Are you a strawberry lover? If so, you’re in for a treat! Growing strawberries is not only a delightful hobby, but it also rewards you with juicy, sweet berries bursting with flavor. To take your strawberry patch to the next level, why not consider companion planting?
Companion plants are species that benefit each other when grown in close proximity, promoting healthier growth, pest control, and even enhancing flavors. In this article, I’ll introduce you to 17 fantastic companion plants that can work wonders for your strawberry plants.
So grab your gardening gloves and let’s dive into this listicle of strawberry companions!
1. Borage (Borago officinalis):
Borage is a charming plant with vibrant blue flowers that not only adds visual appeal to your strawberry patch but also acts as a magnet for pollinators like bees. The nectar-rich blooms attract beneficial insects that aid in pollination, leading to better fruit set and larger harvests.
Additionally, borage leaves, when chopped and added to your compost, release minerals that benefit neighboring strawberries.
2. Chives (Allium schoenoprasum):
Chives make fantastic companions for strawberries due to their natural ability to repel aphids and other pests. The pungent aroma of chives deters these unwanted insects, reducing the chances of infestation on your strawberry plants.
Plant chives near your strawberry patch, and you’ll enjoy the added bonus of snipping fresh herbs to enhance your culinary adventures.
3. Marigold (Tagetes spp.):
Marigolds are known for their vibrant colors and strong fragrance, which repel pests like nematodes, aphids, and beetles. By interplanting marigolds with strawberries, you create a natural barrier against these garden intruders.
Plus, marigolds attract hoverflies, which are beneficial insects that prey on aphids, further safeguarding your strawberry plants.
4. Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus):
Add a dash of color and spice to your strawberry patch with the cheerful nasturtium. These edible flowers not only brighten up your garden but also act as a trap crop, luring aphids away from your precious strawberries.
Their peppery leaves are also great additions to salads, giving you a double treat in your garden.
5. Thyme (Thymus spp.):
Thyme is a low-growing herb that makes an excellent companion for strawberries. It helps to repel pests like cabbage worms and slugs, keeping your strawberry plants safe from damage. Thyme also acts as a natural ground cover, reducing weed growth and conserving soil moisture around the strawberries.
6. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium):
Yarrow is a perennial herb that attracts predatory insects like ladybugs and lacewings, which feed on strawberry pests like aphids and spider mites. Planting yarrow near your strawberry plants creates a haven for these beneficial insects, ensuring your strawberries stay pest-free.
7. Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla):
Chamomile is not only a soothing herb for humans but also a beneficial companion for strawberries. Its daisy-like flowers attract hoverflies, which devour aphids and other soft-bodied pests that can harm your strawberries.
Chamomile also enriches the soil with nutrients, promoting healthy growth and robust berry production.
8. Dill (Anethum graveolens):
Dill is a versatile herb that pairs exceptionally well with strawberries. Its feathery foliage attracts beneficial insects like parasitic wasps, which prey on strawberry pests such as caterpillars and aphids. Moreover, dill’s tall stalks can provide shade for delicate strawberry plants during scorching summer days.
9. Garlic (Allium sativum):
Garlic is a powerful companion for strawberries due to its natural insect-repellent properties. Planting garlic bulbs near your strawberry patch helps deter pests like slugs, aphids, and spider mites, reducing the risk of infestation. Garlic also enriches the soil with sulfur, which enhances strawberry flavor and health.
10. Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare):
Tansy is a perennial herb that acts as a natural insect repellent, effectively warding off harmful pests from your strawberries.
Its bright yellow flowers attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, which prey on aphids and other strawberry pests. Be mindful, though, as tansy can be invasive, so it’s best to contain it within a defined area.
11. Calendula (Calendula officinalis):
Calendula, also known as pot marigold, is a stunning flower that not only adds beauty to your garden but also repels nematodes and attracts pollinators. Its bright orange and yellow blossoms attract bees, ensuring proper pollination and a bountiful strawberry harvest.
12. Basil (Ocimum basilicum):
Basil is not only a culinary delight but also a great companion for strawberries. Planting basil near strawberries improves their flavor and aroma, enhancing the taste of your harvest. Basil also deters pests like mosquitoes and flies, reducing their presence in your garden.
