Strawberries benefit significantly from companion planting, particularly for pollination and pest control. Since strawberries require bee pollination for proper fruit development, flowers that attract pollinators directly improve your berry harvest. Certain companion plants also deter slugs, aphids, and other common strawberry pests.
Strawberries grow excellently in containers and hanging baskets where their runners can trail attractively. This guide covers the best companion plants for container strawberries and combinations to avoid.
Best Companion Plants for Strawberries
Borage
The ultimate strawberry companion. Borage's blue flowers attract bees that pollinate strawberries, significantly improving fruit set. Some gardeners believe borage improves strawberry flavor and increases yield. It also repels certain pest insects.
Chives & Garlic
Alliums deter aphids, one of strawberries' most common pests. Chives are particularly container-friendly with their compact clumping growth. Their purple flowers also attract pollinators. Plant chives around container edges.
Thyme
Low-growing thyme makes excellent ground cover around strawberries. It conserves soil moisture, deters pests with its aromatic oils, and attracts beneficial insects when flowering. Both plants share preference for well-drained soil.
Lettuce & Spinach
Leafy greens grow excellently with strawberries. Their shallow roots don't compete with strawberry roots, they share similar water needs, and they provide living mulch. Harvest greens as strawberries spread via runners.
Bush Beans
Beans fix nitrogen that benefits strawberry growth. Their different root depths minimize competition. Bush beans' compact growth works in container gardens. Plant beans on the sunny side of strawberry containers.
Plants to Avoid Near Strawberries
Some plants share diseases with strawberries, compete too aggressively, or inhibit their growth. Keep these away from your strawberry containers.
Nightshades (Tomatoes, Peppers, Potatoes, Eggplant)
Nightshades can harbor verticillium wilt, a soil-borne fungal disease that devastates strawberries. Never plant strawberries in soil where nightshades have grown. Use separate containers.
Brassicas (Cabbage, Broccoli, Cauliflower)
Brassicas are heavy feeders that compete with strawberries for nutrients. Both prefer similar soil conditions, leading to competition. Keep in separate containers.
Fennel
Fennel inhibits most plant growth including strawberries. Always grow fennel in complete isolation.
Mint
Mint is too aggressive and will quickly overtake strawberry containers via runners. Both plants spread, creating competition. Keep mint isolated.
Container Arrangement Ideas
Strawberry Herb Pot (12-14" pot)
Center/edges: 3-4 strawberry plants
Between: Creeping thyme + 1 chive clump
Pollinator Strawberry Garden (multiple containers)
Container 1: Strawberries + lettuce
Container 2 (adjacent): Borage + marigolds
Hanging Strawberry Basket
Center: 3 strawberry plants
Edges: Sweet alyssum (trailing, attracts beneficials)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best companion plant for strawberries?
Borage is considered the best strawberry companion. It attracts pollinators that improve strawberry fruit set, repels some pests, and may increase strawberry yield and flavor. Other excellent companions include chives (repel aphids), thyme (ground cover), and lettuce (space-efficient).
What should not be planted near strawberries?
Avoid planting strawberries near brassicas (cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower) which compete for nutrients, fennel (inhibits most plants), mint (too aggressive), and nightshades (tomatoes, peppers, potatoes) which can share verticillium wilt disease.
Can strawberries and tomatoes be planted together?
It's generally not recommended. Strawberries and tomatoes can both harbor verticillium wilt, a soil-borne fungal disease. Planting together increases disease risk. If you must grow both, use separate containers with fresh potting mix.
Do strawberries grow well with herbs?
Yes! Thyme makes an excellent ground cover companion, conserving moisture. Chives and garlic deter aphids. Borage attracts pollinators and may improve strawberry flavor. Sage can help repel slugs. Keep mint away - it's too aggressive.
Can lettuce and strawberries be planted together?
Yes, lettuce and strawberries make excellent container companions. They share similar water needs, and lettuce's shallow roots don't compete with strawberry roots. Lettuce provides living mulch while strawberries eventually trail over container edges.
What flowers help strawberries?
Borage is the top flower companion for strawberries. Marigolds help deter pests and nematodes. White clover fixes nitrogen and attracts pollinators. Sweet alyssum attracts beneficial insects and serves as ground cover.
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