Companion Planting with Strawberries: Best Plants to Boost Growth

Companion planting with strawberries isn’t just about growing plants—it’s about creating a dream team for your garden. Want to boost strawberry growth, fend off pests, and get sweeter fruit? The secret lies in choosing the right plant buddies.

Whether you’re working with a backyard plot or a cozy indoor setup, this guide has you covered. From pest-repelling herbs to space-saving veggies, you’ll discover the perfect matches for your strawberries. Ready to make your garden thrive? Let’s dig in!

What Is Companion Planting, and Why Does It Matter?

Companion planting is the practice of growing specific plants together to improve their overall health and productivity. By pairing plants with complementary traits, you can:

Repel harmful pests without relying on chemical pesticides.

Attract beneficial insects like pollinators and predatory bugs.

Optimize space in your garden, especially in small areas.

Enhance soil fertility by using plants that improve nutrient levels.

Strawberries are particularly well-suited for companion planting because they are low-growing plants with shallow roots. This makes it easy to pair them with taller crops, herbs, and flowers without causing overcrowding. Plus, companion planting can help strawberries resist common pests like aphids and slugs.

Growth of Strawberry Plants

Strawberries are shallow-rooted and their roots only develop in the first 15 cm/5.9 in of soil. They are therefore sensitive to weeds and not very competitive. They also grow small, compact and bushy, which is why they can compete for light with very tall plants.

However, the needs of different strawberry varieties also differ here and wild strawberries, for example, also like to grow in partial shade. To ensure that your strawberry plants thrive, it is best to choose plants that complement them well in terms of growth habit and nutrient requirements.

Nutrient Requirements: Strawberries Are Medium Feeders

Strawberries have a high potassium requirement, but are more susceptible to diseases if they are heavily fertilized with nitrogen. They are medium feeders and generally only have a moderate need for nutrients. Although medium and weak feeders usually complement each other well with heavy feeders, the nutrient requirements of strawberries are slightly different.

Most heavy feeders have a high nitrogen requirement and need to be fertilized regularly, which is not good for strawberries. This is why most heavy feeders do not do well next to strawberry plants.

What Can You Plant with Strawberries?

Companion planting for strawberries involves selecting plants that either benefit strawberries directly or coexist with them harmoniously. Below is a list of ideal companions:

1. Vegetables

Spinach and Lettuce: These leafy greens are shallow-rooted like strawberries, making them ideal neighbors. They won’t compete for nutrients and can help keep weeds in check by shading the soil.

Onions and Garlic: These pungent plants act as natural pest repellents, particularly against slugs, aphids, and spider mites, which are common strawberry pests.

Asparagus: Strawberries and asparagus make a great perennial pair. Asparagus grows deep roots, while strawberries remain shallow, preventing competition.

2. Herbs

Borage: This herb is a superstar companion for strawberries. It attracts pollinators, deters harmful pests like aphids, and improves the growth and flavor of strawberries.

Thyme: Its aromatic leaves repel worms and caterpillars that might otherwise harm your strawberry plants.

Basil: A fragrant herb that discourages pests while adding a culinary benefit to your garden.

3. Flowers

Marigolds: Known for their pest-repelling properties, marigolds help keep nematodes and other soil-borne pests away from strawberry roots.

Nasturtiums: These beautiful flowers not only brighten up your garden but also deter whiteflies and aphids.

Plants to Avoid Planting with Strawberries

While many plants can coexist with strawberries, some should be avoided because they can either attract pests or compete for nutrients.

Brassicas (e.g., cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower): These plants attract pests like cabbage worms, which can spread to strawberries.

Tomatoes, Peppers, and Eggplants: These members of the nightshade family can harbor verticillium wilt, a soil-borne fungus that also affects strawberries.

Potatoes: Like tomatoes, potatoes are susceptible to similar diseases and pests, making them poor companions.

Fennel: This plant secretes chemicals that inhibit the growth of nearby plants, including strawberries.

Benefits of Specific Companion Plants for Strawberries

Let’s take a closer look at some of the best companions for strawberries and why they work so well:

1. Borage

Improves strawberry flavor and overall health. Attracts pollinators like bees, which help increase strawberry yields. Deters harmful insects like aphids and hornworms.

