The Best Strawberry Companion Plants For A Bountiful Harvest

July 02, 2023 Post a Comment

Title: The Best Strawberry Companion Plants for a Bountiful Harvest

Introduction:

Strawberries are a delicious and popular fruit that can be grown in many different climates. But did you know that the plants you grow strawberries next to can have a big impact on their health and productivity?

Companion planting is the practice of planting certain plants together to benefit each other. By planting the right companion plants next to your strawberries, you can help to improve their growth, yield, and disease resistance.

In this blog post, I will discuss the best strawberry companion plants, as well as some plants that should be avoided. I will also provide some tips on how to plant and care for your strawberry plants.

Main Content:

What are companion plants?

Companion plants are plants that benefit each other when they are grown together. They may attract beneficial insects, suppress pests, improve soil fertility, or provide other benefits.

Why plant companion plants with strawberries?

There are several reasons why you should plant companion plants with strawberries. These plants can:

Attract beneficial insects. Many companion plants attract beneficial insects, such as ladybugs, lacewings, and hoverflies. These insects help to control pests that can damage strawberry plants.
Suppress pests. Some companion plants can suppress pests by releasing chemicals that are toxic to them. For example, marigolds release a chemical that repels aphids.
Improve soil fertility. Legumes, such as beans and peas, are nitrogen-fixing plants. This means that they can convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that can be used by other plants. Planting legumes with strawberries can help to improve the soil fertility and make more nutrients available to the strawberry plants.
Provide other benefits. Some companion plants can provide other benefits to strawberry plants, such as providing shade or helping to prevent weeds.

What are the best strawberry companion plants?

There are many different plants that can be grown as companion plants for strawberries. Some of the best include:

Asparagus. Asparagus is a perennial plant that can provide shade for strawberry plants. It also helps to suppress pests and improve soil fertility.
Basil. Basil is a herb that attracts beneficial insects and helps to repel pests. It also adds flavor to strawberries.
Borage. Borage is a flowering plant that attracts beneficial insects and helps to suppress pests. It also has a high concentration of trace minerals that are beneficial to strawberry plants.
Chives. Chives are a member of the allium family, which includes onions, garlic, and leeks. Alliums help to suppress pests and improve soil fertility.
Cucumbers. Cucumbers help to suppress pests and improve soil drainage. They also provide shade for strawberry plants.
Lettuce. Lettuce helps to suppress weeds and improve soil fertility. It also provides shade for strawberry plants.
Marigolds. Marigolds help to repel pests and improve soil drainage. They also add color to the garden.
Peas. Peas are nitrogen-fixing plants that help to improve soil fertility. They also provide shade for strawberry plants.

What plants should not be planted with strawberries?

There are a few plants that should not be planted with strawberries. These include:

Tomatoes. Tomatoes are susceptible to the same pests and diseases as strawberries. Planting them together can increase the risk of infection.
Potatoes. Potatoes can harbor a type of nematode that can damage strawberry plants.
Eggplants. Eggplants are susceptible to the same pests and diseases as strawberries. Planting them together can increase the risk of infection.

How to plant and care for strawberry companion plants

When planting strawberry companion plants, it is important to consider the size and growth habits of the plants. For example, tall plants should be planted behind shorter plants so that they do not shade them out.

It is also important to plant companion plants that have similar water and fertilizer needs. This will help to ensure that both plants thrive.

Once the plants are planted, it is important to care for them properly. This includes watering them regularly, fertilizing them as needed, and controlling pests and diseases.

Conclusion

By planting the right companion plants with your strawberries, you can help to improve their health and productivity. This will result in a bountiful harvest of delicious strawberries.

Are you looking for the best companion plants for your strawberries? There are many different plants that can benefit strawberries, but some of the best include spinach, lettuce, peas, beans, onions, clovers, thyme, garlic, and borage. These plants can help to attract beneficial insects, deter pests, improve soil quality, and provide shade.

