Strawberries are one of my favorites to plant in the garden. Growing them is rewarding and enjoyable, but it’s even more satisfying when you use companion planting.
I recently planted strawberries in a garden bed alongside marigold, thyme, and chamomile. Let me tell you, I’ve never seen a plant do so well so fast.
Companion planting is a method of growing various plants together to create a mutually beneficial environment. It can increase yield, deter pests, and enhance overall plant health.
In this post, we’ll explore 50 companion plants for strawberries, their benefits, and tips for successful cultivation. Additionally, we’ll provide guidance on what not to plant with each companion.
Let’s jump in!
1. Borage
Benefits: Borage is an excellent companion for strawberries because it attracts beneficial insects such as bees and ladybugs, which help with pollination and pest control. Additionally, borage accumulates minerals like calcium and potassium, which can improve strawberry overall health and even flavor.
Tips: Plant borage in a sunny spot, and space them about 12-18 inches apart. They can grow up to 3 feet tall, so place them in a location where they will not overshadow your strawberry plants.
What Not to Plant: Avoid planting borage near tomatoes or peppers, as it can attract pests like tomato hornworms and aphids.
2. Thyme
Benefits: Thyme is a low-growing, fragrant herb that helps repel various pests like slugs, snails, and whiteflies. It also attracts pollinators, enhancing strawberry pollination.
Tips: Thyme prefers well-drained soil and full sun. Plant it around the edges of your strawberry bed, and allow it to sprawl to create a living mulch that conserves moisture and suppresses weeds.
What Not to Plant: Thyme should not be planted near potatoes, as it can inhibit their growth.
3. Oregano
Benefits: Oregano is a natural pest deterrent, repelling various insects such as aphids, spider mites, and other pests. The strong scent confuses pests, making it harder for them to locate your strawberry plants.
Tips: Plant oregano around the perimeter of your strawberry patch to create a protective barrier. Ensure it receives adequate sunlight and well-draining soil.
What Not to Plant: Oregano can stunt the growth of nearby plants, so avoid planting it near cucumbers, pumpkins, or squash.
4. Chives
Benefits: Chives are a great companion for strawberries due to their ability to repel pests like aphids and spider mites. They also have mild antibacterial and antifungal properties, which can help protect strawberry plants from diseases.
Tips: Plant chives around the perimeter of your strawberry bed, as they can form a protective barrier against pests. Chives prefer full sun and well-draining soil.
What Not to Plant: Avoid planting chives near beans and peas, as they can inhibit their growth.
5. Sage
Benefits: Sage helps deter pests such as cabbage moths, carrot flies, and slugs, protecting your strawberry plants. It also attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, improving pollination.
Tips: Plant sage in a sunny location with well-draining soil. Space the plants about 18-24 inches apart to ensure they don’t compete with the strawberries for nutrients and sunlight.
What Not to Plant: Sage can inhibit the growth of cucumbers, so avoid planting them near each other.
6. Marigold
Benefits: Marigolds are known for their ability to repel various pests, including nematodes, aphids, and whiteflies. They also release a substance called alpha-terthienyl, which helps suppress harmful soil nematodes that can damage strawberry roots.
Tips: Plant marigolds throughout your strawberry patch, and consider using different varieties to maximize their effectiveness. Marigolds prefer full sun and well-draining soil.
What Not to Plant: Avoid planting marigolds near beans and cabbage, as they can inhibit their growth.
7. Calendula
Benefits: Calendula, also known as pot marigold, attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings that prey on pests harmful to strawberries. It also has a reputation for improving soil health and can repel various garden pests.
Tips: Plant calendula around the borders of your strawberry patch or intersperse it among your plants. Calendula prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade and well-draining soil.
What Not to Plant: Calendula should not be planted near potatoes, as it can attract potato beetles and other pests that may damage potato plants.
8. Nasturtium
Benefits: Nasturtiums are known to repel pests such as aphids, whiteflies, and squash bugs. They also attract pollinators, which can help improve strawberry yields.
Tips: Plant nasturtiums among your strawberry plants, and allow them to trail over the edges of your garden bed to create a living barrier against pests. Nasturtiums prefer full sun and well-draining soil.
What Not to Plant: Nasturtiums should not be planted near brassicas like cabbage, kale, or broccoli, as they can attract pests that are harmful to these plants.
9. Lemon Balm
Benefits: Lemon balm is a fragrant herb that helps deter pests like aphids, mosquitoes, and whiteflies. It also attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, improving pollination for your strawberries.