13. Nettle (Urtica dioica):
While it may sound counterintuitive, nettle is a beneficial companion for strawberries. When used as a companion plant, nettle acts as a nutrient accumulator, drawing minerals from deep within the soil and making them available to neighboring plants.
This nutrient boost results in healthier strawberries with increased vigor.
14. Lavender (Lavandula spp.):
Lavender is a fragrant herb that not only adds beauty and a calming aroma to your garden but also repels pests like mosquitoes and moths. The strong scent of lavender masks the attractants that draw pests to strawberries, effectively keeping them at bay.
15. Oregano (Origanum vulgare):
Oregano is a versatile herb that complements strawberries while deterring pests like aphids, spider mites, and cabbage worms. Its pungent aroma helps repel these unwanted insects, safeguarding your strawberry plants from damage. Oregano’s sprawling growth also acts as a living mulch, conserving soil moisture.
16. Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus):
Tarragon is an herb known for its delicate anise-like flavor. When planted near strawberries, it helps repel pests like slugs and snails that can harm your precious berries. Tarragon’s attractive foliage and graceful growth habit add visual appeal to your garden as well.
17. Rue (Ruta graveolens):
Rue is a perennial herb that repels a wide range of pests, including Japanese beetles and aphids. Planting rue near strawberries acts as a natural deterrent, keeping these pests away from your plants. However, take care not to consume rue as it can be toxic if ingested in large quantities.
Tips for Successful Companion Planting in Your Strawberry Garden
When it comes to companion planting in your strawberry garden, a little bit of planning can go a long way.
To create a harmonious and thriving garden ecosystem, it’s important to consider various factors such as garden layout, crop rotation, watering needs, timing, companion planting charts, observation, soil preparation, and embracing diversity.
These tips will not only help you maximize the benefits of companion planting but also ensure the health and productivity of your beloved strawberry plants. So, let’s dive into the key considerations and strategies for successful companion planting in your strawberry garden.
Plan your garden layout:
Before planting your strawberry companions, consider the space requirements and growth habits of each plant. Some companions, like sunflowers and tansy, can be tall and may overshadow smaller strawberry plants if not placed strategically.
Rotate your crops:
To maintain soil health and prevent the buildup of pests and diseases, practice crop rotation. Avoid planting strawberries or their companion plants in the same location year after year. Instead, rotate them with different crops to break pest cycles and maintain balanced soil fertility.
Watering considerations:
While strawberries require consistent moisture, not all companion plants have the same water requirements. Group plants with similar watering needs together to ensure efficient irrigation and prevent overwatering or underwatering.
Timing is key:
Be mindful of the planting and blooming times of your strawberry companions. Aim for staggered planting to ensure a continuous supply of blooms, attracting pollinators throughout the growing season.
Companion planting charts:
Refer to companion planting charts or guides to determine the compatibility and benefits of various plants. These resources can help you create a harmonious garden ecosystem that maximizes the benefits of companion planting.
Be observant:
Regularly monitor your strawberry patch and companion plants for signs of pests or nutrient deficiencies. Early detection allows for prompt intervention and prevents potential damage to your plants.
Soil preparation:
Prior to planting your strawberry companions, ensure the soil is well-drained, fertile, and enriched with organic matter. Good soil health promotes strong growth and enhances the overall success of companion planting.
Embrace diversity:
Mix and match different companion plants to create a diverse and visually appealing garden. A variety of companion plants not only provides an array of benefits but also adds interest and beauty to your strawberry patch.
Companion planting is a fascinating and effective technique to improve the health and productivity of your strawberry plants. By carefully selecting and interplanting these 17 wonderful companions, you can create a thriving garden ecosystem that nurtures your strawberries and deters pests naturally.
Remember, successful companion planting requires thoughtful planning, observation, and a touch of experimentation. So, unleash your creativity and watch your strawberry patch flourish with the help of these amazing companions. Happy gardening and enjoy the bountiful harvests of juicy strawberries!