11 Best Strawberry Companion Plants (And Plants to Avoid)

Strawberries are a delicious and rewarding crop to grow in your garden, but their success can be significantly improved by planting them alongside compatible companions. Companion planting helps deter pests, enhance growth, and improve flavor. Below are some of the best plants to grow with strawberries, as well as those you should avoid.

Best Companion Plants for Strawberries

1. Borage

Borage is a fantastic companion for strawberries because it attracts pollinators and repels pests like tomato hornworms. It also improves strawberry growth and flavor.

2. Basil

Basil helps repel harmful insects like aphids, mosquitoes, and flies, while also enhancing the flavor of strawberries.

3. Chives

Chives deter aphids and other common pests while also improving the overall health of the strawberry plants.

4. Garlic

Garlic is known for its strong scent that repels pests such as spider mites and aphids, helping to protect strawberry plants.

5. Lettuce

Lettuce provides ground cover, helping to retain soil moisture and prevent weeds from taking over your strawberry patch.

6. Onions

Like garlic and chives, onions have strong scents that deter common strawberry pests, reducing the need for chemical pest control.

7. Thyme

Thyme acts as a natural pest deterrent while also attracting pollinators to help with strawberry fruit production.

8. Spinach

Spinach is a great low-growing companion that helps suppress weeds and retains soil moisture.

9. Asparagus

Since asparagus and strawberries have different root depths, they don’t compete for nutrients and make good garden companions.

10. Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are a great trap crop, drawing aphids away from strawberry plants and reducing pest damage.

11. Marigolds

Marigolds help control nematodes and deter other garden pests, making them a beneficial companion for strawberries.

Plants to Avoid Growing Near Strawberries

While many plants make great companions for strawberries, some can be detrimental to their growth and health. Here are plants you should avoid planting near strawberries:

1. Cabbage and Brassicas (Broccoli, Cauliflower, Kale, etc.)

Brassicas compete with strawberries for nutrients and can hinder their growth.

2. Tomatoes

Tomatoes and strawberries are both susceptible to similar diseases, such as verticillium wilt, which can spread between the plants.

3. Peppers

Like tomatoes, peppers are prone to similar diseases that can negatively impact strawberries.

4. Potatoes

Potatoes can introduce fungal diseases that may harm strawberry plants.

5. Mint

Mint spreads aggressively and can overtake a strawberry patch, competing for space and nutrients.

By selecting the right companion plants and avoiding those that negatively impact strawberries, you can create a thriving and productive garden. Happy planting!