Even strawberries need a little support — these are the best plants to help them flourish this summer
Strawberries are a juicy, crowd-pleasing favourite in any garden. Their sweet fruits are a treat in everything from salads to desserts, but growing strawberries successfully takes more than just sunshine and water. One of the best ways to help them thrive is to find the best strawberry companion plants to grow with them.
'Companion planting lets a gardener squeeze more production from the same square footage,' says Jessica Mercer of Plant Addicts. The benefits are plentiful, from enhancing growth to protecting against pests and improving productivity.
For strawberries, selecting the right plant partners, such as marigolds, borage and garlic, to name a few, can enhance their health, attract pollinators, repel pests, enrich the soil, and even help them grow taller.
As far as what not to plant with strawberries? Jessica advises against planting cabbage family members (like broccoli, cauliflower, and kale) nearby — they can compete for nutrients and attract similar pests. Additionally, avoid fennel, as it tends to inhibit the growth of neighbouring plants.
Here are 20 of the best strawberry companion plants — and a few key details to help you grow them successfully.
Spinach helps retain moisture and reduce weeds, making it a great understory crop and companion plant for strawberries.
Lettuce acts as a living mulch to cool the soil and hide ripening berries from birds.
Its flowers attract beneficial hoverflies that feed on aphids.
This strawberry companion plant repels aphids and spider mites with its strong scent.
These classic pest-repelling flowers also attract pollinators.
Sage covers the scent of strawberries from pests while drawing in pollinators.
Asparagus pairs well with strawberries, sharing nutrients and space.
This fragrant herb repels thrips and aphids while supporting pollinators.
Borage attracts bees and adds trace minerals to the soil.
Thyme repels pests and draws in pollinators with its tiny flowers.
Yarrow attracts beneficial insects and improves soil over time.
White clover fixes nitrogen in the soil and suppresses weeds.
Garlic repels pests and protects strawberries with its strong smell.
Horseradish deters fungal disease and insect pests.
Rhubarb grows well with strawberries and creates a productive spring duo.
Sweet alyssum forms a low-growing carpet that attracts pollinators and suppresses weeds.
Poppies attract helpful insects while adding vibrant colour.
Lupine fixes nitrogen in the soil while feeding pollinators.
Nasturtiums act as a trap crop for aphids and attract hummingbirds.
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