Companion Planting: The Benefits of Growing Tomatoes and Strawberries Together

Are you looking for a way to enhance your gardening experience? Have you considered companion planting? Companion planting involves growing different types of plants next to each other to create a mutually beneficial relationship. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of companion planting tomatoes and strawberries together.

The Benefits of Growing Tomatoes and Strawberries Together

Tomatoes and strawberries can be grown together for several reasons. Here are some of the benefits:

Better Use of Space

When you grow tomatoes and strawberries together, you can use your garden space more efficiently. Both plants have different growth habits, which means they utilize different parts of the soil. Strawberries have shallow roots, while tomato plants have deeper roots. This means that they do not compete with each other for nutrients and water, allowing you to grow more plants in a smaller area.

Pest Control

Growing tomatoes and strawberries together can help control pests. For example, planting marigolds around your tomato plants can repel nematodes, while planting borage around your strawberry plants can attract beneficial insects like bees and ladybugs that eat harmful insects.

Improved Soil Quality

Tomatoes and strawberries have different nutrient requirements. Growing them together can improve soil quality because both plants take different nutrients from the soil. As the plants grow, they release different nutrients back into the soil, creating a balance and improving overall soil health.

Extended Harvest Season

Growing tomatoes and strawberries together can help extend your harvest season. Strawberries produce fruit in early summer, while tomatoes are usually harvested later in the summer. By growing them together, you can enjoy fresh produce for a longer period of time.

How to Plant Tomatoes and Strawberries Together

Now that we have explored the benefits of companion planting tomatoes and strawberries, let's look at how to plant them together.

Choosing the Right Varieties

It is important to choose the right varieties when planting tomatoes and strawberries together. For example, choose indeterminate tomato varieties, which continue to grow and produce fruit throughout the season. Determinate varieties, on the other hand, produce all their fruit at once and then stop growing. When it comes to strawberries, choose everbearing or day-neutral varieties, which produce fruit throughout the summer.

Preparing the Soil

Before planting, prepare the soil by adding compost or well-rotted manure. This will help improve soil quality and provide nutrients for the plants. Make sure the soil is well-draining and has a pH between 6.0 and 6.5.

Planting the Seeds

Plant the tomato seeds about 1 inch deep and 18 inches apart. Plant the strawberry plants about 12 inches apart, making sure to keep the crown above the soil level. Water the plants well after planting.

Maintenance

Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Mulch around the plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Fertilize the plants every two to three weeks with a balanced fertilizer.

Harvesting Tomatoes and Strawberries

Tomatoes and strawberries require different harvesting techniques.

Harvesting Tomatoes

Harvest tomatoes when they are fully ripe. They should have a bright red color and be slightly soft to the touch. If you wait too long to harvest, the tomatoes may become overripe and fall off the vine.

Harvesting Strawberries

Harvest strawberries when they are fully red and have a glossy appearance. Pick them carefully to avoid damaging the fruit or the plant. Avoid leaving any overripe or underripe berries on the plant as they can attract pests.

FAQs

1. Can I grow tomatoes and strawberries in containers?

Yes, you can grow tomatoes and strawberries in containers. Choose a large container for the tomato plant and a smaller one for the strawberry plant. Make sure to provide adequate drainage and water the plants regularly.

2. Do I need to prune my tomato plants?

Yes, pruning tomato plants can help improve air circulation and reduce the risk of disease. Remove the suckers that grow between the stem and the main branch, and remove any leaves that touch the soil.

3. How often should I fertilize my plants?

Fertilize your plants every two to three weeks with a balanced fertilizer. Alternatively, you can use organic fertilizers like compost or fish emuon.

4. What pests should I watch out for?

Watch out for pests like aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. You can control them by spraying the plants with insecticidal soap or neem oil, or by introducing beneficial insects like ladybugs or lacewings.

5. Can I plant other crops with tomatoes and strawberries?

Yes, you can plant other crops with tomatoes and strawberries, such as basil, beans, or lettuce. Just make sure to choose plants that have similar growing requirements and do not compete with each other for nutrients.



In companion planting tomatoes and strawberries can provide many benefits for your garden. By growing these two crops together, you can utilize your garden space more effectively, control pests naturally, improve soil quality, and extend your harvest season. With the right preparations and maintenance, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of fresh produce all summer long!