2. Garlic and Onions

Emit strong scents that repel slugs and spider mites. Easy to plant in rows alongside strawberries without taking up much space. Contribute to healthier soil by releasing sulfur compounds.

3. Spinach and Lettuce

Utilize the space around strawberries efficiently. Provide ground cover to suppress weeds. Harvested quickly, leaving more room for strawberries to spread.

4. Nasturtiums

Act as a “trap crop,” attracting aphids and keeping them away from strawberries. Deter whiteflies and other harmful insects. Add visual appeal with vibrant flowers.

Can You Plant Strawberries with Tomatoes?

Planting strawberries and tomatoes together is a bit of a controversial topic among gardeners. While you can grow them in the same garden, it’s not without its challenges. The biggest issue is that they tend to attract some of the same pests—spider mites being one of the most notorious. If one plant gets infested, it doesn’t take long for the problem to spread, and suddenly your whole garden is at risk.

Another major concern is verticillium wilt, a fungal disease that can affect both strawberries and tomatoes.This nasty pathogen lives in the soil and can wipe out your plants if you’re not careful. Once it takes hold, it’s tough to manage, so prevention is key. One way to reduce the risk is to rotate your crops regularly. Don’t plant strawberries and tomatoes in the same spot year after year, as this can make the soil a breeding ground for diseases.

Nutrient competition is another issue worth considering. Tomatoes are heavy feeders—they pull a lot of nutrients from the soil to support their tall, fruit-heavy growth. Strawberries, on the other hand, are a bit more modest but still need their share to produce juicy, flavorful berries. If planted too close together, strawberries might not get the nutrients they need, leaving them stunted and underperforming.

To make it work, it’s best to plant them in separate rows with plenty of space between them. Adding a buffer of companion plants—like marigolds or garlic—can also help reduce pest problems and create a natural barrier between the two crops. These buffer plants can repel pests and break up the planting arrangement, making it harder for diseases to jump from one crop to the other.

In the end, it’s definitely possible to grow strawberries and tomatoes in the same garden, but it takes a bit of planning and some thoughtful management. With proper spacing, smart crop rotation, and a few protective companion plants, you can minimize the risks and get the best of both worlds—plenty of tomatoes and delicious strawberries!

Indoor Companion Planting with Strawberries

If you’re short on outdoor space, growing strawberries indoors is a great option. Companion planting indoors is equally effective, but you’ll need to adapt to the constraints of container gardening.

Best Indoor Companions for Strawberries

Herbs: Basil, thyme, and mint are compact and thrive in containers alongside strawberries.

Leafy Greens: Lettuce and spinach are quick-growing and won’t crowd out your strawberries.

Flowers: Nasturtiums can be grown in small pots and add beauty while deterring pests.

Tips for Indoor Strawberry Gardens

Use containers with proper drainage to prevent root rot. Choose compact companion plants that won’t compete for sunlight. Place your garden near a sunny window or use grow lights for optimal growth.

Tips for Successful Companion Planting with Strawberries

Companion planting with strawberries is all about creating a healthy, thriving garden. Start by rotating your crops each year to keep the soil fresh and reduce disease risks. Make sure to space your plants properly to promote good airflow and prevent fungal issues.

For pest control, stick to organic methods like garlic spray or neem oil to protect your plants without harming beneficial insects. Mulch is a must—use organic mulch to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and keep your strawberries clean and healthy.

Lastly, keep a close eye on your plants to spot any pests or diseases early. A little extra attention goes a long way in maintaining a lush, fruitful garden!

FAQ

Conclusion

Companion planting with strawberries is a rewarding way to create a thriving, sustainable garden. By pairing strawberries with beneficial plants like borage, garlic, and nasturtiums, you can boost their growth, ward off pests, and even enhance their flavor. Whether you’re growing strawberries in a backyard plot or a container indoors, this guide provides the tools you need to get started.

Remember to avoid incompatible plants like tomatoes and brassicas, and always monitor your garden for signs of trouble. With a bit of planning and care, your strawberries—and their companions—will flourish, providing you with delicious fruit and a beautiful, healthy garden. Happy planting!