun. Jerusalem artichokes' deep roots also seek out and bring nutrients to the soil's surface, benefiting the cucumbers' health.

Other tubers, such as potatoes, do not make good companions to Jerusalem artichokes. Planting tubers together with Jerusalem artichokes disturbs the root systems of both plants, and inhibits the growth of the edible portions of both crops.