Companion planting for strawberry 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 strawberry below.
| Companion plants for strawberry | Enemy plants of strawberry |
|---|---|
| Spinach | Kale |
| Lettuce | Cauliflower |
| Common sage | |
| Asparagus | |
| Chives |
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 strawberry?
The following plants have positive effects on the growth of your strawberry. 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 strawberry.
Spinach
Spinach grows in fertile soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.5. Partial shade and consistent moisture nurture its tender foliage and rapid growth. Spinach provides invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by enriching the soil with nutrients, suppressing weed growth, and promoting overall garden health.
Spinach is a great companion for strawberries because it thrives in the same cool conditions. It can help provide a bit of shade to strawberries during the hotter months, keeping their roots cool and preventing them from drying out. Plus, spinach grows quickly and can be harvested early, leaving plenty of space for strawberries to spread out later in the season.
Lettuce
Lettuce, known for its crunchy leaves and garden appeal, thrives in various soil conditions. Flourishing in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.0. Partial shade and consistent moisture nurture its tender foliage and compact heads. Lettuce offers invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by providing ground cover, conserving soil moisture, and suppressing weed growth.
Lettuce is another perfect partner for strawberries because it grows low and helps shield the strawberry plants from the harsh sun. This shade helps keep the strawberry roots cool and prevents them from drying out in the summer heat. Lettuce grows fast, so you can enjoy a harvest before the strawberries even start to produce fruit!
Common sage
Common Sage grows in diverse soil conditions. Flourishing in well-drained, sandy or loamy soil. Full sunlight and moderate moisture nurture its aromatic foliage and sturdy growth. Common Sage provides invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by repelling pests, attracting beneficial insects, and adding culinary richness to the garden.
Common sage helps protect your strawberries from pests. Its strong scent deters certain insects, such as aphids and spider mites, which can be a nuisance for strawberries. By keeping these pests away, sage helps strawberries stay healthy and productive.
Asparagus
Asparagus, revered for its tender spears and nutritional prowess, stands as a stalwart sentinel in the realm of companion gardening. With a penchant for well-drained, sandy soil and ample sunlight, this perennial delight thrives in environments where winters are cold and summers are warm. As a symbol of grace and gastronomy, asparagus enriches both the palate and the garden landscape, embodying the essence of verdant vitality.
Asparagus is a great plant to pair with strawberries because it grows tall and provides vertical space, which helps reduce overcrowding in the garden. The tall asparagus stalks also create some shade, which can protect strawberry plants from the harsh afternoon sun. Plus, asparagus and strawberries share similar growing requirements, making them a natural match!
Chives
Chives thrive in well-drained, fertile soil enriched with compost, they embody adaptability and finesse. Adequate moisture and sunlight support lush growth and abundant foliage. Chives extend general benefits to neighboring plants by repelling pests and attracting beneficial insects, enhancing overall garden biodiversity.
Chives are a wonderful companion for strawberries because their strong scent repels pests that might otherwise bother your strawberry plants. Chives help keep harmful insects, like aphids, away, leaving your strawberries to grow without worry. Plus, chives are easy to grow and don’t need much space, so they fit perfectly alongside your strawberry patch.
What are the enemy plants of strawberry?
Planting these plants next to strawberry 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 strawberry. Because of these negative effects, we don’t recomment growing the plants below next to your strawberry.
Kale
Kale, known for its robust leaves and garden vigor, thrives in various soil conditions. Flourishing in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.5. Partial shade and consistent moisture nurture its vibrant foliage and sturdy stems. Kale provides invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by enriching the soil with nutrients, suppressing weeds, and attracting beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings.
Kale grows large and tends to take up a lot of space, which can crowd out your strawberry plants. With its deep roots and big leaves, kale can also steal nutrients and water, leaving strawberries with less to grow strong. It’s best to keep kale away from your strawberries to give them room to spread and thrive.
Cauliflower
Cauliflower thrives in various soil conditions. Flourishing in well-drained, fertile soil enriched with organic matter. Adequate moisture and sunlight support vigorous growth and abundant curds. Cauliflower extends benefits to neighboring plants by enhancing soil health, promoting microbial activity, and optimizing nutrient availability. Belonging to the Brassicaceae family, alongside esteemed companions like broccoli and Brussels sprouts, cauliflower epitomizes the lush abundance and natural charm found within the garden's bounty.
Cauliflower, while delicious, can be a tough neighbor for strawberries. Like kale, cauliflower is a heavy feeder, meaning it takes up a lot of nutrients from the soil. This can leave your strawberries struggling to get the nutrients they need. Since strawberries and cauliflower have different needs, it’s best to plant them apart so both can grow at their best.