Tips: Plant lemon balm around the perimeter of your strawberry patch, and keep it trimmed to prevent it from becoming invasive. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil.
What Not to Plant: Lemon balm should not be planted near tomatoes or peppers, as it can attract pests like tomato hornworms.
10. Basil
Benefits: Basil is an aromatic herb that can repel pests like aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. It also attracts pollinators, enhancing pollination for your strawberries.
Tips: Plant basil in close proximity to your strawberries, but ensure that it does not shade or compete for nutrients with your strawberry plants. Basil prefers full sun and well-draining soil.
What Not to Plant: Avoid planting basil near cucumbers or rue, as it can inhibit their growth.
11. Yarrow
Benefits: Yarrow is a versatile companion plant that attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps, which help control pests in your strawberry patch. It also has deep roots that can help break up compacted soil, improving water and nutrient penetration for strawberries.
Tips: Plant yarrow throughout your strawberry patch or along the borders. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil.
What Not to Plant: Yarrow can be invasive and may compete with other plants for nutrients, so avoid planting it near delicate plants or plants with shallow root systems.
12. Lavender
Benefits: Lavender is a fragrant herb that repels pests such as aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites. It also attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, improving pollination for your strawberries.
Tips: Plant lavender around the edges of your strawberry patch, ensuring it does not overshadow the strawberries. Lavender prefers full sun and well-draining, slightly alkaline soil.
What Not to Plant: Lavender should not be planted near potatoes or onions, as they can compete for nutrients and space.
13. Dill
Benefits: Dill attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs, parasitic wasps, and lacewings that help control pests in your strawberry garden. It also repels aphids, which can be detrimental to strawberry plants.
Tips: Plant dill throughout your strawberry patch or along the borders. Dill prefers full sun and well-draining soil.
What Not to Plant: Dill should not be planted near carrots or tomatoes, as it can inhibit their growth or attract pests like tomato hornworms.
14. Mint
Benefits: Mint is a strong-smelling herb that can repel pests like aphids, spider mites, and ants. It also attracts pollinators, enhancing pollination for your strawberries.
Tips: Plant mint in containers around your strawberry patch to prevent it from becoming invasive. Mint prefers partial shade to full sun and well-draining soil.
What Not to Plant: Mint can be invasive and compete with other plants for nutrients and space, so avoid planting it directly in the ground near delicate plants or plants with shallow root systems.
15. Radish
Benefits: Radishes can help deter pests like aphids and flea beetles, protecting your strawberry plants. They also serve as a trap crop for pests, drawing them away from your strawberries.
Tips: Plant radishes among your strawberry plants, spacing them about 2-3 inches apart. Radishes prefer full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil.
What Not to Plant: Avoid planting radishes near hyssop or potatoes, as they can inhibit their growth.
16. Carrots
Benefits: Carrots can help break up compacted soil, allowing better water and nutrient penetration for strawberries. They also attract beneficial insects like lacewings and ladybugs, which can help control pests.
Tips: Plant carrots in between your strawberry plants, spacing them about 2-3 inches apart. Carrots prefer full sun and well-draining, loose soil.
What Not to Plant: Avoid planting carrots near dill or parsnips, as they can compete for nutrients and space.
17. Beans
Benefits: Beans help fix nitrogen in the soil, providing essential nutrients for your strawberry plants. They also provide shade and support for strawberries, helping to keep the soil cool and moist.
Tips: Plant beans to the north of your strawberry patch to avoid casting excessive shade. Space them about 6-8 inches apart, and provide ample water and nutrients.
What Not to Plant: Beans should not be planted near onions or garlic, as they can inhibit their growth.
18. Peas
Benefits: Peas, like beans, help fix nitrogen in the soil, providing essential nutrients for your strawberry plants. They also provide some shade for strawberries, helping to keep the soil cool and moist.
Tips: Plant peas to the north of your strawberry patch to avoid casting excessive shade. Space them about 3-4 inches apart and provide a trellis or support for them to climb.
What Not to Plant: Peas should not be planted near onions or garlic, as they can inhibit their growth.
19. Lettuce
Benefits: Lettuce can provide ground cover, helping to conserve soil moisture and suppress weeds around your strawberry plants. It also helps attract beneficial insects and repels certain pests.
