Hello, fellow garden enthusiasts!
There’s nothing quite like the taste of homegrown strawberries – sweet, juicy, and bursting with flavor.
To ensure a bountiful harvest, it’s essential to give your strawberry plants the right companions.
Companion planting is a fantastic way to improve your garden’s health and productivity.
So let’s dive into the 15 best companion plants to help your strawberries thrive this season!
1. Borage
Borage is a versatile herb that’s an excellent companion for strawberries.
It attracts beneficial insects like bees, which help with pollination, and repels pests like slugs and snails.
Borage also adds essential trace minerals to the soil, such as calcium and potassium, which can improve strawberry growth and flavor.
The cucumber-flavored leaves can be used in salads or as a garnish, and the vibrant blue flowers are a beautiful addition to any garden.
2. Thyme
Thyme is a low-growing herb that makes a great ground cover for strawberries.
It helps suppress weeds and retains moisture, which benefits the shallow-rooted strawberry plants.
Thyme’s strong aroma also deters pests like slugs and snails, which can damage your strawberries.
And, of course, this herb is a delicious addition to your culinary creations, so be sure to harvest some for your kitchen.
3. Marigolds
Marigolds are a popular companion plant for many vegetables, and strawberries are no exception.
Their bright flowers not only add a pop of color to your garden but also help protect your strawberries from nematodes and other pests.
The roots of marigolds release a natural pesticide called alpha-terthienyl that wards off these unwanted critters.
Plant marigolds around the perimeter of your strawberry patch or intersperse them between your strawberry plants for maximum protection.
4. Carrots
Carrots are a beneficial companion for strawberries, as their deep roots help break up the soil, allowing better water and nutrient penetration for your strawberry plants.
Carrots can also improve soil structure and drainage, which is essential for healthy strawberry growth.
Plus, you’ll have a delicious and nutritious harvest of both strawberries and carrots to enjoy.
5. Lettuce
Lettuce is an ideal companion for strawberries.
Their shallow root system doesn’t compete with strawberries for nutrients and water.
Lettuce provides ground cover, helping to keep the soil moist and cool, which strawberries love.
And, with lettuce growing quickly, you’ll have a continuous supply of fresh greens for your salads throughout the season.
6. Spinach
Spinach, like lettuce, is a great companion for strawberries.
Its shallow roots won’t compete with strawberry roots for nutrients.
Spinach provides ground cover, helping to keep the soil moist and cool, which is perfect for strawberries.
The quick growth of spinach also ensures a continuous supply of fresh greens for your salads and other dishes.
7. Chives
Chives make great companions for strawberries.
Their strong scent deters pests, such as aphids, that can damage strawberry plants.
Chives also have natural antifungal properties, which can help protect your strawberries from diseases like gray mold.
Being low-maintenance and easy to grow in containers, chives are a convenient and space-saving addition to your strawberry garden.
8. Basil
Basil is a versatile herb that can be beneficial for strawberries.
It repels pests like aphids and whiteflies, which can harm your strawberry plants.
Some gardeners also believe that planting basil near strawberries can improve their flavor.
Basil is an excellent source of essential oils, which can boost the plant’s immune system and help it withstand diseases.
This aromatic herb is not only delicious but also supports your strawberry plants’ overall health.
9. Sage
Sage is another herb that makes an excellent companion for strawberries.
Its strong aroma deters pests like slugs and snails, which can damage your strawberry plants.
Sage also attracts beneficial insects like bees, which can help with pollination.
The herb’s beautiful foliage adds visual interest to your garden, and its culinary uses make it a valuable addition to your kitchen.
10. Parsley
Parsley is a beneficial companion for strawberries, as it attracts helpful insects like parasitic wasps and hoverflies, which prey on common strawberry pests.
Parsley also serves as a host plant for the larvae of swallowtail butterflies, adding an extra touch of beauty to your garden.
With a deep root system, parsley helps break up compacted soil, improving water and nutrient availability for your strawberry plants.
11. Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums are vibrant flowers that not only look great in your garden but also provide valuable benefits for your strawberries.
They repel a variety of pests, including aphids and whiteflies, by releasing a chemical called glucosinolate that is toxic to many insects.
The flowers and leaves are edible, adding a peppery flavor to your salads.
Plant nasturtiums near the base of your strawberry plants or along the borders of your garden to take advantage of their pest-repelling properties.
12. Beans
Both pole beans and bush beans make great neighbors for your strawberries.
They help improve soil fertility by fixing nitrogen, which is essential for healthy strawberry growth.
Just be sure to provide a trellis or support for your pole beans to prevent them from overwhelming your strawberry plants.
Beans can also help reduce the risk of pests and diseases, as they repel beetles and other insects that might harm your strawberry plants.
13. Garlic
Garlic is an excellent companion for strawberries.
Its strong smell deters pests like spider mites and aphids.
The sulfur compounds in garlic also have antifungal properties, which can help protect your strawberries from diseases like gray mold.
Plant garlic in a staggered pattern around your strawberry plants or along the edges of your garden to create a barrier against unwanted insects.
14. Oregano
Oregano is a wonderful companion plant for strawberries.
Its fragrant foliage deters pests like aphids and spider mites, which can damage your strawberry plants.
Oregano also attracts beneficial insects like bees and ladybugs, helping with pollination and pest control.
This herb is a tasty addition to your culinary creations, so be sure to harvest some for your kitchen.
15. Calendula
Calendula, also known as pot marigold, is an excellent companion for strawberries.
Its bright orange and yellow flowers attract beneficial insects like ladybugs, lacewings, and hoverflies, which help control aphids and other strawberry pests.
Calendula is also known for its ability to improve soil quality by accumulating phosphorus, a vital nutrient for strawberry growth.
The edible flowers can add color and flavor to your salads and other dishes, making them a versatile and valuable addition to your garden.
Final Thoughts
Companion planting is a fantastic way to maximize your garden’s potential, and these 15 plants are just the tip of the iceberg.
By planting these companions near your strawberries, you’ll be setting yourself up for a bountiful harvest of delicious, healthy fruits.
Remember that every garden is different, and it’s essential to consider factors like climate, soil type, and available space when choosing the right companions for your strawberries.
Don’t be afraid to experiment and find the combinations that work best for you and your garden.
Happy gardening!
