Lots of plants do their best work when they have the right roommates. This is especially true for strawberries—they absolutely thrive when paired with the right companions. In this post, I’ll walk you through which plants make the best neighbors so you can get the most out of your berry patch.
What Exactly is Companion Planting?
Think about it: in nature, you rarely see a massive stretch of just one single plant. That’s because “monocultures” aren’t really how the natural world works. Instead, plants grow in diverse communities where they help each other out. This is the heart of companion planting. By picking the right neighbors, you can balance out nutrient needs, make better use of root space, and even keep pests at bay naturally.
Of course, not every plant gets along. Some neighbors can actually stunt each other’s growth or compete for the same resources. That’s why it’s so important to do a little homework before you start digging. In a home fruit and veggie garden, getting your companion planting right is one of the easiest ways to ensure a healthy harvest.
The Best Neighbors for Your Strawberries
Strawberries are actually pretty social! They get along with a wide variety of plants. Here are some of the best companions to tuck into your strawberry bed:
- Garlic, Onions, and Leeks: These are great for keeping slugs away and protecting your berries from various diseases.
- Borage: This is a classic pairing! Borage encourages more blooms and helps with successful pollination.
- Marigolds: These are fantastic for keeping the soil healthy and “clean.”
- Dill, Lemon Balm, or Chamomile: These herbs have an overall positive effect on the health and vigor of strawberry plants.
- Chives: These help boost the plants’ resistance to fungal pathogens.
- Shallots: Similar to garlic, these make your strawberries more resilient against disease.
- Lamb’s Lettuce and Spinach: These make great low-growing ground covers that play nice with strawberry roots.
Pairings to Avoid
On the flip side, some plants just don’t mix well with strawberries. Instead of protecting them from diseases and pests, these neighbors can actually make things worse.
Steer clear of planting these nearby:
- Radishes
- Tulips
- Gladiolus
- Potatoes
- All types of Cabbage (Brassicas)
- Beans
Since strawberries are total sun-worshippers, you also want to avoid planting anything tall nearby that might cast too much shade. It’s also a good idea to keep them away from other members of the Rose family (Rosaceae), as they often don’t get along. The same goes for most types of ornamental grasses.