Strawberries are a favorite in many home gardens, but growing them successfully requires more than just good soil and sunlight. Companion planting is a time-tested gardening technique where certain plants are grown together to improve growth, pest resistance, flavor, and yield. By choosing the right companion plants, you can naturally protect your strawberries from pests, enhance soil nutrients, and increase pollination rates.
In this guide, we’ll explore the 9 best companion plants for strawberries, explain how they benefit your berry patch, and provide tips on planting them effectively.
Why Companion Planting Helps Strawberries
Companion planting works in several ways to support strawberry growth:
✔️ Natural Pest Control – Some plants repel pests that attack strawberries.
✔️ Soil Enrichment – Certain plants improve soil health by adding nutrients.
✔️ Improved Growth – Some companions provide shade, ground cover, or help with moisture retention.
✔️ Better Pollination – Flowers that attract pollinators help increase fruit production.
Now, let’s explore the top 9 plants that work best alongside strawberries!
9 Best Companion Plants for Strawberries
1. Borage – The Pollinator Magnet & Pest Repellent
Borage is an excellent companion for strawberries because:
✅ It attracts bees and other pollinators, boosting strawberry fruit production.
✅ It repels harmful pests like hornworms and caterpillars.
✅ It adds nutrients to the soil when it decomposes.
👉 How to plant: Grow borage near strawberries but not too close, as it can get tall and overshadow smaller plants.
2. Nasturtiums – Natural Pest Deterrents
Nasturtiums not only add beauty to your garden but also help strawberries thrive:
✅ Their strong scent repels aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites.
✅ They serve as a trap crop, luring pests away from strawberries.
✅ Nasturtium flowers are edible and can be used in salads!
👉 How to plant: Plant nasturtiums along the edges of your strawberry beds for maximum pest protection.
3. Marigolds – Protect Against Soil Pests
Marigolds are well-known for their ability to control nematodes (microscopic worms that attack plant roots). They also deter beetles and aphids.
✅ Their roots release compounds that repel harmful nematodes in the soil.
✅ Marigolds keep beetles and slugs away from your strawberry plants.
✅ They add a pop of color to your garden!
👉 How to plant: Space marigolds throughout your strawberry patch for continuous protection.
4. Chives – Improve Flavor & Keep Insects Away
Chives are a great addition to a strawberry garden because:
✅ Their strong smell repels aphids, spider mites, and Japanese beetles.
✅ They improve the flavor of strawberries when grown nearby.
✅ Chive flowers attract beneficial pollinators.
👉 How to plant: Plant chives along the borders of your strawberry bed to maximize protection.
5. Lettuce – Provides Ground Cover & Moisture Retention
Lettuce and strawberries make great garden partners because:
✅ Lettuce grows low to the ground, providing shade and reducing weed growth.
✅ It helps retain soil moisture, benefiting the shallow roots of strawberries.
✅ Both plants have similar watering needs, making garden maintenance easier.
👉 How to plant: Grow lettuce between strawberry rows to maximize space and moisture retention.
6. Spinach – A Low-Maintenance Companion
Spinach is another leafy green that pairs well with strawberries:
✅ It provides ground cover, helping to prevent soil erosion.
✅ Spinach doesn’t compete with strawberries for nutrients.
✅ It’s an excellent cool-weather crop that grows well in early spring alongside strawberries.
👉 How to plant: Interplant spinach with strawberries to protect the soil and maximize harvests.
7. Thyme – A Natural Pest Repellent
Thyme is a fragrant herb that serves multiple purposes in a strawberry garden:
✅ Its strong scent repels pests like cabbage worms and weevils.
✅ It attracts beneficial insects that help control pest populations.
✅ Thyme is drought-resistant, making it an easy-care companion plant.
👉 How to plant: Plant thyme around the perimeter of your strawberry patch for pest control.
8. Beans – Improve Soil Fertility
Beans (such as bush beans and pole beans) are nitrogen-fixing plants that benefit strawberries:
✅ They add nitrogen to the soil, which improves strawberry growth.
✅ Bush beans provide some shade, keeping the soil cool and moist.
✅ Beans deter beetles that commonly attack strawberries.
👉 How to plant: Plant beans in a nearby row but avoid shading strawberries too much.
9. Garlic – The Ultimate Pest Fighter
Garlic is one of the best natural pest deterrents for strawberries:
✅ It repels aphids, mites, and beetles that attack strawberry plants.
✅ Garlic has antifungal properties, helping to reduce diseases like powdery mildew.
✅ It doesn’t take up much space and can be planted along the edges of your strawberry patch.
👉 How to plant: Plant garlic cloves near strawberries in early spring or fall.
Plants to AVOID Near Strawberries
While some plants help strawberries thrive, others can hinder their growth. Avoid planting strawberries near:
❌ Cabbage & Broccoli – Compete for nutrients and attract pests.
❌ Tomatoes & Peppers – Increase the risk of fungal diseases.
❌ Mint – Spreads aggressively and can take over your garden.
Final Tips for Companion Planting with Strawberries
✔️ Rotate your crops each season to prevent soil depletion.
✔️ Water strawberries at the base to prevent fungal diseases.
✔️ Use organic mulch (like straw or wood chips) to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
✔️ Encourage pollinators by planting flowers like borage and marigolds.
Conclusion: Grow Bigger, Sweeter Strawberries Naturally!
By incorporating these 9 companion plants, you’ll create a healthier, more productive strawberry patch without relying on chemicals. Whether you’re looking to boost pollination, deter pests, or improve soil quality, these companion plants will help your strawberries thrive all season long!
💬 Which companion plants have worked best for your strawberries? Share your experience in the comments below!