Edible gardening is a rewarding endeavor, and growing strawberries is a delightful part of it. However, strawberries often attract pests with their sweet allure. That's where the magic of companion plants comes in. Companion planting is an age - old agricultural practice that involves growing different plants together for mutual benefits, such as pest control, improved soil fertility, and enhanced growth. Here are the ten best strawberry companion plants that can safeguard your fruit garden.
1. Borage
Borage is a beautiful and beneficial plant to grow alongside strawberries. Its vibrant blue flowers not only add aesthetic appeal to the garden but also attract pollinators like bees. These pollinators play a crucial role in strawberry production by ensuring proper fruit set. Additionally, borage has natural pest - repellent properties. It can deter tomato hornworms and cabbage worms, which might otherwise target your strawberry plants. The leaves of borage are also rich in nutrients. When they decompose, they add valuable organic matter to the soil, improving its structure and fertility.
2. Thyme
Thyme is a fragrant herb that is well - suited as a strawberry companion. Its low - growing, spreading nature makes it an excellent ground cover. It helps to suppress weeds around the strawberry plants, reducing competition for water and nutrients. Thyme also emits a strong aroma that can repel pests such as cabbage loopers and whiteflies. This natural pest control can keep your strawberry plants healthy and free from damage. Moreover, thyme is drought - tolerant, which means it can thrive in the same well - drained soil conditions that strawberries prefer.
3. Sage
Sage is another herb that has a symbiotic relationship with strawberries. It has a strong scent that masks the smell of strawberries from pests. This makes it more difficult for pests like slugs and snails to locate the strawberry plants. Sage also attracts beneficial insects, such as predatory wasps, which prey on common strawberry pests. In addition to its pest - control benefits, sage is a hardy plant that can tolerate a variety of soil types and weather conditions, making it a reliable companion in the strawberry garden.
4. Marigolds
Marigolds are well - known for their pest - repellent properties. They produce a chemical called alpha - terthienyl, which is toxic to nematodes, a type of soil - dwelling pest that can damage strawberry roots. Planting marigolds around your strawberry patch can help to keep nematode populations in check. The bright orange and yellow flowers of marigolds also add a splash of color to the garden. They attract beneficial insects like ladybugs, which feed on aphids, another common pest of strawberries.
5. Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums are not only beautiful but also highly useful in the strawberry garden. They act as a trap crop for aphids. Aphids are attracted to nasturtiums more than they are to strawberries. By planting nasturtiums near your strawberry plants, you can draw aphids away from the strawberries. Nasturtiums also have a peppery taste that deters other pests, such as whiteflies and cucumber beetles. Their sprawling growth habit can also provide some shade and protection to the strawberry plants during hot summer days.
6. Chives
Chives are a member of the allium family, which includes onions and garlic. They have natural fungicidal properties that can help to prevent fungal diseases in strawberries, such as gray mold. Chives also repel pests like Japanese beetles and carrot flies. The purple flowers of chives attract pollinators, which are essential for strawberry fruit production. Additionally, chives are easy to grow and can be harvested for culinary use, adding an extra benefit to your garden.
7. Garlic
Garlic is a powerful companion plant for strawberries. It has strong antibacterial and antifungal properties. Planting garlic around your strawberry plants can help to prevent diseases like powdery mildew and root rot. Garlic also repels a wide range of pests, including aphids, spider mites, and slugs. The pungent smell of garlic masks the scent of strawberries, making it less likely for pests to find them. Garlic is a long - term crop that can be planted in the fall and harvested the following summer, providing continuous protection for your strawberry plants.
8. Onions
Onions, like garlic, belong to the allium family and offer similar benefits. They have a strong odor that repels pests. Onions can deter pests such as thrips, which can cause damage to strawberry leaves and flowers. They also help to improve the overall health of the soil by adding sulfur compounds as they decompose. These sulfur compounds can enhance the flavor of strawberries and make them more resistant to diseases. Onions are relatively easy to grow and can be interplanted with strawberries in the garden.
9. Spinach
Spinach is a leafy green vegetable that can be a great companion for strawberries. It has a shallow root system, which means it does not compete with strawberries for nutrients and water. Spinach can provide some shade to the strawberry plants, especially during the hot summer months. This can help to prevent the strawberries from overheating and drying out. Additionally, spinach is a fast - growing crop that can be harvested multiple times during the growing season, providing you with a fresh supply of greens while protecting your strawberry plants.
10. Lettuce
Lettuce is another suitable companion for strawberries. Similar to spinach, it has a shallow root system and does not compete with strawberries for resources. Lettuce can act as a living mulch, covering the soil around the strawberry plants and helping to retain moisture. It also provides some shade, which can be beneficial for the strawberries. Lettuce is a cool - season crop that can be planted early in the spring or late in the fall, complementing the growing season of strawberries.
In conclusion, by incorporating these ten best strawberry companion plants into your edible garden, you can create a more balanced and pest - resistant environment for your strawberry plants. These companion plants not only protect your strawberries from pests and diseases but also contribute to the overall health and productivity of your garden. So, go ahead and start planning your strawberry patch with these wonderful companions by your side.