Companion planting is an agricultural technique that involves growing different plant species in close proximity to each other. This method is not only about maximizing the space in a garden but also about creating a more harmonious ecosystem. The practice can significantly enhance plant growth, health, and yield. By understanding which plants thrive together, gardeners can create a more resilient and productive garden. Companion plants often provide mutual benefits such as pest control, improved nutrient uptake, and enhanced pollination.
20 Companion Plants for Strawberry
1. Basil
Basil is an excellent companion for strawberries due to its strong scent, which repels many common pests. This aromatic herb deters aphids, mites, and flies, making it a protective shield for strawberry plants. Basil also attracts pollinators such as bees, which can help increase strawberry yields. Additionally, basil’s shallow root system does not compete aggressively with strawberries for nutrients and water, allowing both plants to thrive in the same space. The presence of basil can also enhance the flavor of strawberries, adding a subtle, complementary taste when both are used together in culinary dishes.
2. Borage
Borage is often hailed as one of the best companion plants for strawberries. It attracts pollinators like bees and beneficial insects such as predatory wasps, which help control pest populations. Borage also improves soil health by adding trace minerals, particularly calcium and potassium, which are vital for strawberry plant growth. The plant has a deep root system that helps aerate the soil, improving water infiltration and root development for neighboring plants. Moreover, borage can act as a natural mulch when its leaves decompose, providing additional nutrients to the soil and reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers.
3. Thyme
Thyme is a low-growing herb that makes an excellent ground cover around strawberry plants. It helps suppress weeds, reducing competition for nutrients and water. Thyme’s aromatic oils repel a variety of pests, including aphids, whiteflies, and cabbage worms, offering a natural pest control solution. Additionally, thyme attracts beneficial insects like hoverflies and bees, which can help with strawberry pollination. The herb’s hardy nature allows it to thrive in similar soil conditions as strawberries, making it a convenient and effective companion plant. Thyme can also enhance the flavor profile of strawberries when used together in culinary applications.
4. Lettuce
Lettuce is a beneficial companion plant for strawberries because of its shallow root system, which does not compete heavily with strawberries for nutrients. Lettuce acts as a living mulch, helping to keep the soil cool and moist, which is ideal for strawberry growth. Its broad leaves also help to suppress weed growth, reducing competition for resources. Additionally, growing lettuce alongside strawberries can help deter pests such as aphids and slugs, as these pests tend to prefer lettuce and can be more easily controlled. The close planting of lettuce and strawberries can also maximize space in a garden, leading to higher overall productivity.
5. Spinach
Spinach is another excellent companion for strawberries, primarily due to its low-growing habit and shallow roots. It acts as a living mulch, retaining soil moisture and preventing weed growth around strawberry plants. Spinach is also known to repel certain pests, such as aphids and leaf miners, offering a natural form of pest control. Additionally, spinach can improve soil health by contributing organic matter as it decomposes, enhancing the nutrient content and structure of the soil. The rapid growth of spinach allows for multiple harvests within the strawberry growing season, optimizing garden productivity and providing a continuous supply of fresh greens.
6. Chives
Chives are a valuable companion plant for strawberries due to their ability to repel common pests like aphids, spider mites, and Japanese beetles. The sulfur compounds in chives’ leaves emit a strong odor that deters these pests, protecting the strawberries from potential damage. Chives also attract beneficial insects such as ladybugs and parasitic wasps, which help keep pest populations under control. Furthermore, chives have a shallow root system that does not compete with strawberries for nutrients, making them an ideal companion. When chives bloom, their flowers attract pollinators, enhancing strawberry pollination and fruit production.
7. Carrots
Carrots are a great companion plant for strawberries because they have a deep root system that helps aerate the soil, improving water infiltration and root development for strawberries. Carrots and strawberries do not compete for the same soil nutrients, making them ideal companions. The foliage of carrots can provide partial shade to strawberry plants, helping to keep the soil cool and moist. Additionally, carrots can attract beneficial insects like predatory beetles and parasitic wasps, which help control pest populations. Growing carrots and strawberries together can also optimize garden space and increase overall productivity.
