Companion planting for blueberry is an experience-based observation developed over centuries. People have noticed that planting certain plants side by side has a positive effect on each other, increasing the quality and quantity of the harvest.
Companion planting is not set in stone and it is the least you can do for your plants. You can get the right care from the individual plant article. You can see the companion and the enemy plants of blueberry below.
| Companion plants for blueberry | Enemy plants of blueberry |
|---|---|
| Thyme | Cabbage |
| Borage | Broccoli |
| Strawberry | |
| Dill | |
| Basil |
Why does companion planting work?
Companion planting works due to several interconnected factors:
Pest Control: Certain plants emit natural chemicals or scents that repel pests, effectively acting as natural pest deterrents for nearby plants. This reduces the need for chemical pesticides and fosters a more balanced ecosystem.
Attracting Beneficial Insects: Some companion plants attract beneficial insects like ladybugs, hoverflies, and predatory wasps, which feed on common garden pests. This creates a natural form of pest control and helps maintain ecological balance.
Soil Improvement: Different plants have varying root structures and nutrient requirements. Companion planting can enhance soil health by reducing soil erosion, suppressing weeds, and improving nutrient uptake. For example, leguminous plants fix nitrogen in the soil, benefiting neighboring plants that require nitrogen for growth.
Competition Reduction: Companion planting can help reduce competition for resources such as water, sunlight, and nutrients by utilizing plants with complementary growth patterns and root structures. This allows for more efficient resource utilization and healthier plant growth.
Biodiversity and Resilience: Planting diverse species together increases biodiversity in the garden, which can enhance ecosystem resilience. A diverse ecosystem is better equipped to withstand pests, diseases, and environmental stresses compared to monocultures.
Maximizing Space: Companion planting allows gardeners to make the most of limited space by intercropping plants with different growth habits and maturity rates. This maximizes yield per square foot and promotes efficient land use.
Overall, companion planting capitalizes on the natural synergies between plant species, creating a thriving and sustainable garden ecosystem.
What are the companion plants of blueberry?
The following plants have positive effects on the growth of your blueberry. These plants can repel pests that damage your plants. These plants provide increased nutrition to the soil that your plants can use. Therefore, we recommend planting these plants next to your blueberry.
Thyme
Thyme grows sandy or loamy soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 8.0. Full sunlight and moderate moisture nurture its flavorful foliage and compact growth. Thyme provides invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by repelling pests, attracting beneficial insects, and enhancing overall garden biodiversity.
Thyme is a hardworking little herb that does wonders for blueberries. It spreads out like a living mulch, keeping the soil moist and blocking pesky weeds from taking over. Plus, its tiny flowers attract helpful pollinators, making sure your blueberry bushes get plenty of attention from bees.
As a bonus, thyme’s strong scent helps keep pests away, so your berries can grow in peace.
Borage
Borage, esteemed for its herbal charm and botanical grandeur, thrives in diverse habitats under the sun's warm embrace. Flourishing in well-drained soil with a neutral to alkaline pH, it showcases resilience and adaptability. Regular watering and adequate spacing promote lush foliage and vibrant blooms, attracting pollinators and beneficial insects.
Borage is like a secret weapon for your blueberry patch. Its beautiful blue flowers bring in pollinators, which means more blossoms turning into juicy berries. It also enriches the soil by pulling up nutrients and making them more available to nearby plants.
Even better, borage helps deter pests that might munch on your blueberry leaves.
Strawberry
Strawberries grow in loamy soil with a pH range between 5.5 and 6.5. Full sunlight and consistent moisture nurture their delicate fruits and lush foliage. Strawberries provide invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by attracting pollinators, suppressing weed growth with their dense foliage.
Strawberries and blueberries make a great team! They both love acidic soil and won’t fight over nutrients. Strawberries spread out low to the ground, acting like a natural mulch to keep the soil cool and moist. That means happier blueberry roots and fewer weeds trying to take over. Plus, you get two sweet harvests from the same patch!
Dill
Dill thrives in various soil types. Flourishing in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil under the gentle caress of sunlight, it embodies adaptability and elegance. Consistent moisture and occasional pruning support lush growth and abundant foliage. Dill offers general benefits to neighboring plants by attracting beneficial insects and enhancing overall garden biodiversity.
Dill isn’t just great in the kitchen—it’s a garden hero, too! It attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings that love to snack on pests. That means fewer bugs bothering your blueberries. Dill also adds a nice, airy touch to your garden, helping to create a diverse and balanced growing space.
Basil
Basil, with its aromatic leaves and culinary versatility, transcends its role as a mere herb, emerging as a cornerstone of companion gardening practices. Beyond its culinary appeal, basil offers a multitude of benefits to the garden ecosystem, serving as a beacon of fragrance and functionality in both kitchen and cultivation.
Basil does more than just make food taste great—it’s a natural pest deterrent! Its strong scent helps keep unwanted bugs away from your blueberry bushes. It also attracts pollinators, making sure your berries grow plump and sweet. Planting basil nearby helps create a healthier, happier garden for your blueberries.
What are the enemy plants of blueberry?
Planting these plants next to blueberry has a huge negative effect on the development of your plant. Growing enemy plants can appeal detrimental insects, change the taste of the grown plant and even consuming all of the nutrients and water from your blueberry. Because of these negative effects, we don’t recomment growing the plants below next to your blueberry.
Cabbage
Cabbage thrives in various soil conditions. Flourishing in well-drained soil enriched with compost, it adapts to pH levels ranging from slightly acidic to neutral. Adequate moisture and sunlight foster robust growth and ample foliage. Belonging to the Brassicaceae family, alongside esteemed companions like kale and Brussels sprouts, cabbage epitomizes the culinary versatility and natural elegance found within the garden's domain.
Cabbage is a heavy feeder, pulling lots of nutrients from the soil—nutrients that blueberries need to grow strong and produce sweet fruit. On top of that, cabbage prefers more neutral soil, while blueberries love it on the acidic side. If they’re planted together, one of them is bound to struggle. To keep your blueberries happy, it’s best to give cabbage a home elsewhere in the garden.
Broccoli
Broccoli flourishes in diverse growing conditions. Thriving in well-drained soil enriched with organic matter, it adapts to pH levels ranging from slightly acidic to neutral. Adequate moisture and sunlight support vigorous growth and abundant yields. Belonging to the Brassicaceae family, alongside esteemed companions like kale and cabbage, broccoli embodies the natural abundance and beauty found within the garden's embrace.
Broccoli is not great for blueberries. Like cabbage, broccoli is a nutrient hog, depleting the soil and leaving little behind for your berry bushes. It also prefers a different soil pH, so growing them together means one plant won’t be getting what it needs. For the best harvest, keep broccoli and blueberries in separate parts of the garden.
