Last summer, I decided to plant strawberries for the first time. Little did I know that growing these juicy berries would be a bit more complicated than just sticking them in the dirt and hoping for the best!
After a lot of trial and error (and a few disasters I’d rather not talk about), I discovered the secret to a bountiful strawberry harvest: companion planting.
You see, strawberries aren’t just picky about soil and sunlight – they also thrive when paired with the right plant buddies (birds of a feather flock together, right?).
I was amazed to learn that certain plants can boost strawberry growth, improve the flavor, and even keep pests away. And, of course, there were a few combinations that turned out to be epic failures.
Let’s just say that planting strawberries next to sunflowers wasn’t my brightest idea!
If you want your strawberry patch to flourish without the drama I went through, let me share some tips and tricks on the best companion plants for strawberries.
1. Dill is Strawberry’s BFF
Who knew that strawberries and dill could be such great friends?
Planting dill near strawberries helps attract beneficial insects that keep pests away from your precious berries. These little guys love snacking on aphids, the pesky bugs that enjoy munching on strawberries (but who can blame the aphids, right?).
Plus, dill’s feathery foliage adds a nice touch to the garden, making those red cuties stand out even more!
Check out what other plants dill pairs well with: List Of Dill Companion Plants & Plants You Should Avoid
2. Add Sage And You’ve Got A Perfect Trio
Dill and strawberries make a great duo, but add sage and you’ve got the perfect trio!
Sage not only helps repel pests but also enhances the flavor of strawberries. Predators looking for a summertime snack might take one whiff and decide to search elsewhere, leaving your strawberries safe and sound.
After I planted sage, I felt like a gardening genius. My strawberries taste sweeter and my garden smells amazing thanks to all those vibrant purple flowers (they’re also great for attracting pollinators).
3. Thyme And Cilantro Make A Party
If dill and sage are the solid friends you can always rely on, then thyme and cilantro are the life of the party.
Thyme helps keep the soil nice and moist, which strawberries love, and cilantro attracts beneficial insects while warding off harmful ones.
I remember thinking, “Why not throw a garden party?” when I added these herbs. The result was a thriving patch that looked and smelled incredible.
My strawberries were happier than ever, and so was I – especially when it came to making fresh salsa with my homegrown cilantro!
This might be helpful: This Is How You Should Harvest Cilantro To Avoid Destroying The Plant
4. Cats Are Not The Only Ones Crazy About Catnip
Now, here’s a fun fact: catnip isn’t just for your feline friends. It turns out, strawberries are pretty fond of it too. Catnip helps repel pests like aphids and beetles that can wreak havoc on your strawberry plants.
When I first planted catnip, my cat went nuts, rolling around in it and having the time of her life. But I soon realized that it wasn’t just my cat benefiting – my strawberries were looking healthier and pest-free.
That’s because catnip produces iridols, the natural compounds that make aphids and spider mites say “eww, no thanks!”.
So, if you want to keep your strawberries safe and your cat entertained, catnip is a win-win. Just make sure to plant enough for both!
5. Rhubarb And Strawberries Also Get Along
Growing rhubarb next to strawberries was a happy accident. Not only do they make a killer pie together, but they also thrive side by side in the garden.
With their shared love for sunshine and well-drained soil, these fruity friends are a match made in dessert heaven!
This might be useful: Help Your Rhubarb Thrive With This Simple Fertilization Trick
6. Add Marigolds And Nasturtiums To Make Them Prettier
Planting marigolds and nasturtiums around my strawberries added a pop of color and a layer of protection.
With their strong scent, they send pests running for the hills (bye, bye little pests!). Plus, they’re like a nemesis to root-knot nematodes, the villainous pest that loves to feast on strawberries.
But at the same time, these vibrant flowers can attract lots of bees and other pollinators to the garden, making them the best wingman (wingflowers?) for your strawberries!
7. Also Grow Spinach And Lettuce Next To Your Strawberries
Spinach and lettuce have become my go-to companions for strawberries. They grow well together, and having a salad garden in one spot is super convenient.
I joked to my family that we could have a complete meal just by grazing in the garden. Fresh strawberries, lettuce, and spinach – who needs the grocery store?
8. Asparagus Thrives Next To These Tiny Berries
I was skeptical about planting asparagus next to strawberries, but it turns out they’re a perfect match.
Asparagus roots grow deep, while strawberries stay near the surface, so they don’t compete for space.
With its nitrogen-fixing superpowers, asparagus works behind the scenes to provide strawberries with the nutrients they need to thrive.
Plant some asparagus nearby your strawberries and save a few bucks on fertilizers!
9. Fill Out Empty Spaces With Mint
Mint was the final touch I needed for my strawberry patch. It fills in the gaps, repels pests, and adds a refreshing scent to the garden.
Just be careful – mint can be a bit of a garden hog if left unchecked. But honestly, I don’t mind a little minty invasion if it means my strawberries are happy and healthy (though you can always grow mint in containers).
Now, these are all the companions, but what about the plants that aren’t such great buddies for strawberries?
Surprisingly, there are a few not-so-great strawberry companions, including tomatoes, broccoli, and sunflowers. Yuck!
If you were planning to combine your red berries with red tomatoes, I would highly suggest you don’t do it because they are both susceptible to verticillium wilt.
Sunflowers can block the sun with their large flower heads, and broccoli and strawberries would just end up competing with each other for the same nutrients.
Think ahead and choose your strawberry companion plants wisely!
Also read: 6 Steps For Growing Strawberries From Strawberries