8. Marigolds
Marigolds are well-known for their pest-repelling properties, making them an excellent companion plant for strawberries. The strong scent of marigold flowers deters a variety of pests, including nematodes, aphids, and whiteflies, providing natural pest control for strawberry plants.
Marigolds also attract beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and hoverflies, which help keep harmful pest populations in check. Additionally, marigolds can improve soil health by suppressing harmful nematodes and contributing organic matter as they decompose. The bright, colorful flowers of marigolds can also enhance the aesthetic appeal of a strawberry garden, making it both functional and visually pleasing.
9. Garlic
Garlic is a powerful companion plant for strawberries, known for its ability to repel pests such as aphids, spider mites, and nematodes. The sulfur compounds in garlic emit a strong odor that deters these pests, protecting strawberry plants from potential damage. Garlic also has antifungal properties, which can help prevent fungal diseases that affect strawberries.
Additionally, garlic can improve soil health by enhancing its nutrient content and structure. The presence of garlic in a strawberry garden can also attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and parasitic wasps, which help control pest populations. Growing garlic and strawberries together can lead to a healthier and more productive garden.
10. Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums are a fantastic companion plant for strawberries, known for their ability to attract beneficial insects such as ladybugs and predatory wasps, which help control pest populations. They also repel pests like aphids, whiteflies, and cucumber beetles, providing natural pest control for strawberry plants.
Nasturtiums have a sprawling growth habit that can act as a living mulch, helping to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. Additionally, nasturtiums can improve soil health by adding organic matter as they decompose. The bright, colorful flowers of nasturtiums can also enhance the visual appeal of a strawberry garden, making it both functional and beautiful.
11. Sage
Sage is an excellent companion plant for strawberries due to its strong scent, which deters pests such as cabbage moths, carrot flies, and beetles. This aromatic herb also attracts beneficial insects like bees and predatory wasps, which help with pollination and pest control. Sage’s shallow root system does not compete with strawberries for nutrients, allowing both plants to thrive together.
Additionally, sage can improve soil health by adding organic matter as it decomposes. The presence of sage in a strawberry garden can also enhance the flavor of strawberries when used together in culinary applications, creating a harmonious blend of tastes.
12. Onions
Onions are a beneficial companion plant for strawberries due to their pest-repelling properties. The strong odor of onions deters pests such as aphids, spider mites, and Japanese beetles, protecting strawberry plants from potential damage. Onions also have antifungal properties, which can help prevent fungal diseases that affect strawberries.
Additionally, onions have a shallow root system that does not compete with strawberries for nutrients, making them an ideal companion. The presence of onions in a strawberry garden can also attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and parasitic wasps, which help control pest populations. Growing onions and strawberries together can lead to a healthier and more productive garden.
13. Beans
Beans are an excellent companion plant for strawberries due to their ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, improving soil fertility and providing essential nutrients for strawberry growth. Beans also have a deep root system that helps aerate the soil, enhancing water infiltration and root development for strawberries.
Additionally, beans can provide partial shade to strawberry plants, helping to keep the soil cool and moist. The presence of beans in a strawberry garden can also attract beneficial insects like predatory beetles and parasitic wasps, which help control pest populations. Growing beans and strawberries together can optimize garden space and increase overall productivity.
14. Peas
Peas are a beneficial companion plant for strawberries due to their nitrogen-fixing capabilities, which improve soil fertility and provide essential nutrients for strawberry growth. Peas also have a shallow root system that does not compete heavily with strawberries for nutrients, making them an ideal companion.
Additionally, peas can provide partial shade to strawberry plants, helping to keep the soil cool and moist. The presence of peas in a strawberry garden can also attract beneficial insects like predatory beetles and parasitic wasps, which help control pest populations. Growing peas and strawberries together can optimize garden space and increase overall productivity.
15. Dill
Dill is a valuable companion plant for strawberries due to its ability to attract beneficial insects such as ladybugs, hoverflies, and predatory wasps, which help control pest populations. The strong scent of dill also repels pests like aphids and spider mites, providing natural pest control for strawberry plants.
