Strawberries are one of the most delicious fruits you can grow. But they’re also very versatile in companion planting.
When choosing companion plants, it’s essential to select those that will enhance the growth of your strawberries, deter pests and even improve the flavor of the fruit.
I’ve found that some of the best companions are those that work best with strawberries to create a thriving garden. Below are some top companion plants for strawberries along with advice on how to grow and care for them.
[toc]
Borage
Borage is a fantastic companion plant for strawberries, often touted as a natural pest repellent. Its star-shaped blue flowers not only add a splash of color to your garden but also attract beneficial insects like bees, which help with pollination.
Growing Borage: Borage is an annual herb that’s easy to grow from seed. Sow the seeds directly into the ground after the last frost, about 1/4 inch deep. Borage prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. It grows best in well-drained soil, so ensure the area where you plant it has good drainage.
Watering and Care: Borage is quite drought-tolerant once established, but it’s a good idea to water it regularly, especially during dry spells. The plant can grow up to 2-3 feet tall, so give it some space in the garden. Deadheading the flowers will encourage more blooms, and the spent flowers can be added to your compost pile to enrich it.
Location: Plant borage near your strawberry plants, but not too close. Borage has deep roots that can compete with strawberries for nutrients, so keep a bit of distance to allow both plants to thrive.
Marigolds
Marigolds are often recommended as a companion for strawberries due to their ability to repel nematodes and other pests. Their bright, cheerful flowers also bring a pop of color to your garden.
Growing Marigolds: Marigolds are easy to grow from seed or transplants. Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost, or sow them directly into the garden after the last frost. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Marigolds come in various sizes, so choose a variety that suits your garden layout.
Watering and Care: Marigolds don’t require much care once established. Water them regularly, but avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. Deadheading the flowers will keep them blooming throughout the season.
Location: Plant marigolds around the perimeter of your strawberry patch to create a natural barrier against pests. Their scent deters many common garden pests, which helps protect your strawberries.
Spinach
Spinach is an excellent leafy green to plant alongside strawberries. It’s a low-growing plant that won’t compete for sunlight, and its dense foliage can help suppress weeds.
Growing Spinach: Spinach prefers cool weather, so plant it in early spring or fall. Sow the seeds directly into the ground about 1/2 inch deep and 2 inches apart. Spinach thrives in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil and does well in both full sun and partial shade.
Watering and Care: Spinach needs consistent moisture to grow well, so water it regularly, especially during dry periods. Mulching around the plants can help retain moisture and keep the roots cool. Harvest the outer leaves as the plant grows, allowing the inner leaves to continue producing.
Location: Plant spinach between rows of strawberries. Its fast-growing nature means you can harvest it before the strawberries start to spread out, making the most of your garden space.
Garlic
Garlic is a natural pest deterrent, particularly effective against aphids and other common strawberry pests. It also has the added benefit of improving the flavor of nearby strawberries.
Growing Garlic: Garlic is typically planted in the fall, allowing it to establish roots before winter. Plant individual cloves about 2 inches deep and 6 inches apart in well-drained soil. Garlic prefers full sun and rich, loamy soil.
Watering and Care: Garlic needs regular watering, especially during dry spells, but be careful not to overwater as this can cause the bulbs to rot. Mulch heavily in the winter to protect the cloves from freezing temperatures. In the spring, remove the mulch and water consistently as the plants grow.
Location: Plant garlic at the ends of your strawberry rows or interspersed among them. The strong scent of garlic will help keep pests away while allowing your strawberries to flourish.
Thyme
Thyme is a low-growing herb that makes a great companion for strawberries. Its aromatic leaves can deter worms and other pests, while its tiny flowers attract beneficial insects.
Growing Thyme: Thyme is a perennial herb that prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It can be grown from seed, but it’s easier to start with a small plant from a nursery. Space the plants about 12 inches apart to allow them to spread.
Watering and Care: Thyme is drought-tolerant once established and requires minimal watering. Water it deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Prune the plant regularly to keep it from becoming woody and to encourage new growth.
Location: Plant thyme along the edges of your strawberry beds. Its creeping habit makes it an excellent ground cover, helping to keep weeds at bay while providing a fragrant addition to your garden.
Beans
Beans are a nitrogen-fixing plant, which means they can improve the soil quality for your strawberries. They also grow vertically, saving space in your garden.
Growing Beans: Beans can be sown directly into the garden after the last frost. Plant the seeds about 1 inch deep and 2 inches apart. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Pole beans will need support, so be sure to provide a trellis or other structure for them to climb.
Watering and Care: Beans need consistent moisture, especially during flowering and pod development. Water them regularly, but be careful not to overwater. Beans are relatively low-maintenance, but they do benefit from regular harvesting to keep the plants producing.
Location: Plant beans on the north side of your strawberry patch to avoid shading your strawberries. The beans will enrich the soil with nitrogen, which is essential for the healthy growth of strawberries.
Lettuce
Lettuce is another leafy green that pairs well with strawberries. It’s a quick-growing crop that can be harvested multiple times, making it an efficient use of space.
Growing Lettuce: Lettuce thrives in cool weather, so plant it in early spring or fall. Sow the seeds about 1/4 inch deep and 1 inch apart. Lettuce grows best in well-drained, fertile soil and can tolerate partial shade.
Watering and Care: Lettuce needs regular watering, especially during dry spells, as it prefers consistently moist soil. Mulching around the plants can help retain moisture and keep the roots cool. Harvest the outer leaves as needed, or cut the whole plant at the base for a larger harvest.
Location: Plant lettuce between your strawberry plants. It’s a great way to make use of the space early in the season before the strawberries spread out. Plus, the leafy greens of lettuce provide shade for the soil, helping to keep it cool and moist.
Final Thoughts
Companion planting is not just about choosing plants that look good together, but also about creating a healthy, balanced ecosystem in your garden. By pairing strawberries with the right companions like borage, marigolds, spinach, garlic, thyme, beans, and lettuce, you can enhance your garden’s productivity and create a thriving environment for your strawberries.
Remember, the key to successful companion planting is to consider the needs of each plant—soil, water, sunlight—and how they can complement each other. With a bit of planning and care, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of sweet, juicy strawberries, surrounded by a diverse and beautiful garden.