Complement planting enhances not only the looks but also aids in yield. Here are some of the Best Strawberry Companion Plants you can use!
Growing strawberries is rewarding when you get a fresh and organic bountiful harvest of this delicious fruit! But you can make your growing experience even better with companion plants as they directly benefit your yield, and you also get to harvest them as well! Here are some of the best Strawberry Companion Plants you can grow!
Check out Our Article on Companion Plants for Carrots here
What is Companion Planting?
Companion planting is merely growing two or more plants next to each other for mutual benefit. It’s a wonderful gardening strategy that improves fertility, protects from pests, and fosters pollination for optimum growth.
Some of the companion planting examples are-Carrots & Rosemary, Lettuce & Chives, Tomatoes & Basil, Melon & Radishes, Peas & Fruit Trees, Nasturtiums, and Cucumbers.
To Know Everything About Growing Strawberries, Click here
Why We Do Companion Planting?
Companion planting is a beneficial gardening form and offers benefits like:
- Improved yield
- Protecting the plants from growth-inhibiting pests and insects
- Controlling the sudden growth of weeds near the plants
- Nurturing health and quality
- Promotes pollination, thereby improving the growth and enhancing quality of strawberries
- Diversify your garden and delights it with a bright outlook with different plants
Check out Our Article on Growing Strawberries Indoors All Year here!
Best Strawberry Companion Plants
1. Bush Beans
Botanical Name: Phaseolus vulgaris
Beans are not only nutritious, but their nutty flavor is loved by many. Growing them with strawberries is beneficial as it attracts nitrogen-fixing bacteria to the soil. It also repels beetles that munch on the strawberries.
To Know About the Best Green Beans for Containers, Click here
2. Borage
Botanical Name: Borago officinalis
Borage is a herb that’s used for culinary purposes, but it’s also considered one of the Best Strawberry Companion Plants. It attracts pollinators and repels pests that can potentially harm strawberries.
3. Caraway
Botanical Name: Carum carvi
It’s another herb that benefits the strawberries by attracting wasps and flies. They cannibalize insects that commonly munch on the fruits.
Check out Our Article on Gardening Tips for Companion Planting here
4. Lupin
Botanical Name: Lupinus
Some plants host nitrogen-fixing bacteria, and lupin being a legume, do the same. Nitrogen-rich soil is more fertile and benefits not just strawberries but any plant in the vicinity of lupin. Plus, it also attracts pollinators such as honeybees.
5. Asparagus
Botanical Name: Asparagus officinalis
As you can grow both asparagus and strawberries immediately after the last frost, it makes sense to plant them together. Another advantage is that they won’t root at the same depth.
Thus, it won’t put a strain on the nutrient levels of the soil. It is one of the best strawberry companion plants on the list!
6. Spinach
Botanical Name: Spinacia oleracea
It’s a leafy green that’s rich in iron and various other nutrients that you must include in your diet. As spinach and strawberries root on different levels, they won’t compete for nutrients.
The occurrence of diseases will also reduce due to the antifungal and antibacterial nature of spinach.
To Know How to Grow Spinach in Pots, Click here
7. Sage
Botanical Name: Salvia officinalis
Growing sage with strawberries is a good idea as both nurture well together. Also, sage protects the companion plant from different harmful and growth-inhibiting pests.
Check out Our Article on Growing Sage here
8. Onions
Botanical Name: Allium cepa
Belonging to the allium family, onion is grown for both its leafy top and bulbs. Its pungent smell discourages pests, thus helping your strawberries in growth. Harvesting fresh onions is also an added advantage!
Learn How to Grow Onions in Pots here
9. Thyme
Botanical Name: Thymus vulgaris
With many dietary, medicinal, and ornamental use, it’s a must-have herb in the garden! Even better, it does well as a companion plant to strawberries.
Worms steer clear, and hoverflies are attracted to them, snacking on harmful pests such as scales, aphids, caterpillars, and thrips.
10. Marigolds
Botanical Name: Tagetes
Getting to see beautiful marigold flowers while watching strawberries ripen is a treat in itself. If that wasn’t enough, their fragrance deters pests that harm strawberries. Plus, root-knot nematodes steer clear of French marigolds.
Check out Our Article on Growing Strawberries in Little Spaces here
11. Rhubarb
Botanical Name: Rheum rhabarbarum
Rhubarb and strawberries are great companions you can grow in your garden. Both are perennial, grow at the same time of the year, and serve numerous health benefits. It is one of the Best Strawberry Companion Plants on the list!
12. Lettuce
Botanical Name: Lactuca sativa
Gardeners love to grow lettuce with strawberries, as the leafy vegetable improves the quality of this delicious fruit. The large, wide, and lush leaves of lettuce also protect the flavorful fruits by hiding them from the sight of birds.
