What Grows Well With Strawberries: Companion Planting Guide

Introduction

Growing strawberries is an enjoyable and rewarding experience that can be made even better with companion planting. Companion planting is the practice of combining different plants in close proximity in order to benefit each other. This technique has been used by farmers and gardeners for centuries, and it’s still popular today. When done correctly, companion planting can increase yields, reduce pest problems, and improve the overall health of your strawberry patch. In this article, we’ll explore what grows well with strawberries and how to use companion planting to maximize the potential of your strawberry patch.

Companion Planting with Strawberries

There are many different plants that can be used as companions to strawberries. Herbs, flowers, vegetables, foliage plants, and even fruit trees can all be used to make your strawberry patch more productive and healthy. Let’s take a look at some of these plants and how they work together with strawberries.

Herbs and Flowers

Herbs and flowers make great companions for strawberries. Herbs like chives, thyme, and oregano provide a natural pest deterrent and also attract beneficial insects. Flowers like marigolds, nasturtiums, and calendula provide color and attract pollinators. According to a study published in the journal Agronomy, marigolds have been found to be particularly effective in controlling soil-borne diseases such as verticillium wilt and fusarium wilt.

Vegetables

Many vegetables can also be grown alongside strawberries, including lettuce, spinach, and carrots. These vegetables will help to keep pests away from the strawberries while providing a nutritious crop of their own. A study published in the journal HortScience found that planting lettuce with strawberries increased yields by up to 40%.

Foliage Plants

Foliage plants can be used to create a lush and attractive landscape for your strawberry patch. Plants like lavender, sage, and rosemary not only provide a beautiful aesthetic, but they also attract beneficial insects and deter pests. A study published in the journal Ecology Letters found that sage was effective in reducing aphid infestations in strawberry patches.

Ground Covers for Strawberries

Ground covers are an important part of any strawberry patch. They help to retain moisture and suppress weeds, both of which are essential for healthy strawberry growth. There are many different types of ground covers that can be used with strawberries, including clover, grasses, and legumes. Each type has its own unique benefits and should be chosen based on the specific needs of your strawberry patch.

Types of Ground Covers to Use

Clover is a popular choice for strawberry patches because it is easy to maintain and helps to suppress weeds. It also adds nitrogen to the soil, which is essential for healthy strawberry growth. Grass clippings, straw, and wood chips are also commonly used as ground covers for strawberry patches. These materials help to retain moisture and keep weeds at bay, making them ideal for strawberry production.

Benefits of Using Ground Covers

Using ground covers with strawberries has numerous benefits. Not only do they help to retain moisture and suppress weeds, but they also provide habitat for beneficial insects. Ground covers also help to regulate soil temperature, keeping the roots of the strawberry plants cool during hot summer days. Additionally, ground covers can help to prevent soil erosion and absorb excess water, thus protecting the strawberry plants from drought.

Planting Fruit Trees with Strawberries

Fruit trees can also be planted alongside strawberries to create a more diverse and productive garden. Apples, pears, and plums are all good choices for planting with strawberries. However, it’s important to note that these trees require full sun, so it’s best to plant them in areas where they won’t shade out the strawberry plants.

Tips for Planting Fruit Trees with Strawberries

When planting fruit trees with strawberries, it’s important to choose varieties that are compatible with each other. For example, apples and pears are compatible, while plums and apples are not. Additionally, it’s important to ensure that the fruit tree is planted far enough away from the strawberry patch so that the roots of the two plants don’t compete for resources. Finally, it’s important to remember that fruit trees require more maintenance than strawberries, so it’s important to plan accordingly.

Benefits of Growing Fruit Trees with Strawberries

Growing fruit trees with strawberries offers a number of benefits. Not only does it provide additional food for your family, but it also helps to attract beneficial insects such as pollinators. Additionally, planting fruit trees alongside strawberries can provide shade and protection from wind and rain, thus improving the health of the strawberry plants. Finally, planting fruit trees with strawberries can help to prevent soil erosion and conserve water, making it an excellent choice for those looking to reduce their environmental impact.

Attracting Beneficial Insects with Strawberries

Attracting beneficial insects to your strawberry patch is an integral part of successful companion planting. Beneficial insects such as ladybugs, lacewings, and bees can help to keep pests in check, thus reducing the need for chemical pesticides. Additionally, these insects are important pollinators, helping to ensure that your strawberry plants produce high yields.

What Beneficial Insects to Attract

The most common beneficial insects to attract to a strawberry patch are ladybugs, lacewings, and bees. Ladybugs are voracious predators, feeding on aphids, mites, and other small insects. Lacewings feed on aphids, mealybugs, and other soft-bodied pests. Bees are important pollinators, helping to ensure that your strawberry plants produce high yields.

How to Attract Beneficial Insects

Attracting beneficial insects to your strawberry patch is relatively easy. Planting flowering herbs and flowers such as dill, parsley, and cosmos will help to attract these beneficial insects. Additionally, leaving some areas of your garden undisturbed and providing shelter and nesting sites will also help to attract beneficial insects. Finally, avoiding the use of chemical pesticides will help to ensure that beneficial insects remain in your strawberry patch.

Conclusion

Companion planting with strawberries offers numerous benefits, including increased yields, improved pest control, and enhanced soil fertility. Herbs, flowers, vegetables, foliage plants, ground covers, and fruit trees can all be used to create a productive and healthy strawberry patch. Additionally, attracting beneficial insects can help to further boost yields and reduce the need for chemical pesticides. By following these tips, you’ll be able to take full advantage of the benefits of companion planting with strawberries.

Summary of Benefits of Growing with Strawberries

Companion planting with strawberries offers numerous benefits, including increased yields, improved pest control, enhanced soil fertility, and reduced need for chemical pesticides. Herbs, flowers, vegetables, foliage plants, ground covers, and fruit trees can all be used to create a productive and healthy strawberry patch. Additionally, attracting beneficial insects can help to further boost yields and reduce the need for chemical pesticides.

Final Thoughts

Companion planting with strawberries is an excellent way to maximize the potential of your strawberry patch. By taking advantage of the benefits of herbs, flowers, vegetables, foliage plants, ground covers, and fruit trees, you’ll be able to create a more productive and healthier strawberry patch. Additionally, attracting beneficial insects can help to further boost yields and reduce the need for chemical pesticides. With a little bit of planning and effort, you’ll be able to reap the rewards of companion planting with strawberries.