If you’re a gardener, you know that some plants just seem to grow better together. This is the concept behind companion planting, which involves pairing certain plants together to benefit each other’s growth and productivity. For strawberry lovers, companion planting can be especially helpful in promoting healthy plants and a bountiful harvest. In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 companion plants for strawberries, and how they can help boost your crop. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, read on to learn more about how to create a thriving strawberry patch with the help of these friendly plant partners.
What is the best companion plant for strawberries?
Companion planting can be a great way to enhance the growth of your strawberries while also promoting biodiversity in your garden. Here are ten companion plants that can be beneficial to strawberries:
1. Borage
Borage is an excellent companion plant for strawberries because it attracts pollinators like bees and other beneficial insects, which can help increase fruit yield. Borage also has a taproot that can help bring nutrients up from deep in the soil, making them available to nearby strawberry plants.
2. Chamomile
Chamomile is known for its ability to repel pests like aphids and attract beneficial insects like ladybugs. Additionally, chamomile has a shallow root system that won’t compete with strawberries for nutrients and moisture.
3. Marigolds
Marigolds are another pest-repelling plant that can be beneficial to strawberries. They contain natural compounds that repel pests like nematodes and whiteflies, which can damage strawberry plants.
4. Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums are an excellent companion plant for strawberries because they can deter aphids and other pests. Additionally, they have a shallow root system that won’t compete with strawberries for nutrients.
5. Onions
Onions can help deter pests and diseases that can affect strawberries. They also have a shallow root system, so they won’t compete with strawberries for nutrients.
6. Peas
Peas are nitrogen-fixing plants that can help increase soil fertility around strawberries. Additionally, their sprawling vines can help suppress weeds, which can compete with strawberries for nutrients and moisture.
7. Spinach
Spinach is a great companion plant for strawberries because it has a shallow root system and won’t compete with strawberries for nutrients. Additionally, spinach can help keep the soil moist and cool, which can be beneficial to strawberry plants.
8. Thyme
Thyme is a fragrant herb that can help repel pests like aphids and whiteflies. Additionally, it can help improve soil health by attracting beneficial insects and increasing soil biodiversity.
9. Yarrow
Yarrow is a hardy perennial that can help improve soil health and attract beneficial insects. Additionally, it can help improve soil structure by breaking up compacted soil around strawberry plants.
10. Zinnias
Zinnias are colorful and attractive flowers that can help attract pollinators like bees and butterflies to your strawberry plants. Additionally, they can help repel pests like whiteflies and attract beneficial insects like ladybugs.
Frequently Asked Questions about Companion Plants for Strawberries
Q: What should not be planted with strawberries?
A: It’s best to avoid planting brassicas (such as broccoli and cauliflower) near strawberries, as they can attract pests that also damage strawberry plants.
Q: What grows next to strawberries?
Many plants can grow well alongside strawberries, including herbs like basil and thyme, flowers like marigolds and zinnias, and vegetables like lettuce and spinach.
Q: How do I get my strawberries to produce more fruit?
A: To encourage more fruit production from your strawberry plants, make sure they receive plenty of sunlight and water. You can also fertilize them with a balanced fertilizer and remove any runners that develop to redirect energy back into fruit production.
Q: What flowers do you plant with strawberries?
A: Some good flower companions for strawberries include marigolds, zinnias, and nasturtiums, which can help repel pests and attract pollinators.
Q: What should not be planted near strawberries?
A: As mentioned earlier, it’s best to avoid planting brassicas near strawberries. You should also avoid planting other plants that are susceptible to verticillium wilt, a disease that can affect strawberries.
Q: Do strawberries and mint grow well together?
A: While mint can be a useful companion plant for repelling pests, it’s not recommended to plant it with strawberries, as it can be invasive and take over the area around the strawberries.
Q: Is it OK for strawberries to touch soil?
A: It’s best to avoid letting strawberries touch the soil, as this can increase the risk of disease and rot. To prevent this, you can use a layer of straw or mulch around the plants to keep the fruit elevated.
Q: Can I plant flowers with strawberries?
A: Yes, many flowers can be planted alongside strawberries, as long as they don’t attract pests or compete with the strawberries for nutrients.
Q: What other berries can I plant with strawberries?
A: Other berries that can be grown alongside strawberries include blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries.
Q: What can I plant together with strawberries?
A: Many plants can be grown alongside strawberries, including herbs, flowers, and vegetables. The key is to choose plants that won’t attract pests or compete with the strawberries for nutrients.
Q: What should you not plant near strawberries?
A: In addition to brassicas and other plants susceptible to verticillium wilt, it’s also best to avoid planting nightshades (such as tomatoes and peppers) near strawberries.
Q: What berries can be planted together?
A: Different types of berries can often be planted together without issue. For example, strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries can all be grown in the same garden.
Q: Can you grow blackberries and strawberries together?
A: Yes, blackberries and strawberries can be grown together, as long as they have enough space and aren’t competing for nutrients.
Q: What is the best companion plant for strawberries?
A: Some of the best companion plants for strawberries include borage, chamomile, marigolds, and nasturtiums, which can all help repel pests and attract beneficial insects.
Q: What should not be planted near strawberries?
A: In addition to brassicas and nightshades, it’s also best to avoid planting plants that are susceptible to root rot near strawberries.
Q: Is it OK for strawberries to touch soil?
A: No, it’s best to keep strawberries elevated above the soil to prevent disease and rot. You can use a layer of straw or mulch around the plants to achieve this.
Conclusion
Companion planting is an effective way to promote the health and productivity of your garden. By planting certain plants together, you can help repel pests, prevent diseases, and improve soil health.
Strawberries, in particular, benefit from companion planting. The plants listed above, including borage, chives, thyme, dill, nasturtium, marigold, garlic, sage, and spinach, can all help improve the growth and flavor of your strawberries.
Remember to choose plants that have similar growing requirements and to plant them at the right time. With a little bit of planning and effort, you can create a beautiful and productive garden filled with delicious, healthy strawberries and their beneficial companions. Happy gardening!