Tips: Plant lettuce between your strawberry plants, allowing it to serve as a living mulch. Lettuce prefers partial shade to full sun and well-draining soil.
What Not to Plant: Avoid planting lettuce near parsley or celery, as they can compete for nutrients and space.
20. Spinach
Benefits: Spinach can help conserve soil moisture and suppress weeds around your strawberry plants. It also attracts beneficial insects, which can help control pests in your garden.
Tips: Plant spinach between your strawberry plants, spacing them about 6 inches apart. Spinach prefers partial shade to full sun and well-draining soil.
What Not to Plant: Avoid planting spinach near potatoes or hyssop, as they can inhibit their growth.
21. Cabbage
Benefits: Cabbage provides shade for strawberries during hot summer months, helping to keep the soil cool and moist. It also attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs, which can help control aphids and other pests.
Tips: Plant cabbage to the north of your strawberry patch to avoid casting excessive shade. Space them about 18-24 inches apart, and provide ample water and nutrients.
What Not to Plant: Cabbage should not be planted near strawberries, as they can compete for nutrients and space. Also, avoid planting them near tomatoes or peppers, as they can attract pests that are detrimental to these plants.
22. Onion
Benefits: Onions are known to repel pests like aphids, spider mites, and thrips, protecting your strawberry plants. They also release chemicals that can help suppress weed growth.
Tips: Plant onions around the perimeter of your strawberry patch or intersperse them among your plants. Onions prefer full sun and well-draining soil.
What Not to Plant: Onions should not be planted near beans or peas, as they can inhibit their growth.
23. Garlic
Benefits: Garlic is effective at repelling pests like aphids, spider mites, and Japanese beetles, protecting your strawberry plants. It also has antifungal properties that can help prevent diseases in your garden.
Tips: Plant garlic cloves around the perimeter of your strawberry patch or intersperse them among your plants. Garlic prefers full sun and well-draining soil.
What Not to Plant: Garlic should not be planted near beans or peas, as it can inhibit their growth.
24. Asparagus
Benefits: Asparagus can help deter pests like aphids and spider mites, protecting your strawberry plants. It also has a long root system that can help break up compacted soil, improving water and nutrient penetration for strawberries.
Tips: Plant asparagus to the north of your strawberry patch to avoid casting excessive shade. Space them about 12-18 inches apart, and provide ample water and nutrients.
What Not to Plant: Asparagus should not be planted near onions or garlic, as they can compete for nutrients and space.
25. Rhubarb
Benefits: Rhubarb can deter pests like aphids and spider mites that can damage your strawberry plants. It also provides shade, helping to keep the soil cool and moist.
Tips: Plant rhubarb near the edges of your strawberry patch, ensuring it does not overshadow the strawberries. Rhubarb prefers full sun and well-draining soil.
What Not to Plant: Rhubarb should not be planted near legumes, such as beans and peas, as they can compete for nutrients and space.
26. Tomato
Benefits: Tomato plants can repel pests like aphids and spider mites, protecting your strawberry plants. They also attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings.
Tips: Plant tomato plants at a distance from your strawberry patch to avoid competition for nutrients and sunlight. Tomatoes prefer full sun and well-draining soil.
What Not to Plant: Tomatoes should not be planted near potatoes, as they can attract pests that are harmful to both plants.
27. Tansy
Benefits: Tansy can repel pests like ants, aphids, and cucumber beetles, protecting your strawberry plants. It also attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings.
Tips: Plant tansy around the perimeter of your strawberry patch or intersperse it among your plants. Tansy prefers full sun and well-draining soil.
What Not to Plant: Tansy should not be planted near collard greens or other brassicas, as it can attract pests that are harmful to these plants.
28. Sunflower
Benefits: Sunflowers can provide shade for strawberries during hot summer months, helping to keep the soil cool and moist. They also attract beneficial insects like bees, improving pollination.
Tips: Plant sunflowers to the north of your strawberry patch to avoid casting excessive shade. Space them about 12-18 inches apart, and provide ample water and nutrients.
What Not to Plant: Sunflowers should not be planted near potatoes, as they can inhibit their growth.
29. Bee Balm
Benefits: Bee balm attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, improving pollination for your strawberries. It also has antifungal properties that can help prevent diseases in your garden.
Tips: Plant bee balm throughout your strawberry patch or along the borders. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil.
What Not to Plant: Bee balm should not be planted near tomatoes or peppers, as it can attract pests like tomato hornworms.
