When it comes to planting ground cherries, it’s important to consider their compatibility with other plants in your garden. While ground cherries are relatively adaptable, there are a few plants that are not recommended to be planted near them. This is mainly due to the fact that these plants either compete for soil resources or attract similar pests, which can affect the growth and health of your ground cherries.
One group of plants to avoid planting near ground cherries is the nightshade family, which includes crops like tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, and potatoes. Ground cherries are also part of the nightshade family, and planting them alongside other nightshades can lead to competition for nutrients, water, and sunlight. This can result in stunted growth and reduced fruit production for both the ground cherries and the neighboring nightshade plants.
In addition to competition, planting ground cherries near other nightshades can also increase the risk of pest infestations. Pests like aphids, flea beetles, and tomato hornworms are attracted to these plants, and having a concentrated area of nightshades can make it easier for these pests to spread and cause damage. By separating your ground cherries from other nightshades, you can help reduce the risk of pest infestations and promote healthier growth.
Another plant to avoid planting near ground cherries is nasturtiums. While nasturtiums are often used as companion plants in gardens to deter pests, they can attract certain pests that can also affect ground cherries. Aphids, in particular, are attracted to nasturtiums, and if planted too close to your ground cherries, these pests can easily move from the nasturtiums to the ground cherries, causing damage to the foliage and fruits. To use nasturtiums effectively, it’s best to plant them far away from your ground cherries as a distraction for pests, rather than as a companion plant.
To summarize, it is best not to plant ground cherries near corn, eggplants, tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, and other nightshade plants. These plants can compete for soil resources and attract similar pests, which can negatively impact the growth and health of your ground cherries. Additionally, it is advisable to plant nasturtiums far away from your ground cherries to prevent pests from transferring between the two plants. By considering these recommendations, you can create a more harmonious and thriving garden for your ground cherries.