To Know How to Grow Lettuce in Pots, Click here
13. Chives
Botanical Name: Allium schoenoprasum
Chives are an excellent fertilizing companion to strawberries. While you trim chives after the flowering, sprinkle the leaves around the strawberry plants, and they’re going to be excellent mulch! The strong scent emitted by the chives also deters slugs.
Check out Our Article on Growing Chives Year-Round here
14. Garlic
Botanical Name: Allium sativum
Garlic is an excellent strawberry companion plant from the allium family that deters marauders from consuming juicy berries. The pungent smell of garlic keeps the pest away from the strawberries.
Here are the Best Garlic Companion Plants
15. Catnip
Botanical Name: Nepeta cataria
Grow catnip four to six feet along your strawberry rows, as this aromatic plant emits an odor that helps in preventing aphids and cabbage loopers. These pests can damage the whole section of your strawberry patch, and you may notice it a little too late.
Here is A to Z of Growing Catnip Indoors
16. Nasturtiums
Botanical Name: Tropaeolum majus
Nasturtiums are the Best Strawberry Companion Plants and provide natural ground cover, acting as living mulch for strawberries, suppressing weeds, and deterring pests, resulting in a thriving strawberry bed.
Here is How to Grow Nasturtium in a Container
17. Yarrow
Botanical Name: Achillea millefolium
The feathery foliage and delicate flowers of yarrow attract beneficial insects and improve soil health when planted alongside strawberries, fostering a symbiotic relationship between the two plants.
18. Dill
Botanical Name: Anethum graveolens
Planting Dill near strawberries attracts beneficial insects like wasps and ladybugs, which prey on pests, creating a balanced ecosystem and protecting the strawberries.
Here is Everything About Growing Dill in Pots
19. Oregano
Botanical Name: Origanum vulgare
With its aromatic leaves, Oregano acts as a natural pest repellent when grown alongside strawberries, protecting them from common pests and enhancing their flavor, earning it a place in the Best Strawberry Companion Plants.
Here is How to Grow Oregano in Pots
20. Sunflowers
Botanical Name: Helianthus annuus
Planting Sunflowers near strawberries provides shade and support for the delicate strawberry plants while attracting pollinators, resulting in increased fruit production.
Learn How To Grow Sunflowers On The Balcony here
21. Chamomile
Botanical Name: Matricaria chamomilla
Chamomile acts as a companion plant to strawberries, attracting beneficial insects, such as hoverflies, that prey on aphids and other pests, promoting a healthier strawberry crop.
Learn about Growing Chamomile in Pots here
22. Tansy
Botanical Name: Tanacetum vulgare
Growing Tansy near strawberries repels harmful insects like Japanese beetles, protecting the strawberries from damage and improving their overall yield.
23. Chervil
Botanical Name: Anthriscus cerefolium
Another of the Best Strawberry Companion Plants is Chervil. Chervil serves as a beneficial companion plant for strawberries, providing shade, suppressing weeds, and attracting predatory insects that control pests, resulting in improved strawberry growth.
24. Calendula
Botanical Name: Calendula officinalis
Planting calendula near strawberries enhances pollination and attracts beneficial insects, such as bees and hoverflies, which help control pests, benefiting both plants.
25. Mint
Botanical Name: Mentha
Mint acts as a natural pest repellent when planted near strawberries, deterring ants, aphids, and other pests, while the strawberries provide a lush ground cover for the mint.
Learn How to Grow Mint in Small Spaces (Balcony, Porch, Rooftop, and Windowsill) here
26. Nettles
Botanical Name: Urtica dioica
Nettles are the best companion plants for strawberries and act as a nutrient-rich companion, enriching the soil with minerals and promoting healthy growth and fruit development.
27. Lavender
Botanical Name: Lavandula
Lavender not only adds beauty and fragrance to the strawberry patch but also attracts pollinators and repels pests, creating a harmonious and productive environment.
Here is How to Grow Lavender Plants
28. Tarragon
Botanical Name: Artemisia dracunculus
Tarragon enhances the growth of strawberries and helps deter harmful insects when planted alongside them, leading to healthier plants and better yields, making it a top one in our Best Strawberry Companion Plants list.
29. Lemon Balm
Botanical Name: Melissa officinalis
Lemon balm acts as a natural mosquito repellent and attracts beneficial pollinators, benefiting both strawberries and the surrounding garden ecosystem.
30. Rue
Botanical Name: Ruta graveolens
Rue acts as a companion plant for strawberries, repelling pests like Japanese beetles and aphids, protecting the strawberries from damage, and improving their overall health.
31. Comfrey
Botanical Name: Symphytum officinale
Growing Comfrey near strawberries increases nutrient availability in the soil and helps suppress weeds, promoting healthier strawberry plants and higher fruit production.
32. Hyssop
Botanical Name: Hyssopus officinalis
Hyssop is another good companion plant for strawberries and attracts beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, aiding in pollination and pest control, resulting in improved strawberry growth and a thriving garden.
