Blueberry Companion Plants Permaculture: A Guide

Are you looking for ways to maximize your blueberry harvest while also promoting healthy soil and biodiversity in your garden? Look no further than blueberry companion planting! By strategically planting certain species alongside your blueberries, you can create an ecosystem that benefits both the plants and the surrounding environment.

What is Blueberry Companion Planting?

Companion planting is the practice of growing different plant species together in a way that benefits all parties involved. In the case of blueberry companion planting, this means selecting plants that complement the needs of blueberries and provide additional benefits such as pest control, soil health improvement, or pollination support.

Benefits of Blueberry Companion Planting

There are many benefits to incorporating companion planting into your blueberry growing strategy. Here are just a few:

- Increased yields: Certain companion plants can help improve the overall health of your blueberry bushes, resulting in bigger and better fruit yields.
- Natural pest control: Some plants produce natural compounds that repel pests or attract beneficial insects that prey on harmful ones.
- Improved soil health: By planting a diverse range of plants with varying nutrient requirements, you can help promote healthy soil and prevent soil-borne diseases.
- Pollination support: Certain companion plants can attract bees and other pollinators, helping to ensure that your blueberry bushes receive adequate pollination.

Choosing Blueberry Companion Plants

When selecting companion plants for your blueberry bushes, there are a few key factors to consider:

- Soil pH: Blueberries prefer acidic soil with a pH between 4.0 and 5.0, so it's important to choose companion plants that thrive in this type of environment.
- Sunlight: Some companion plants prefer full sun, while others do better in partial shade. Be sure to select plants that are compatible with the amount of sunlight your blueberries receive.
- Growth habits: Companion plants should not compete with blueberry bushes for resources or space. Choose plants that have different growth habits, such as deeper root systems or tall, vine-like structures.

Companion Plants for Blueberries

Here are some of the most popular companion plants for blueberries:

Companion Plant	Benefits
Azaleas and Rhododendrons	Both of these plants are acid-loving and provide a beautiful contrast to blueberry bushes.
Cranberries	Cranberries also prefer acidic soil and can help prevent weeds from growing around blueberry bushes.
Grapevines	Grapevines are deep-rooted and provide excellent shade cover for blueberry bushes.
Lupines	Lupines improve soil health by fixing nitrogen and can attract bees and other pollinators.
Mint	Mint repels pests and has a shallow root system that does not compete with blueberry bushes.
Wild Blue Indigo	Wild Blue Indigo attracts beneficial insects and improves soil health by fixing nitrogen.

Planting Blueberry Companion Plants

Once you've selected your companion plants, it's important to plant them in a way that maximizes their benefits. Here are some tips for planting blueberry companion plants:

- Plant companion plants around the perimeter of your blueberry patch, leaving enough space between each plant to ensure adequate sunlight and airflow.
- Use raised beds or containers to create separate growing areas for each type of plant.
- Rotate companion plants from year to year to prevent soil-borne diseases and nutrient depletion.

Caring for Blueberry Companion Plants

Proper care is essential for ensuring that your blueberry companion plants thrive alongside your blueberries. Here are some tips for caring for blueberry companion plants:

- Water regularly: Make sure all plants receive adequate water, especially during hot or dry weather.
- Fertilize appropriately: Different plants have different nutrient requirements, so be sure to fertilize each one according to its needs.
- Prune as needed: Regular pruning can help promote healthy growth and prevent overcrowding.
- Monitor for pests and disease: Keep an eye out for signs of pests or disease and take appropriate action as needed.



Blueberry companion planting is a great way to promote healthy soil, biodiversity, and increased yields in your garden. By selecting the right companion plants and planting them strategically, you can create an ecosystem that benefits both your blueberries and the surrounding environment.

FAQs

1. Can I plant blueberries and strawberries together?

Yes! Blueberries and strawberries are compatible companion plants because they have similar soil and sunlight requirements.

2. What should I do if my blueberry companion plants are not thriving?

If your companion plants are struggling, there may be an issue with soil pH or nutrient levels. Consider testing your soil and adjusting accordingly.

3. Can I use blueberry leaves as mulch?

Yes! Blueberry leaves make excellent mulch because they contain natural compounds that can help prevent soil-borne diseases.

4. Do blueberry companion plants need to be replanted every year?

Not necessarily. Some companion plants can be left in place for multiple years, while others may need to be rotated annually.

5. Are there any companion plants that should not be planted with blueberries?

Avoid planting companion plants that have shallow root systems or that compete with blueberries for nutrients, such as tomatoes or peppers.