30. Hyssop
Benefits: Hyssop attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps, which help control pests in your strawberry garden. It also repels cabbage moths and flea beetles.
Tips: Plant hyssop around the perimeter of your strawberry patch or intersperse it among your plants. Hyssop prefers full sun and well-draining soil.
What Not to Plant: Hyssop should not be planted near radishes, as it can inhibit their growth.
31. Alyssum
Benefits: Alyssum is a flowering plant that attracts beneficial insects like hoverflies and lacewings, which prey on pests that can damage your strawberries. Its dense growth can also help suppress weeds.
Tips: Plant alyssum around the borders of your strawberry patch or intersperse it among your plants. Alyssum prefers full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil.
What Not to Plant: Alyssum should not be planted near cabbage or other brassicas, as it can attract pests that are harmful to these plants.
32. Mustard
Benefits: Mustard can help suppress soil-borne diseases and pests, protecting your strawberry plants. It also attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, which can help control pests in your garden.
Tips: Plant mustard around the perimeter of your strawberry patch or intersperse it among your plants. Mustard prefers full sun and well-draining soil.
What Not to Plant: Mustard should not be planted near beans or peas, as they can inhibit their growth.
33. Clover
Benefits: Clover is a nitrogen-fixing plant that can provide essential nutrients for your strawberry plants. It also serves as a living mulch, helping to conserve soil moisture and suppress weeds.
Tips: Plant clover as a cover crop or ground cover in and around your strawberry patch. Clover prefers full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil.
What Not to Plant: Clover should not be planted near brassicas like cabbage or kale, as it can compete for nutrients and space.
34. Fennel
Benefits: Fennel attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps, which help control pests in your strawberry garden. It also repels pests like aphids, slugs, and snails.
Tips: Plant fennel around the perimeter of your strawberry patch or intersperse it among your plants. Fennel prefers full sun and well-draining soil.
What Not to Plant: Fennel should not be planted near beans, peas, or tomatoes, as it can inhibit their growth.
35. Coriander
Benefits: Coriander is an aromatic herb that can repel pests like aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. It also attracts pollinators, enhancing pollination for your strawberries.
Tips: Plant coriander in close proximity to your strawberries, but ensure that it does not shade or compete for nutrients with your strawberry plants. Coriander prefers full sun and well-draining soil.
What Not to Plant: Avoid planting coriander near fennel, as they can inhibit each other’s growth.
36. Wormwood
Benefits: Wormwood can repel pests like ants, fleas, and mice, protecting your strawberry plants. It also has strong antifungal properties that can help prevent diseases in your garden.
Tips: Plant wormwood around the perimeter of your strawberry patch or intersperse it among your plants. Wormwood prefers full sun and well-draining soil.
What Not to Plant: Wormwood should not be planted near beans, peas, or tomatoes, as it can inhibit their growth.
37. Cilantro
Benefits: Cilantro is an aromatic herb that can repel pests like aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. It also attracts pollinators, enhancing pollination for your strawberries.
Tips: Plant cilantro in close proximity to your strawberries, but ensure that it does not shade or compete for nutrients with your strawberry plants. Cilantro prefers full sun and well-draining soil.
What Not to Plant: Avoid planting cilantro near fennel, as they can inhibit each other’s growth.
38. Zinnia
Benefits: Zinnia is a flowering plant that attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, improving pollination for your strawberries. It also provides a habitat for beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings.
Tips: Plant zinnia around the borders of your strawberry patch or intersperse it among your plants. Zinnia prefers full sun and well-draining soil.
What Not to Plant: Zinnia should not be planted near potatoes, as they can attract pests that are harmful to both plants.
39. Cosmos
Benefits: Cosmos is a flowering plant that attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, improving pollination for your strawberries. It also provides a habitat for beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings.
Tips: Plant cosmos around the borders of your strawberry patch or intersperse it among your plants. Cosmos prefers full sun and well-draining soil.
What Not to Plant: Cosmos should not be planted near brassicas like cabbage or kale, as it can compete for nutrients and space.
40. Sweet Woodruff
Benefits: Sweet woodruff is a ground cover that helps conserve soil moisture and suppress weeds around your strawberry plants. It also has a pleasant fragrance that can repel pests like ants and flies.
Tips: Plant sweet woodruff between your strawberry plants, allowing it to serve as a living mulch. Sweet woodruff prefers partial shade and well-draining soil.
