Strawberries are sweet, but their choice in neighbors can make them even better. Plant them next to the right companions, and you’ll get bigger berries, fewer pests, and a healthier garden.
Pick the wrong ones, and your strawberry patch could struggle, sulk, or flat-out refuse to thrive. The secret?
Strategic planting. Some plants act as bodyguards, shielding strawberries from pests.
Others improve the soil, boost growth, or even make the berries taste sweeter. Want the juiciest, most abundant harvest?
These 23 companion plants are the perfect partners for your strawberries!
Basil
Fragrant leaves not only repel harmful insects but also enhance the growth of strawberries. When planted nearby, basil releases aromatic oils that deter pests, while its roots improve soil health.
This combination creates a peaceful coexistence in the garden. Complementarily, strawberries appreciate the slight shade provided by basil, preventing their delicate fruits from scorching under intense sun.
Borage
Known for its dazzling blue flowers, borage attracts pollinators essential for strawberry production. Its presence in the garden also wards off unwanted insects, promoting a thriving environment.
Additionally, borage improves soil quality by adding essential nutrients, making it a beneficial companion. The symbiotic relationship between strawberries and borage results in healthier plants and more abundant fruiting.
Garlic
The pungent aroma of garlic is a natural deterrent to pests that threaten strawberries. Planting garlic nearby not only provides protection but also enhances overall plant health.
Its underground growth complements strawberries by conserving space and sharing resources efficiently. Moreover, garlic’s robust presence in the soil contributes to a healthier ecosystem, enriching it with nutrients.
Chives
These slender greens offer more than just culinary delight; they repel aphids and other pests from strawberries. Chives’ subtle aroma confuses insects, reducing infestations.
Their dense growth habit helps in covering soil, retaining moisture essential for strawberries. Furthermore, chives improve soil structure, benefiting strawberry roots in their quest for nutrients.
Lettuce
Lettuce serves as an excellent ground cover, keeping soil cool and moist for strawberries. Its rapid growth doesn’t compete with strawberries for resources, allowing both to flourish.
The leafy greens also help in weed suppression, reducing competition and ensuring strawberries have all they need to grow abundantly. Together, these plants create a harmonious garden ecosystem.
Spinach
Known for its shallow roots, spinach coexists well with strawberries, drawing minimal nutrients from the soil. Its presence helps maintain soil moisture and prevents weed growth, creating an ideal environment for strawberries.
Additionally, spinach leaves can offer slight protection from harsh weather, safeguarding strawberries from potential damage.
Carrots
Carrots and strawberries share a symbiotic space, as carrots grow beneath the earth, allowing strawberries to spread above ground. This duo maximizes garden space without competing for sunlight.
Carrots’ feathery foliage aids in shading strawberry fruits, protecting them from intense sun. Furthermore, carrots’ root systems help aerate the soil, benefiting both plants.
Thyme
With its aromatic leaves, thyme deters pests that could harm strawberries. Its low-growing nature acts as a living mulch, preserving soil moisture for thirsty strawberries.
Thyme’s delicate flowers attract beneficial insects, enhancing pollination and plant health. This mutually supportive relationship ensures both plants thrive, contributing to a vibrant garden ecosystem.
Sage
Sage’s aromatic leaves play a crucial role in repelling pests that target strawberries. The plant’s robust growth provides ground cover, maintaining soil moisture levels.
Sage also attracts pollinators with its vibrant flowers, benefiting strawberry production. Together, they form a resilient duo, supporting each other’s growth and health in the garden.
Beans
Beans enrich the soil with nitrogen, a nutrient vital for strawberry growth. Their climbing nature allows them to coexist without crowding the garden space.
Additionally, beans’ shade benefits strawberries, protecting them from excessive sun. This partnership not only optimizes garden area but also enhances soil fertility, promoting a productive and balanced ecosystem.
Marigold
Known for their vibrant blooms, marigolds deter nematodes and other pests that threaten strawberries. Their roots release natural chemicals into the soil, providing protection and enhancing plant health.
