Could poison ivy growing in your vegetable garden harm the vegetable?

Poison ivy itself does not directly harm vegetables, as it is a separate plant species. However, if the poison ivy is allowed to grow unchecked, it can compete with your vegetables for nutrients, water, and sunlight, potentially affecting their growth and yield. Additionally, contact with poison ivy can cause skin irritation for gardeners when handling the plants, so it's important to manage it carefully. Always wear protective clothing when dealing with poison ivy to avoid allergic reactions.