Companion Planting with Horseradish
Companion planting is a method of planting two or more plants that have a symbiotic relationship; that is, they mutually benefit one another is some way. Most plants benefit from this practice and planting companions for horseradish is no exception. As mentioned, horseradish contains oil that helps to curb fungal and microbial movement. While it doesn’t prevent infection, it can curtail it which makes horseradish a boon to many other plants, but what are companions for horseradish?
What Grows Well with Horseradish?
Horseradish not only helps ward off diseases, but it makes an excellent insect repellent. For this reason, potatoes and horseradish grow very well together. Horseradish repels:
Potato bugs Potato beetles Aphids Blister beetles Whiteflies Some caterpillars
If you decide to try this particular horseradish plant companion combo, be advised that horseradish spreads rapidly and is easily propagated from even the tiniest bit of root left in the ground. So plant it at the corners of the potato patch or, better yet, in pots near the patch. Fruit trees and brambles also make good horseradish plant companions; plant horseradish at the base of small fruit trees or in amongst berries or grapes to get the benefits of its insect repellent qualities. The root is also said to deter birds and small rodents, like moles and field mice, from eating up all the fruit. The same cannot be said of squirrels, however, but (in my experience) nothing deters a determined squirrel. Sweet potatoes, strawberries, asparagus, and rhubarb are all said to make wonderful horseradish plant companions. Again, in every instance, the companion plants seem to get all the benefits from the horseradish. That’s okay, plant it anyway. Horseradish has numerous health benefits for humans too. It is a cancer-fighting cruciferous, high in vitamin C, can be used as a gastric stimulant or a topical pain reliever, and don’t forget its antibacterial and antibiotic qualities. A very useful plant, one that is easily grown, is companion plant friendly or can stand alone.