Marigolds’ striking colors also attract pollinators, aiding strawberries in fruit production. This colorful partnership results in a healthier, more productive garden.
Onions
The strong scent of onions acts as a natural pest repellent, protecting strawberries from unwanted visitors. Onions’ growth below the soil complements strawberries, allowing both to thrive without competition.
Furthermore, onions’ presence helps enrich the soil, contributing to a healthier environment for strawberries to flourish.
Cilantro
Cilantro’s aromatic leaves keep aphids and other pests at bay, safeguarding strawberries from infestations. The plant’s rapid growth doesn’t compete with strawberries, allowing both to prosper.
Cilantro also enhances soil health, offering a nutrient-rich environment for strawberries. Together, these plants create a supportive and productive garden landscape.
Parsley
The vibrant greenery of parsley helps deter pests while attracting beneficial insects to the garden. Its moderate growth doesn’t overshadow strawberries, ensuring both plants receive adequate sunlight.
Additionally, parsley contributes to improved soil quality, fostering a nurturing environment for strawberry plants. This harmonious pairing ensures a thriving garden ecosystem.
Nasturtium
Vivid nasturtium flowers attract pollinators while repelling harmful insects, offering dual benefits in the garden. The sprawling growth habit of nasturtiums acts as a living mulch, preserving soil moisture crucial for strawberries.
Furthermore, their presence enriches the soil, creating a nurturing environment for a bountiful strawberry harvest.
Peas
Peas contribute nitrogen to the soil, enhancing the growth of neighboring strawberries. Their climbing habit allows them to coexist without occupying much ground space.
The shade provided by pea plants also benefits strawberries, protecting them from harsh sunlight. Together, these plants create a balanced and productive garden ecosystem.
Cabbage
Cabbage’s robust leaves offer shade and protection to strawberries, reducing the risk of sun damage. The plant’s presence also deters pests that may harm strawberries, creating a protective barrier.
By sharing nutrients and space efficiently, cabbage and strawberries can thrive together, contributing to a resilient garden landscape.
Rosemary
The aromatic leaves of rosemary repel pests, safeguarding strawberries from infestations. Its sturdy growth provides ground cover, maintaining soil moisture levels essential for strawberries.
Additionally, rosemary’s fragrant blooms attract beneficial insects, promoting pollination and plant health. This symbiotic relationship contributes to a vibrant and thriving garden.
Mint
Mint’s strong aroma deters pests that threaten strawberries while attracting pollinators. Its rapid growth and sprawling habit provide excellent ground cover, preserving soil moisture for strawberries.
The presence of mint also enriches the soil, creating a nurturing environment. This dynamic duo supports a healthy and productive garden ecosystem.
Oregano
Oregano’s aromatic leaves help repel pests, offering natural protection to strawberries. The plant’s low-growing habit preserves soil moisture, essential for healthy strawberry growth.
Oregano also attracts beneficial insects, enhancing pollination and plant vitality. Together, these plants create a supportive and flourishing garden landscape.
Radishes
Radishes grow quickly, offering a natural pest deterrent for strawberries. Their rapid development doesn’t compete with strawberries for resources, allowing both to thrive.
The presence of radishes also improves soil structure, benefiting strawberry roots. This harmonious pairing ensures a productive and balanced garden ecosystem.
Beets
Beets share garden space efficiently with strawberries, as their roots grow deep into the soil. This arrangement maximizes the use of available resources without crowding.
Beets’ foliage provides shade, protecting strawberry fruits from intense sunlight. Additionally, beets contribute to soil health, offering a nurturing environment for strawberries.
Dill
The feathery leaves of dill attract beneficial insects that enhance pollination for strawberries. Its presence also deters pests, creating a protective barrier around strawberries.
Dill’s modest growth doesn’t compete for resources, allowing strawberries to prosper. Together, these plants contribute to a thriving and healthy garden ecosystem.