Grow Bigger Sweeter Strawberries With Companion Planting

Grow Bigger Sweeter Strawberries with Companion Planting

Strawberries are a delicious and versatile fruit that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. They are also relatively easy to grow, but there are a few things you can do to help them reach their full potential. One of the best ways to do this is to use companion planting.

Companion planting is the practice of planting certain plants together in order to benefit each other. There are many different companion plants that can be beneficial for strawberries, but some of the most popular include:

• Alliums: Alliums, such as chives, onions, and garlic, help to repel pests and diseases that can damage strawberries. They also add nutrients to the soil, which can help the strawberries to grow stronger and healthier.
• Beans: Beans are nitrogen-fixing plants, which means they can help to improve the nitrogen content of the soil. This is beneficial for strawberries, as they need nitrogen in order to thrive.
• Lettuce: Lettuce helps to suppress weeds and shade the soil, which can help to keep the strawberries cool and moist. It also attracts beneficial insects, such as ladybugs, which help to control pests.
• Marigolds: Marigolds are known for their pest-repelling properties. They can help to keep away aphids, beetles, and other pests that can damage strawberries.
• Spinach: Spinach is a low-growing plant that can be planted between rows of strawberries. It helps to suppress weeds and shade the soil, and it also attracts beneficial insects.

In addition to these specific plants, there are a few general principles that can be followed when using companion planting with strawberries. For example, it is important to avoid planting strawberries near plants that are susceptible to the same pests and diseases. Additionally, it is a good idea to plant taller plants, such as beans and marigolds, on the north side of strawberry plants, so that they will not shade the strawberries.

By following these simple tips, you can use companion planting to help your strawberries grow bigger, sweeter, and more abundant.

Here are some additional benefits of companion planting with strawberries:

• Improved pollination: Some companion plants, such as borage and chives, attract beneficial insects that help to pollinate strawberries. This can lead to a larger and more bountiful harvest.
• Reduced pest and disease problems: Many companion plants have pest-repelling properties. This can help to keep your strawberries free from pests and diseases, which can damage your plants and reduce your harvest.
• Improved soil health: Some companion plants, such as beans and peas, are nitrogen-fixing plants. This means that they can help to improve the nitrogen content of the soil, which is essential for healthy strawberry growth.

If you are looking for a way to improve the health and productivity of your strawberry plants, companion planting is a great option. By planting certain plants together, you can help to repel pests, attract beneficial insects, and improve the overall health of your soil. This will lead to bigger, sweeter strawberries that you will enjoy for years to come.

Are you growing strawberries in your garden? If so, you may want to consider planting some companion plants nearby. Companion plants are those that benefit each other when planted together. In the case of strawberries, there are a number of plants that can help to improve their growth and yield.

Some of the best companion plants for strawberries include:

• Spinach: Spinach helps to repel pests such as slugs and snails, which can be a problem for strawberries.
• Lettuce: Lettuce helps to suppress weeds, which can also compete with strawberries for nutrients.
• Peas: Peas fix nitrogen in the soil, which is beneficial for strawberries.
• Beans: Beans help to improve the drainage of the soil, which can help to prevent root rot in strawberries.
• Onions: Onions help to repel pests such as aphids and spider mites, which can be a problem for strawberries.
• Clovers: Clovers help to improve the fertility of the soil, which is beneficial for strawberries.
• Thyme: Thyme helps to repel pests such as ants and flies, which can be a problem for strawberries.
• Garlic: Garlic helps to repel pests such as nematodes, which can be a problem for strawberries.
• Borage: Borage attracts pollinators, which can help to improve the pollination of strawberries.

For more information about companion plants for strawberries, please visit Gardenia Inspiration.

FAQ of companion strawberry plants

Frequently Asked Questions About Companion Strawberry Plants

What are the best companion plants for strawberries?

The best companion plants for strawberries are those that help to deter pests, improve soil quality, or attract pollinators. Some of the best companion plants for strawberries include:

• Borage: Borage is a flowering herb that attracts pollinators and helps to repel pests such as aphids and Japanese beetles.
• Beans: Beans are legumes that fix nitrogen in the soil, which can help to improve the growth of strawberries.
• Onions and garlic: The strong scents of onions and garlic help to repel pests such as slugs and snails.
• Lettuce and spinach: These leafy greens help to shade the soil around strawberries, which can help to keep the soil cool and moist.
• Marigolds: Marigolds are known for their insect-repelling properties, and they can help to keep pests away from strawberries.

What are the worst companion plants for strawberries?

Some plants should not be planted near strawberries, as they can compete for nutrients or attract pests. Some of the worst companion plants for strawberries include:

• Tomatoes: Tomatoes and strawberries are both susceptible to verticillium wilt, a soil-borne fungus. Planting them together can increase the risk of both plants contracting the disease.
• Potatoes: Potatoes and strawberries are both members of the nightshade family, and they can compete for nutrients. Planting them together can stunt the growth of both plants.
• Eggplants: Eggplants are also susceptible to verticillium wilt, and planting them near strawberries can increase the risk of both plants contracting the disease.
• Cabbage family plants: Cabbage family plants, such as broccoli, cauliflower, and kale, can attract pests that also target strawberries. Planting them near strawberries can increase the risk of pest infestation.

How do companion plants benefit strawberries?

Companion plants can benefit strawberries in a number of ways, including:

• Attracting pollinators: Pollinators such as bees and butterflies are essential for the pollination of strawberries. Companion plants that attract pollinators can help to increase the yield of strawberries.
• Improving soil quality: Some companion plants, such as beans and peas, are legumes that fix nitrogen in the soil. This can help to improve the growth of strawberries by providing them with a more nutrient-rich environment.
• Decreasing pest pressure: Some companion plants, such as marigolds and borage, have insect-repelling properties. Planting these plants near strawberries can help to deter pests from feeding on the berries.
• Shading the soil: Some companion plants, such as lettuce and spinach, can help to shade the soil around strawberries. This can help to keep the soil cool and moist, which can be beneficial for the growth of strawberries.

What should I avoid when planting companion plants with strawberries?

When planting companion plants with strawberries, it is important to avoid planting plants that compete for nutrients or attract pests. Some plants that should be avoided include tomatoes, potatoes, eggplants, cabbage family plants, and mint.

Image of companion strawberry plants

• Sweet alyssum is a flowering plant that attracts beneficial insects that prey on strawberry pests. It also helps to improve the soil structure and drainage.
• Chives are a herb that helps to repel pests such as slugs and snails. They also add flavor to strawberries.
• Borage is a herb that attracts pollinators and helps to improve the flavor of strawberries. It also helps to deter pests such as aphids.
• Nasturtiums are flowering plants that attract beneficial insects and help to improve the soil nitrogen levels. They also help to deter pests such as rabbits and deer.
• Marigolds are flowering plants that help to repel pests such as nematodes and aphids. They also help to improve the soil drainage.