Honeyberry Companion Plants: A Guide to Improving Your Garden

Are you looking to add some variety to your garden? Honeyberries might just be the perfect solution. These delicious fruits are packed with nutrients and are relatively easy to grow. However, like with most crops, honeyberries benefit from having companion plants around them. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the best honeyberry companion plants, their benefits, and how to grow them.

The Benefits of Companion Planting

Companion planting involves growing multiple crops together in the same space. This technique has been used for centuries and is still popular today because it has many benefits. Some of the advantages of companion planting include:

Better Soil Quality

Certain plants can help improve the soil quality by adding nutrients or breaking up hard soil. For example, legumes like beans and peas have nitrogen-fixing bacteria on their roots, which helps enrich the soil with nitrogen. Other plants, such as marigolds, can help suppress weeds and nematodes, which can damage honeyberry plants.

Pest Control

Companion plants can also help repel pests and attract beneficial insects. For example, planting garlic or chives near honeyberries can deter aphids and other pests. In contrast, planting flowers like calendula or borage can attract bees and other pollinators, which are essential for honeyberry fruit set.

Increased Yields

Finally, companion planting can lead to higher yields. By planting complementary crops together, you can create a microclimate that's more conducive to growth. For example, planting beans or peas near honeyberries can help provide shade and improve soil moisture retention. This, in turn, can lead to bigger and better fruit.

The Best Honeyberry Companion Plants

Now that we've covered the benefits of companion planting, let's take a look at some of the best honeyberry companion plants.

1. Beans and Peas

As mentioned earlier, beans and peas are excellent companion plants for honeyberries. These legumes have nitrogen-fixing bacteria on their roots, which helps enrich the soil with nitrogen. Additionally, they can provide shade and help improve soil moisture retention.

How to Grow:

Beans and peas are relatively easy to grow. They prefer well-draining soil and full sun. Plant them about 2-3 weeks before your last frost date, and make sure to provide support for climbing varieties.

2. Garlic and Chives

Garlic and chives are known for their pungent odor, which can deter pests like aphids and spider mites. Additionally, they can help improve soil quality by adding sulfur and other nutrients.

How to Grow:

Garlic and chives are easy to grow, provided you give them well-draining soil and plenty of sun. Plant them in the fall or early spring, and make sure to water them regularly.

3. Calendula

Calendula is a bright yellow flower that's known for its ability to attract bees and other pollinators. Additionally, it can help repel nematodes and other harmful insects.

How to Grow:

Calendula prefers well-draining soil and full sun. Plant it in the spring, and make sure to deadhead regularly to promote more blooms.

4. Borage

Borage is another flower that's great for attracting bees and other pollinators. Additionally, it can help repel pests like cabbage worms and tomato hornworms.

How to Grow:

Borage prefers well-draining soil and full sun. Plant it in the spring, and make sure to water it regularly.



Honeyberry companion planting is a great way to improve your garden's health and productivity. By planting complementary crops together, you can create a microclimate that's more conducive to growth. Some of the best honeyberry companion plants include beans and peas, garlic and chives, calendula, and borage. Give them a try, and see how they can transform your garden!

FAQs

1. When should I plant honeyberries?

Honeyberries should be planted in the early spring, as soon as the soil can be worked. This will give them plenty of time to establish themselves before the hot summer months.

2. How do I know when my honeyberries are ripe?

Honeyberries are ripe when they turn blue and are soft to the touch. They should come off the stem easily when they're ripe.

3. How much sun do honeyberries need?

Honeyberries prefer full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Aim for at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.

4. How often should I water my honeyberries?

Honeyberries prefer consistent moisture but don't like to be waterlogged. Water them deeply once a week or more often if the weather is hot and dry.

5. Can I grow honeyberries in containers?

Yes, honeyberries can be grown in containers. Just make sure to choose a large enough container and provide them with well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight.