Companion Plants for Strawberries: A Guide to Boosting Your Harvest

The Importance of Companion Planting for Strawberry Growers

Are you looking for a way to improve your strawberry harvest? Companion planting is a time-tested technique that can help you do just that. By growing certain plants alongside your strawberries, you can create a more diverse and beneficial ecosystem in your garden. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the best companion plants for strawberries and explain how they can help you grow healthier, more productive plants.

The Best Companion Plants for Strawberries

Borage

Borage is a popular companion plant for strawberries because it attracts pollinators like bees and helps repel pests like tomato hornworms. This herb is also known for its edible flowers, which can be used to garnish salads or frozen in ice cubes for a refreshing summer drink. Borage does well in full sun or partial shade and prefers well-draining soil.

Chives

Chives are another great option for companion planting with strawberries. They're easy to grow and offer several benefits, including deterring aphids and other pests that can damage your berry crop. Plus, chives have a mild onion flavor that pairs well with strawberries in salads and other dishes. You can plant chives in full sun or partial shade and give them regular water and fertilizer for best results.

Garlic

Garlic is an excellent companion plant for strawberries because it repels pests like spider mites and aphids while also improving soil health. Garlic has natural anti-fungal properties, which can help prevent diseases like root rot and mildew from affecting your plants. To grow garlic, plant cloves in the fall or early spring and give them plenty of sun, water, and well-draining soil.

Nasturtium

Nasturtium is a beautiful flowering plant that can help attract beneficial insects to your garden. This plant is known for its peppery leaves and bright, edible flowers, which can add a pop of color to salads or other dishes. Nasturtiums prefer full sun and well-draining soil, and they're easy to care for with regular watering and fertilization.

Marigold

Marigolds are a popular companion plant for strawberries because they deter pests like nematodes and whiteflies while also attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies. These brightly colored flowers are easy to grow and require minimal maintenance, making them a great option for beginner gardeners. Marigolds prefer full sun and well-draining soil, and they benefit from regular deadheading to encourage new growth.

Mint

Mint is a fragrant herb that can help repel pests like ants and flies while also adding flavor to your strawberry crop. This plant does well in partial shade and prefers moist, well-draining soil. Be sure to keep mint contained in a pot or planter, as it can quickly take over your garden if left unchecked.

Onions

Onions are another great companion plant for strawberries because they deter pests like aphids and mites while also improving soil health. Onions prefer full sun and well-draining soil, and they benefit from regular watering and fertilization. To grow onions, plant sets or seeds in the spring and harvest in the fall when the tops to yellow and fall over.

Parsley

Parsley is a versatile herb that can help repel pests like carrot flies and improve soil health. This plant prefers partial shade and moist, well-draining soil. Parsley can be harvested throughout the growing season, and it's also a great source of vitamin C and other nutrients.

Peas

Peas are a legume that can help fix nitrogen in the soil and improve overall soil health. This plant is also known for its delicate flowers and sweet, edible pods. Peas prefer full sun and well-draining soil, and they benefit from regular watering and fertilization.

Radishes

Radishes are a fast-growing vegetable that can help loosen compacted soil and deter pests like cucumber beetles. This plant prefers full sun and well-draining soil, and it benefits from regular watering and fertilization. Radishes can be harvested within a few weeks of planting, making them a great option for gardeners who want quick results.

Sage

Sage is an herb that can help repel pests like cabbage moths and improve soil health. This plant prefers full sun and well-draining soil, and it benefits from regular pruning to encourage new growth. Sage is also a popular culinary herb that pairs well with strawberries in savory dishes.

Spinach

Spinach is a leafy green that can help improve soil health and attract beneficial insects to your garden. This plant prefers partial shade and moist, well-draining soil. Spinach can be harvested throughout the growing season and is a great source of vitamins A and C.

Thyme

Thyme is an aromatic herb that can help repel pests like whiteflies and improve soil health. This plant prefers full sun and well-draining soil, and it benefits from regular pruning to encourage new growth. Thyme is also a popular culinary herb that pairs well with strawberries in sweet and savory dishes.

Yarrow

Yarrow is a flowering plant that can help attract beneficial insects to your garden while also improving soil health. This plant prefers full sun and well-draining soil, and it benefits from regular deadheading to encourage new growth. Yarrow is also known for its medicinal properties, which can help soothe skin irritations and other ailments.

Additional Tips for Companion Planting with Strawberries

In addition to the plants mentioned above, there are a few more tips you should keep in mind when companion planting with strawberries:

• Choose plants that have similar growing requirements to your strawberries, such as sun exposure and soil type.

• Avoid planting crops that are susceptible to the same pests or diseases as your strawberries, as this can increase the risk of crop failure.

• Consider using raised beds or containers to make it easier to control soil quality and prevent weeds from taking over.

• Rotate your crops each year to prevent soil depletion and reduce the risk of disease buildup.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the best companion plants for strawberries?

As we discussed in this blog post, some of the best companion plants for strawberries include borage, chives, garlic, nasturtium, marigold, mint, onions, parsley, peas, radishes, sage, spinach, thyme, and yarrow.

2. How do companion plants benefit strawberries?

Companion plants can provide several benefits to strawberries, including attracting pollinators, repelling pests, improving soil health, and enhancing flavor.

3. Can I grow strawberries and their companion plants together in the same container?

Yes, you can grow strawberries and their companion plants together in the same container as long as they have similar growing requirements and there's enough space for both.

4. How do I know which companion plants to choose for my strawberries?

When choosing companion plants for your strawberries, consider factors like pest resistance, soil health, and sun exposure. It's also a good idea to research the specific needs of each plant and make sure they're compatible with your growing conditions.

5. Can companion planting really improve my strawberry harvest?

Yes, companion planting can help improve your strawberry harvest by creating a more diverse and beneficial ecosystem in your garden. By incorporating plants that attract pollinators and repel pests, you can increase the overall health and productivity of your strawberry crop.



Companion planting is a simple yet effective way to boost your strawberry harvest while also creating a more diverse and sustainable garden ecosystem. By incorporating some of the plants we've discussed in this blog post, you can improve soil health, attract pollinators, and repel pests while enjoying a bountiful crop of delicious, juicy strawberries. So why not give it a try and see what kind of results you can achieve?