33. Lemongrass
Botanical Name: Cymbopogon citratus
Lemongrass acts as a natural insect repellent when planted near strawberries, protecting them from pests and creating a refreshing citrus aroma in the garden.
Learn How to Grow Lemongrass in a Pot here
34. Coriander (Cilantro)
Botanical Name: Coriandrum sativum
Coriander attracts beneficial predatory insects that prey on pests, making it one of the Best Strawberry Companion Plants and helping to control common strawberry pests and ensuring a healthier strawberry crop.
Here is How to Grow Cilantro in a Pot
35. Geraniums
Botanical Name: Pelargonium
Geraniums act as a natural repellent for pests like aphids and spider mites when planted alongside strawberries, protecting the plants and enhancing their growth.
Learn How to Grow Geranium Indoors Year Round here
36. Fennel
Botanical Name: Foeniculum vulgare
Fennel is another good companion plant for strawberries and attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, which feed on strawberry pests, creating a pest-resistant environment and promoting strawberry health.
Check out How To Grow Fennel in a Pot here
37. Pennyroyal
Botanical Name: Mentha pulegium
Pennyroyal acts as a natural insect repellent and helps control pests like ants and flea beetles, safeguarding strawberry plants from damage.
38. Wintergreen
Botanical Name: Gaultheria procumbens
Last but not least in Best Strawberry Companion Plants is Wintergreen. Wintergreen acts as a ground cover for strawberries, helping to retain moisture and suppress weeds, creating optimal growing conditions for the strawberry plants.
Bad Strawberry Companion Plants
1. Tomatoes
Botanical Name: Solanum lycopersicum
Tomatoes should not be planted as companions to strawberries due to their shared susceptibility to similar diseases, such as verticillium wilt and fungal infections.
Co-planting increases the risk of disease transmission and can harm both crops, making tomatoes bad companion plants for strawberries.
Learn how to grow tomatoes from suckers here
2. Brassicas (Cabbage, Broccoli, Cauliflower)
Botanical Name: Brassica oleracea
Brassicas release compounds that inhibit the growth of nearby plants, including strawberries. They can also attract pests common to strawberries, like cabbage worms, which can damage the strawberry plants.
3. Peppers
Botanical Name: Capsicum
Peppers can compete with strawberries for resources like water, nutrients, and sunlight. Their dense foliage can create shade, potentially depriving strawberry plants of the necessary sunlight they require for optimal growth and fruiting.
4. Potatoes
Botanical Name: Solanum tuberosum
Potatoes and strawberries are prone to similar pests and diseases, such as aphids, fungal infections, and nematodes. Co-planting them increases the risk of spreading these issues and can lead to reduced yields and overall plant health.
Here is How to Grow Potatoes in Pots
5. Cucumbers
Botanical Name: Cucumis sativus
Cucumbers are also bad companion plants for strawberries as they have sprawling vines that can overwhelm strawberry plants, leading to reduced airflow and increased humidity.
This can create favorable conditions for diseases like powdery mildew to develop, affecting the health and yield of both crops.
Learn How to Grow Cucumbers in Small Gardens here
6. Grapes
Botanical Name: Vitis
Grapes and strawberries have different water and nutrient requirements. Grapes are vigorous growers that require ample space, while strawberries benefit from a more compact growing area.
Co-planting them can result in uneven resource distribution, negatively impacting the growth and development of both crops.
Learn How to Grow Grapes in Pots & Care here
7. Carrots
Botanical Name: Daucus carota
Carrots and strawberries have different soil preferences. Carrots thrive in loose, well-draining soil, while strawberries prefer slightly acidic soil with higher organic matter content.
Planting them together can lead to soil imbalances and hinder the growth of both crops.
Check out 29 Companion Plants for Carrots here
8. Corn
Botanical Name: Zea mays
Corn is also among bad companion plants for strawberries as it is a tall crop that can overshadow strawberry plants, depriving them of sunlight.
The dense foliage of corn can create a crowded and shaded environment for strawberries, impacting their growth and fruiting.
Learn How to Grow Baby Corns at Home in Pots here
9. Melons
Botanical Name: Cucumis melo
Melons, such as watermelons and cantaloupes, have similar resource requirements as strawberries, including water, nutrients, and space.
Co-planting them can result in intense competition for these resources, leading to stunted growth and reduced yields for both crops.
10. Beetroot
Botanical Name: Beta vulgaris
Beetroot and strawberries have different soil pH preferences. Beetroot prefers slightly alkaline soil, while strawberries thrive in slightly acidic soil.
Co-planting them can lead to soil pH imbalances, affecting the nutrient availability and overall health of both crops.
Here is How to Grow Beets in Pots
11. Squash
Botanical Name: Cucurbita
Squash plants, such as zucchini and summer squash, have large leaves and sprawling vines that can shade out strawberry plants, making them bad companion plants for strawberries.
The leaves can limit sunlight penetration, reducing strawberry plant vigor and fruit production.
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