Companion Plants with Strawberries: A Guide to Maximizing Your Yield

Are you looking for ways to improve the yield of your strawberry plants? If so, companion planting might be just what you need. Companion planting involves growing different plants together in a way that benefits both. In this guide, we'll explore some of the best companion plants for strawberries, as well as some tips for getting the most out of your garden.

The Benefits of Companion Planting

Companion planting has been around for centuries, and for good reason. It offers a variety of benefits, including:

- Pest control: Certain plants can repel pests, while others can attract beneficial insects that prey on pests.
- Soil improvement: Different plants have different nutrient requirements, and by planting them together, you can create a more diverse and fertile soil.
- Improved yield: By planting certain plants together, you can create an environment that maximizes the growth potential of each plant.

Pest Control

One of the biggest benefits of companion planting is pest control. Here are a few companion plants that can help keep pests at bay:

- Marigolds: These pretty flowers are great for repelling nematodes, which can damage strawberry roots.
- Borage: This herb attracts bees, which are essential for pollinating strawberries, and also repels tomato hornworms.
- Nasturtiums: These colorful flowers attract aphids away from your strawberries, while also repelling whiteflies and squash bugs.

Marigolds

Marigolds are a great companion plant for strawberries because they are particularly effective at repelling nematodes. Nematodes are tiny worms that can cause significant damage to strawberry roots, leading to stunted growth and reduced yield.

Marigolds contain a compound called alpha-terthienyl, which has been shown to repel nematodes. By planting marigolds around your strawberry plants, you can create a barrier that prevents nematodes from getting close to the roots.

Borage

Borage is another great companion plant for strawberries. This herb attracts bees, which are essential for pollinating strawberries, and also repels tomato hornworms. Tomato hornworms are a common pest that can quickly defoliate a tomato plant, but they don't like the taste of borage.

Planting borage near your strawberries can help ensure that they are properly pollinated, while also keeping pests away.

Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are another colorful flower that can be used as a companion plant for strawberries. They attract aphids away from your strawberries, while also repelling whiteflies and squash bugs.

Aphids can be a major problem for strawberry plants, causing leaves to curl and turn yellow. By planting nasturtiums nearby, you can attract the aphids away from your strawberries, reducing the damage they cause.

Soil Improvement

Another benefit of companion planting is soil improvement. Different plants have different nutrient requirements, and by planting them together, you can create a more diverse and fertile soil.

Here are a few companion plants that can help improve the soil in your strawberry patch:

- Clover: Clover is a legume that is able to fix nitrogen in the soil, which can be used by other plants, including strawberries.
- Comfrey: Comfrey is a deep-rooted plant that is able to mine nutrients from deep in the soil. When its leaves decompose, they release those nutrients back into the soil.
- Dill: Dill attracts pollinators to your garden, while also improving the soil by releasing ethylene gas, which can help break down organic matter.

Clover

Clover is a great companion plant for strawberries because it is able to fix nitrogen in the soil. Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for plant growth, but it can be difficult for plants to obtain from the soil on their own.

By planting clover around your strawberry plants, you can create a more fertile soil that provides your strawberries with the nutrients they need to thrive.

Comfrey

Comfrey is another great companion plant for strawberries. This deep-rooted plant is able to mine nutrients from deep in the soil, including potassium, phosphorus, and calcium.

When comfrey's leaves decompose, they release those nutrients back into the soil, providing a natural source of fertilizer for your strawberries.

Dill

Dill is a beneficial herb to grow alongside strawberries because it attracts pollinators to your garden. It's also good for improving the soil quality.

Dill releases ethylene gas, which can help break down organic matter and make nutrients more available to your plants. By growing dill near your strawberries, you can help create a healthy ecosystem that benefits both plants.

Tips for Companion Planting with Strawberries

If you're new to companion planting, here are a few tips to help you get ed:

- Choose plants that have similar growing requirements: Companion plants should have similar sun, water, and soil requirements as your strawberries.
- Plant taller plants behind shorter ones: This will help ensure that all plants get adequate sunlight.
- Leave enough space between plants: Be sure to leave enough space between each plant to prevent overcrowding and to allow for air circulation.
- Rotate your crops: Don't plant strawberries in the same spot year after year, as this can lead to soil-borne diseases. Instead, rotate your crops and plant strawberries in a different spot each year.

Choosing Companion Plants

When choosing companion plants for your strawberries, it's important to consider their growing requirements. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

- Sun: Most companion plants for strawberries prefer full sun, so be sure to choose plants that have similar sun requirements.
- Water: Companion plants should also have similar water requirements to your strawberries. For example, if you have drip irrigation set up for your strawberries, choose plants that can be watered in the same way.
- Soil: Choose plants that have similar soil requirements as your strawberries. For example, if your soil is acidic, choose plants that thrive in acidic soil.

Planting Techniques

Once you've chosen your companion plants, it's time to planting. Here are a few techniques to help you get the most out of your garden:

- Plant taller plants behind shorter ones: This will help ensure that all plants get adequate sunlight.
- Plant in groups: Plant your strawberries and companion plants in groups to create a more natural look.
- Mix it up: Don't be afraid to mix and match different companion plants to create a diverse ecosystem.



Companion planting is a great way to improve the yield of your strawberry plants while also creating a healthy and vibrant garden. By choosing the right companion plants and planting techniques, you can create an ecosystem that benefits all your plants.

FAQs

Q: What are some other good companion plants for strawberries?

A: Some other good companion plants for strawberries include chives, thyme, and sage. These herbs can help repel pests and attract beneficial insects.

Q: Can I plant strawberries with vegetables?

A: Yes, strawberries can be planted with a variety of vegetables, including lettuce, cabbage, and beans.

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

A: The exact distance will depend on the size of your garden and the specific plants you're planting. As a general rule, aim to leave at least 6 inches between plants.

Q: Do I need to fertilize my companion plants?

A: It's always a good idea to fertilize your plants, but you may not need to do so as often if you are using companion planting to improve soil fertility.

Q: Can companion planting help reduce the need for pesticides?

A: Yes, companion planting can help reduce the need for pesticides by attracting beneficial insects that prey on pests.