Good and Bad Strawberry Companion Plants

It is so delightful when your strawberry plants produce a bumper crop of ripe, juicy red berries.

To get the best and tastiest fruits, consider some key factors when choosing companion plants for your strawberry patch.

Companion planting is a classic gardening technique.

When done well, it can offer many benefits. However, it can just as easily lead to problems if the wrong combinations are made.

Today, I’ll address the best and worst strawberry companions so you know exactly which ones to choose to give your garden the best chance of success.

What to Plant with Strawberries

Good companion plants help keep bugs away from strawberries and improve their flavor, among other benefits.

There are several neighbors that you can place next to the strawberries.

• Rhubarb
• Borage
• Garlic
• Sage
• Beans
• Marigolds
• Onions
• Chives
• Spinach
• Yarrow
• Lettuce
• Peas
• Rosemary
• Thyme
• Caraway
• Cilantro
• Rue
• Sweet alyssum
• Coriander
• Catnip
• Asparagus
• Lupins
• Nasturtiums
• Dill

Can you grow strawberries with zucchini? Most likely.

Squash planted near strawberries can act as ground cover. Zucchini will do the same.

Bad Companion Plants for Strawberries

It’s always tempting to overcrowd your garden for maximum yield, but be cautious about planting too closely together. Some plants can do more harm than good.

Yes, some plants can harm your strawberry crop. They may attract pests or spread diseases.

Here’s what not to plant next to strawberry plants:

• Cauliflower
• Tomatoes
• Cabbages
• Broccoli
• Eggplants
• Mint
• Fennel
• Potatoes
• Melons
• Aubergine
• Swiss chard
• Peppers
• Okra

These plants should generally be avoided when planting near strawberry beds.

How to Grow Strawberries

The process is relatively easy; you need to pick a spot with well-drained soil. Additionally, the plants require a lot of sunlight.

Plus, they thrive best in slightly acidic soil. After planting, keep the area well-watered. You can grow them from root clumps, transplants, and even seeds.

Fertilizer Requirements

These fruit plants require fertilizer that contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to thrive. Also, fertilize four to six weeks after planting.

Garden Pests

Strawberries are tasty and nutritious, but they can also attract a host of garden pests. One of the main culprits is the slug, which enjoys feeding on tender leaves and ripe fruit.

You should also watch out for strawberry root weevils, which feed on the root systems of strawberry plants.

These pesky weevils can harm plants and cut yields. If you find them in your garden, it’s essential to act quickly.

Other garden critters that might like your strawberries are aphids, earwigs, cutworms, and birds. Aphids suck the sap from the leaves, leaving behind an unpleasant sticky residue called honeydew.

Earwigs damage the fruits, while cutworms are notorious for cutting seedlings off at ground level. Birds will also feast on ripening berries unless you use netting or other bird-proof strategies.

By knowing the pests to look for, you can help keep your berry patch healthy.

Plant Diseases

Among the common diseases that affect strawberries is gray mold (Botrytis cinerea). It’s a fungal disease that appears as a grayish-white growth on the affected plant [1].

Another problem you might encounter is anthracnose. Symptoms usually appear in late summer and include yellowing leaves and stunted growth.

You should also look out for dark lesions on fruits and leaves, as well as sunken spots on the fruit itself.

Other common diseases include powdery mildew, verticillium wilt, and leaf spot.

To prevent these plant diseases from spreading and ruining your beautiful garden, be sure to:

• Practice crop rotation when planting strawberries.
• Plant in well-drained soil so that moisture doesn’t stay too long around strawberry plants.
• Dispose of diseased plants immediately.
• Clear away any debris (leaves or straw) from around your strawberry plants to reduce spores in the area.
• Be sure to water at the soil level only.

How to Harvest

Ripe fruits are ready about 4 to 6 weeks after the plants put forth blossoms.

The most important thing to do when harvesting strawberries is not to pull them from the plant—gently cut the stem instead.

Pulling them from the plant can damage the plants, and tossing them into a basket can damage the soft fruit.

How to Store Strawberries

To enjoy them at their best, you’ve got to know how to store them correctly.

Keep them cold. If your strawberries were just picked from a garden or market, it’s best to store them in the fridge as soon as you can. This will keep them fresh for about seven days in the refrigerator.

Also, rinse gently and pat dry. Before storing your strawberries, gently rinse them and pat them dry with a paper towel to absorb the excess moisture.

Finally, store them in an airtight container.

Put your strawberries in an airtight container or a plastic bag. This helps keep moisture in, so their delicate texture stays fresh.

Where to Buy Seeds

There are numerous online stores, nurseries, and local retailers that stock a wide range of seeds for various plant types.

Before making a purchase, check the seed packets to ensure you have enough time to use them. Seeds that are past their expiration date may not sprout.

Takeaway

It is essential to consider your companion plant choices when growing strawberries. Some plants can be beneficial, while others can be detrimental to your strawberry crop.

Therefore, conduct thorough research before planting. Select plants known to be beneficial for strawberry yields.

With the proper knowledge and care, you can make the most of your garden and reap the rewards of a larger and healthier harvest.