Bad Companion Plants for Raspberries

Raspberries are an excellent addition to any garden. They are easy to grow and produce delicious fruit that is high in antioxidants and vitamins. However, growing raspberries also requires careful planning and management of companion plants. Not all plants are compatible with raspberries, and some can even harm their growth and development. In this article, we will discuss bad companion plants for raspberries and how to avoid them.

The Importance of Companion Planting

Companion planting involves growing different plants together to enhance their growth and productivity while minimizing pest problems. It is a sustainable gardening practice that allows us to create a natural ecosystem in our gardens. By choosing the right companion plants, we can improve soil fertility, attract beneficial insects, and reduce the need for pesticides.

Companion Plants for Raspberries

Before discussing bad companion plants, let's first explore some good ones. Here are some plants that can be grown alongside raspberries:

• Garlic: repels aphids and other pests

• Borage: attracts bees and improves soil fertility

• Catnip: deters Japanese beetles

• Lavender: repels moths and other insects

• Marigold: deters nematodes and other pests

• Mint: repels ants and flea beetles

• Nasturtium: attracts predatory insects that feed on aphids and other pests

Bad Companion Plants for Raspberries

Now, let's move on to bad companion plants for raspberries. These are plants that can compete with raspberries for nutrients, harbor pests and diseases, or release chemicals that inhibit growth.

1. Nightshades

Nightshades, such as tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants, are not good companions for raspberries. They belong to the same family as raspberries, and their similar nutrient requirements can lead to competition for soil resources. Moreover, nightshades can be susceptible to the same pests and diseases as raspberries, such as verticillium wilt and root rot.

Alternative Companion Plants:

If you want to grow nightshades in your garden, consider planting them in a separate location or using raised beds to prevent soil-borne diseases. Alternatively, you can choose other companion plants that do not have similar nutrient requirements, such as herbs like basil, parsley, or thyme.

2. Strawberries

Strawberries are often recommended as a companion plant for raspberries because they share similar growing conditions and can attract pollinators. However, strawberries can also be problematic if not managed properly. They are prone to the same pests and diseases as raspberries, such as raspberry cane borers and red stele root rot. Also, both raspberries and strawberries are heavy feeders, which can lead to nutrient depletion in the soil.

Alternative Companion Plants:

If you want to grow strawberries with raspberries, make sure to space them out properly to avoid overcrowding. Consider using a trellis system to keep the plants off the ground and reduce disease pressure. Alternatively, you can choose other companion plants that do not have similar nutrient requirements, such as chives, onions, or garlic.

3. Brassicas

Brassicas, such as broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower, are not good companions for raspberries. They require a lot of nitrogen, which can lead to nutrient depletion in the soil and stunt raspberry growth. Moreover, brassicas can attract pests and diseases that can also affect raspberries, such as aphids, whiteflies, and cabbage worms.

Alternative Companion Plants:

If you want to grow brassicas in your garden, consider planting them in a different location or using crop rotation to prevent soil-borne diseases. Alternatively, you can choose other companion plants that do not require a lot of nitrogen, such as beans, peas, or spinach.

4. Blackberries

Blackberries are closely related to raspberries and can compete with them for soil resources. Moreover, they can harbor pests and diseases that can also affect raspberries, such as cane blight and spur blight.

Alternative Companion Plants:

If you want to grow blackberries with raspberries, make sure to space them out properly to avoid overcrowding. Consider using trellis systems to keep the plants off the ground and reduce disease pressure. Alternatively, you can choose other companion plants that do not have similar nutrient requirements, such as herbs like oregano, sage, or rosemary.

5. Mint

While mint can be a good companion plant for raspberries, it can also become invasive and take over the garden if not managed properly. It can spread quickly through underground rhizomes and compete with raspberries for nutrients and water.

Alternative Companion Plants:

If you want to grow mint with raspberries, consider planting it in a container or using a barrier to prevent it from spreading. Alternatively, you can choose other companion plants that do not spread aggressively, such as chamomile, dill, or fennel.

6. Sunflowers

Sunflowers are not good companions for raspberries because they have deep roots that can compete with raspberries for nutrients and water. Moreover, sunflowers can attract birds that can damage ripening raspberries.

Alternative Companion Plants:

If you want to grow sunflowers in your garden, consider planting them in a different location or using raised beds to prevent root competition. Alternatively, you can choose other companion plants that do not have deep roots, such as lettuce, radishes, or spinach.

7. Fennel

Fennel is often recommended as a companion plant for raspberries because it attracts beneficial insects that feed on pests. However, fennel can also become invasive and take over the garden if not managed properly. It can spread quickly through underground rhizomes and compete with raspberries for nutrients and water.

Alternative Companion Plants:

If you want to grow fennel with raspberries, consider planting it in a container or using a barrier to prevent it from spreading. Alternatively, you can choose other companion plants that do not spread aggressively, such as calendula, cilantro, or parsley.



Growing raspberries requires careful planning and management of companion plants. Not all plants are compatible with raspberries, and some can even harm their growth and development. In this article, we discussed bad companion plants for raspberries and how to avoid them. By choosing the right companion plants, we can improve soil fertility, attract beneficial insects, and reduce the need for pesticides.

FAQs

1. Can I grow raspberries with roses?

No, roses are not good companion plants for raspberries. They require similar growing conditions and can compete for soil resources. Moreover, roses can attract pests and diseases that can also affect raspberries.

2. Can I grow raspberries with cucumbers?

No, cucumbers are not good companion plants for raspberries. They require different growing conditions and can compete for soil resources. Moreover, cucumbers can attract pests and diseases that can also affect raspberries.

3. Can I grow raspberries with beans?

Yes, beans are good companion plants for raspberries. They have different nutrient requirements and can improve soil fertility by fixing nitrogen.

4. Can I grow raspberries with potatoes?

No, potatoes are not good companion plants for raspberries. They require similar growing conditions and can compete for soil resources. Moreover, potatoes can attract pests and diseases that can also affect raspberries.

5. Can I grow raspberries with asparagus?

Yes, asparagus is a good companion plant for raspberries. They have different nutrient requirements and can complement each other's growth.