Companions on the Way: What Grows Well with Strawberries?

Homegrown strawberry is a dream come true for many gardeners and gourmets as well. In defiance of various challenges, like plant diseases and pests, strawberries managed to become a popular and classic summer fruit all over the cultures. One of the organic solutions many plant lovers opt for is companion planting, and strawberry lovers choose it, too. 

To facilitate successful growth and rich harvest, it is crucial to determine what to plant with strawberries and why it might be beneficial. Explore a wide range of companions and learn how to choose the most appropriate option for your garden.

What is Companion Planting?

Companion planting is one of the oldest practices in agriculture, for it involves natural forces and botany wit but no chemicals or other types of external interference. Generally speaking, companion planting is a strategy that presupposes growing two different plants next to each other so as to establish a mutually beneficial symbiotic relationship. 

Among the main benefits of the practice, experts usually emphasize enhanced fertility and soil structure, pest-repellent and pollinator-attracting potential, and improved crop flavor as well. With the right choice of plants to pair, one may boost productivity and get a healthier, richer harvest in the end. So, the question is “What can I plant with strawberries?”

Herbs for Efficient Plant Development

Those who wonder what herbs to plant with strawberries may find it interesting that there are a lot of suitable options for efficient and pleasant gardening. The most obvious benefit of planting herbs, e.g., thyme, sage, or basil, is the scent which may attract pollinators and some insects to protect the yard. Nevertheless, each herb can bring a unique contribution to collaboration with strawberries.

Thyme 

Incorporating thyme is always a great solution, for any type of this plant secrets substance that deters worms and other organisms that feed on strawberries.  Besides, thyme is thought to have antimicrobial properties that usually reduce the risk of fungal or bacterial infections hindering the growth of a plant. 

Sage

“What can you plant with strawberries?”, they frequently ask. Sage is another popular companion plant, and its main advantage consists in efficient pest repelling. Slugs, one of the main strawberry enemies, dislike sage and, thus, do not come closer to the plant. Besides, the strong scent of sage hides strawberries and makes them invisible to other pests, too.   

Basil

Together, strawberries and basil form a timeless culinary and horticultural pairing ever known to a human. This aromatic herb always improves the flavor of the plants around it, serves as a natural attraction for pollinators, and nourishes the soil with essential nutrients for good. 

Vegetables That Facilitate Strawberry Growth

A harmonious garden is what most plant enthusiasts crave, and with proper plant collaboration, this may be achieved productively. What to grow with strawberries is a problem that may overwhelm an amateur horticulturist, though it is not as difficult as expected to determine the right plant companion. Let us see the most popular vegetable solutions for strawberry prosperity. 

Spinach 

For small gardens and local farms, planting spinach next to strawberries is a great way out, since this member of the flora successfully repels pests, provides protection, and physically hides berries from extreme sun exposure. What is more, spinach is not seen as a heavy feeder, which means that strawberries may efficiently absorb water and necessary elements from the soil. 

Onions 

At first, some may think that an onion is not the best answer to what to plant near strawberries because of their opposite flavors and onion’s strong odor. Nonetheless, onions, as the most prominent members of the allium family, may fight off fungi and reduce the risk of pest infestation.  

Asparagus

Botanists state that asparagus, a vegetable known for its deep-reaching root system, efficiently contributes to the soil condition, improves its structure, and boosts soil fertility as well. Both plants complement each other, for they need different nutrients to grow and various layers to spread. 

Legumes 

What is the best companion plant for strawberries? Legumes, i.e., beans and peas of all types, are also good strawberry partners in the vegetable garden. In essence, they are famous for their efficient nitrogen-fixing capabilities. When planted with strawberries, legumes enrich the soil with nitrogen, an essential element for fruit development, and involuntary feed their companion plants.

Flowers for Aesthetic and Protecting Purposes

Planting flowers is a popular practice, especially when it comes to aesthetic improvements, even though the practical benefits of flowers may be underrated. Flowers as strawberry companion plants may work miracles and make a garden more beautiful, pleasantly fragrant, and healthy for sure. 

Marigolds

The most sought-after flower friends of strawberries are marigolds. To be honest, marigolds may be considered the most productive companion plants for different plant species thanks to the scent they emit to attract pollinators and ward off pests, like knot nematodes and whiteflies.  

Sweet Alyssum

The old but gold answer to what can be planted with strawberries is sweet alyssum. Those tiny delicate flowers are one of the most favorite plants for pollinators to be attached to. So as to ensure you get a rich and tasty harvest by the end of the season, pollinators should fertilize strawberry flowers, but would it be so efficient without sweet alyssum? The rest is history. 

Lupines

What to plant next to strawberries else? If you do not want to grow regular legumes but still wish your soil was equally enriched with nitrogen, pay attention to lupines. These majestic flowers of vibrant colors may definitely play a crucial in strawberry growth, for they provide the soil with nitrogen to promote healthier foliage and fruit development as a whole. 

What Not to Plant with Strawberries?

Although it is necessary for any gardener to know what is good to plant with strawberries, understanding the plants that should be avoided is essential, too. The first group of what not to plant near strawberries includes heavy feeders, such as tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, and potatoes, for they may compete for nutrients, water, and other sources of energy. 

Among other plants that should not be planted near strawberries are fennel, mint, and brassicas, i.e., cabbage, broccoli, kale, etc. Mint, though promoted as a good companion plant, may pose a threat to strawberries and, as a result, hinder their growth. So as not to harm plants and disrupt the balance of the local ecosystem, gardeners should be aware of what not to plant next to strawberries and why to avoid it.

A Useful Tool to Choose a Right Plant Companion 

During planting sessions, some may find themselves in a situation where urgent assistance is needed. What can you plant next to strawberries? How to repel pests? What is wrong with strawberries and why are there leaf blotches? To keep your plants healthy, you can always utilize apps like AI Plant Finder for immediate help and learn from professionals. What can it offer? 

• Easy and accurate identification of plants and diseases via photo.

• An extensive database of 400,000 plants with comprehensive information about each species, including care needs and growing requirements.

• A water calculator that allows you to determine how much water your plant needs.

• A light meter that can provide you with information about the current level of illuminance with the use of a camera.

• Plant care reminders that can be set for every plant you have in the garden so as not to forget about necessary procedures.

… and even more to explore!

AI Plant Finder is a free app that can broaden your horizons in terms of gardening, educate those who have only started their journeys, and establish bonds between community members. Not sure what plants grow well with strawberries? Go to AI Plant Finder and explore the world of flora with ease.