Dill has a deep root system that helps aerate the soil, improving water infiltration and root development for strawberries. Additionally, dill can improve soil health by adding organic matter as it decomposes. The presence of dill in a strawberry garden can also enhance the flavor of strawberries when used together in culinary applications, creating a harmonious blend of tastes.
16. Calendula
Calendula, also known as pot marigold, is an excellent companion plant for strawberries due to its pest-repelling properties. The strong scent of calendula flowers deters a variety of pests, including aphids, whiteflies, and nematodes, providing natural pest control for strawberry plants.
Calendula also attracts beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and hoverflies, which help keep harmful pest populations in check. Additionally, calendula can improve soil health by adding organic matter as it decomposes. The bright, colorful flowers of calendula can also enhance the aesthetic appeal of a strawberry garden, making it both functional and visually pleasing.
17. Tansy
Tansy is a beneficial companion plant for strawberries due to its ability to repel pests such as ants, beetles, and aphids. The strong scent of tansy deters these pests, protecting strawberry plants from potential damage. Tansy also attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and predatory wasps, which help control pest populations.
Additionally, tansy can improve soil health by adding organic matter as it decomposes. The presence of tansy in a strawberry garden can also enhance the visual appeal with its bright yellow flowers, making the garden both functional and beautiful. However, tansy can be invasive, so it’s important to manage its growth carefully.
18. Cilantro
Cilantro is an excellent companion plant for strawberries due to its ability to attract beneficial insects such as ladybugs, hoverflies, and predatory wasps, which help control pest populations. The strong scent of cilantro also repels pests like aphids and spider mites, providing natural pest control for strawberry plants.
Cilantro has a shallow root system that does not compete with strawberries for nutrients, allowing both plants to thrive together. Additionally, cilantro can improve soil health by adding organic matter as it decomposes. The presence of cilantro in a strawberry garden can also enhance the flavor of strawberries when used together in culinary applications, creating a harmonious blend of tastes.
19. Parsley
Parsley is a valuable companion plant for strawberries due to its ability to attract beneficial insects such as ladybugs, hoverflies, and predatory wasps, which help control pest populations. The strong scent of parsley also repels pests like aphids and spider mites, providing natural pest control for strawberry plants.
Parsley has a shallow root system that does not compete with strawberries for nutrients, making it an ideal companion. Additionally, parsley can improve soil health by adding organic matter as it decomposes. The presence of parsley in a strawberry garden can also enhance the flavor of strawberries when used together in culinary applications, creating a harmonious blend of tastes.
20. Yarrow
Yarrow is an excellent companion plant for strawberries due to its ability to attract beneficial insects such as ladybugs, hoverflies, and predatory wasps, which help control pest populations. The strong scent of yarrow also repels pests like aphids and spider mites, providing natural pest control for strawberry plants.
Yarrow has a deep root system that helps aerate the soil, improving water infiltration and root development for strawberries. Additionally, yarrow can improve soil health by adding organic matter as it decomposes. The presence of a yarrow in a strawberry garden can also enhance the visual appeal with its clusters of small, colorful flowers, making the garden both functional and beautiful.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the benefits of companion planting with strawberries?
Companion planting with strawberries helps in pest control, improves soil health, enhances pollination, and increases overall garden productivity.
2. Can companion plants affect the flavor of strawberries?
Yes, some companion plants like basil and sage can enhance the flavor of strawberries when grown together.
3. Do companion plants compete with strawberries for nutrients?
Most companion plants mentioned, such as lettuce and chives, have shallow root systems or different nutrient requirements, minimizing competition with strawberries.
4. How do companion plants improve soil health?
Companion plants like beans and peas fix nitrogen in the soil, while others like borage and nasturtiums add organic matter, improving soil fertility and structure.
5. Can companion planting reduce the need for chemical pesticides?
Yes, many companion plants repel pests or attract beneficial insects that control harmful pests, reducing the need for chemical pesticides.
