When I first started growing strawberries in my backyard gardening, I had no idea that companion planting could make such a difference.
To be honest, my first few seasons of experimenting with companion planting were a bit hit or miss. Then, I decided to try planting herbs and flowers that other gardeners on the internet had found beneficial for strawberries.
The results were astounding — healthier plants, bigger berries, and fewer pest problems!
9 Best Companion Plants For Strawberries
9 – Basil
Basil and marigolds work in a similar way. The herb has a naturally strong scent that insects like aphids and mosquitoes avoid flying near.
To add to this, basil’s scent is so overpowering that it can mask the sweet smell of strawberries, making it harder for pests and insects to locate them.
8 – Marigolds
Marigolds are the undisputed king of companion plants. They’re typically planted alongside strawberries and other fruits to keep destructive pests and insects at bay.
Their strong aroma makes them unbearable to these little garden monsters.
7 – Garlic
Garlic too has an overpowering odor that pests and insects do not appreciate.
When planted near strawberries, the sweet, delicious berries will be protected and allowed to grow freely without any sort of unnecessary stress placed on them.
6 – Mint
Believe it or not, mint is a good companion plant for strawberries. We are all aware of its extremely strong, overpowering scent — it helps ward off aphids, ants, flea beetles, and any other pests that could cause harm to your strawberry plants.
Some gardeners even believe that mint’s strong aroma enhances the soil, causing the strawberries to develop a better flavor!
5 – Oregano
Oregano does two things in the garden. Firstly, it acts as ground cover, preventing wild weeds from overtaking your strawberry plants and leeching on water and nutrients.
Secondly, the herb has a naturally strong scent which not only repels bad insects but also invites good ones that can help improve the garden ecosystem.
4 – Lettuce
Lettuce can share space with strawberries in the garden because they both enjoy similar growing conditions and the leafy green can help with retaining moisture as well as keeping the soil cool on hot summer days.
Lettuce was actually the first companion plant I tried to improve my strawberry plants.
I came across the suggestion on an online gardening forum and decided to give it a go. Simply put, it turned out to be a great choice!
3 – Borage
Borage can be an excellent companion plant for strawberries. It tends to attract pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds to the garden, improving fruit sets and aiding with the pollination process.
The flowering plant also has some beneficial pest-repellent properties that can be of further help to your strawberries.
2 – Clover
Clover is a standout companion for strawberries due to its ability to improve soil health by fixing nitrogen. It grows low on the ground, spreading quickly to cover large areas.
This makes it an excellent ground cover, helping to suppress weeds, retain moisture, and keep the soil healthy for your strawberry plants to grow more efficiently.
1 – Chives
Chives, like garlic, are highly effective at repelling pests due to their strong aroma, which confuses and drives them away.
The best part about chives is their compact size; they don’t require much space and can easily be planted between strawberry rows, making them an ideal companion for keeping your strawberries pest-free without overcrowding the garden.
Before you leave, read this article with some strawberries growing tips you’re probably ignoring.
Final Words
After playing around with many of these companion plants, I saw a drastic improvement in my strawberry harvests.
Not only did my yields increase, but the quality of the fruit also improved, thanks to fewer pests damaging the plants.
The results were well worth the effort and my strawberries have never been healthier or more abundant.
In simpler words, companion planting works!