To learn more about the best companion plants for strawberries, visit this website: https://www.homefortheharvest.com/companion-plants-for-strawberries/. This website provides a comprehensive list of companion plants for strawberries, as well as information on how to plant and care for them.

FAQ of best strawberry companion plants

Q: What are the best companion plants for strawberries?

A: There are many plants that can be grown as companion plants for strawberries, but some of the best include:

Alliums: Members of the allium family, such as chives, leeks, onions, and garlic, can help to suppress fusarium wilt, a fungus that can affect strawberries. They also have a strong odor that works as a natural repellent against slugs and aphids.
Beans: Beans are legumes, which means they can fix nitrogen in the soil. This helps to improve the soil quality and provides the strawberries with a much-needed nutrient boost.
Lettuce: Lettuce is a low-growing plant that can help to suppress weeds around the strawberries. It also provides a protective shield for the strawberries, often hiding them from hungry birds.
Marigolds: Marigolds are a great choice for natural pest control. Their bright orange and yellow flowers attract pollinators, which help to increase the strawberry yield. Marigolds also have a strong scent that deters pests such as aphids, nematodes, and rabbits.
Spinach: Spinach is a fast-growing leafy green that can be harvested early in the season, before the strawberries start to fruit. It also helps to improve the soil quality and provides the strawberries with some much-needed shade.

Q: What should I avoid planting next to strawberries?

A: There are a few plants that should be avoided planting next to strawberries, including:

Tomatoes: Tomatoes and strawberries are both susceptible to verticillium wilt, a fungal disease. Planting them together can increase the risk of the disease spreading.
Potatoes: Potatoes can harbor nematodes, which can damage strawberry roots.
Eggplants: Eggplants can also harbor nematodes, and they can compete with strawberries for water and nutrients.
Melon: Melons can attract pests that can also damage strawberries.
Plants in the rose family: Plants in the rose family, such as raspberries and blackberries, can harbor diseases that can be transmitted to strawberries.

Q: How far apart should I plant strawberry companion plants?

A: The spacing between strawberry companion plants will vary depending on the specific plants you are growing. However, as a general rule of thumb, you should space them at least 12 inches apart. This will give them enough room to grow and thrive.

Q: When should I plant strawberry companion plants?

A: You can plant strawberry companion plants in the spring or fall. However, if you are planting them in the spring, it is important to do so before the strawberries start to grow. This will give the companion plants time to establish themselves before the strawberries start to compete for resources.

Q: How do I care for strawberry companion plants?

A: The care requirements for strawberry companion plants will vary depending on the specific plants you are growing. However, some general tips for caring for strawberry companion plants include:

Water them regularly, especially during hot, dry weather.
Fertilize them every few months with a balanced fertilizer.
Weed around them regularly.
Protect them from pests and diseases.

Image of best strawberry companion plants

10 different images of best strawberry companion plants that are free to use:

Beans: Beans fix nitrogen in the soil, which is beneficial for strawberries. They also help to suppress weeds.
Borage: Borage attracts pollinators, which help to pollinate strawberries. It also deters pests like aphids and spider mites.
Chives: Chives repel pests like aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. They also improve the flavor of strawberries.
Lettuce: Lettuce helps to suppress weeds and improve the drainage of the soil. It also provides shade for strawberries, which can help to prevent them from sunscald.
Onions: Onions repel pests like aphids, spider mites, and carrot rust flies. They also help to improve the flavor of strawberries.
Peas: Peas fix nitrogen in the soil, which is beneficial for strawberries. They also help to suppress weeds.
Radish: Radish helps to suppress weeds and improve the drainage of the soil. It also provides shade for strawberries, which can help to prevent them from sunscald.
Spinach: Spinach helps to suppress weeds and improve the drainage of the soil. It also provides shade for strawberries, which can help to prevent them from sunscald.
Thyme: Thyme repels pests like aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. It also improves the flavor of strawberries.
Clovers: Clovers fix nitrogen in the soil, which is beneficial for strawberries. They also help to suppress weeds.