What Not to Plant: Avoid planting sweet woodruff near brassicas like cabbage or kale, as it can compete for nutrients and space.
41. Chamomile
Benefits: Chamomile attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps, which help control pests in your strawberry garden. It also has strong antifungal properties that can help prevent diseases in your garden.
Tips: Plant chamomile around the perimeter of your strawberry patch or intersperse it among your plants. Chamomile prefers full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil.
What Not to Plant: Chamomile should not be planted near mint, as they can compete for nutrients and space.
42. Leeks
Benefits: Leeks can deter pests like aphids and spider mites that can damage your strawberry plants. They also release chemicals that can help suppress weed growth.
Tips: Plant leeks around the perimeter of your strawberry patch or intersperse them among your plants. Leeks prefer full sun and well-draining soil.
What Not to Plant: Leeks should not be planted near beans or peas, as they can inhibit their growth.
43. Lovage
Benefits: Lovage attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, which can help control pests in your strawberry garden. It also repels pests like aphids, slugs, and snails.
Tips: Plant lovage around the perimeter of your strawberry patch or intersperse it among your plants. Lovage prefers full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil.
What Not to Plant: Lovage should not be planted near beans, peas, or tomatoes, as it can inhibit their growth.
44. Comfrey
Benefits: Comfrey is a nutrient accumulator that can provide essential nutrients for your strawberry plants. Its deep taproot can help break up compacted soil, improving soil structure.
Tips: Plant comfrey near the edges of your strawberry patch, ensuring it does not overshadow the strawberries. Comfrey prefers full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil.
What Not to Plant: Comfrey should not be planted near potatoes, as they can compete for nutrients and space.
45. Horseradish
Benefits: Horseradish can deter pests like aphids and whiteflies, protecting your strawberry plants. Its strong scent can also help mask the aroma of your strawberries, making it more difficult for pests to locate them.
Tips: Plant horseradish around the perimeter of your strawberry patch or intersperse it among your plants. Horseradish prefers full sun and well-draining soil.
What Not to Plant: Horseradish should not be planted near beans or peas, as it can inhibit their growth.
46. Echinacea (Coneflower)
Benefits: Echinacea is a flowering plant that attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, improving pollination for your strawberries. It also provides a habitat for beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings.
Tips: Plant echinacea around the borders of your strawberry patch or intersperse it among your plants. Echinacea prefers full sun and well-draining soil.
What Not to Plant: Echinacea should not be planted near potatoes, as they can compete for nutrients and space.
47. Catnip
Benefits: Catnip repels pests like aphids, flea beetles, and ants, protecting your strawberry plants. It also attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings.
Tips: Plant catnip around the perimeter of your strawberry patch or intersperse it among your plants. Catnip prefers full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil.
What Not to Plant: Catnip should not be planted near brassicas like cabbage or kale, as it can attract pests that are harmful to these plants.
48. Salsify
Benefits: Salsify is a root vegetable that can help break up compacted soil, improving soil structure and drainage for your strawberry plants. It also attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings.
Tips: Plant salsify around the perimeter of your strawberry patch or intersperse it among your plants. Salsify prefers full sun and well-draining soil.
What Not to Plant: Salsify should not be planted near beans or peas, as they can inhibit their growth.
49. Tarragon
Benefits: Tarragon is an aromatic herb that can repel pests like aphids and whiteflies, protecting your strawberry plants. It also attracts pollinators, enhancing pollination for your strawberries.
Tips: Plant tarragon in close proximity to your strawberries, but ensure that it does not shade or compete for nutrients with your strawberry plants. Tarragon prefers full sun and well-draining soil.
What Not to Plant: Avoid planting tarragon near artichokes, as they can compete for nutrients and space.
50. Brussels Sprouts
Benefits: Brussels sprouts can deter pests like aphids and spider mites that can damage your strawberry plants. They also release chemicals that can help suppress weed growth.
Tips: Plant Brussels sprouts around the perimeter of your strawberry patch or intersperse them among your plants. Brussels sprouts prefer full sun and well-draining soil.
What Not to Plant: Brussels sprouts should not be planted near tomatoes or peppers, as they can attract pests that are harmful to both plants.
What to Avoid Planting With Strawberries
Strawberries can be sensitive to certain plants, so it’s important to avoid planting them too close together in order to maintain the health and productivity of your strawberries. Here are some plants you should avoid planting with strawberries:
- Tomatoes, potatoes, and eggplants: These plants are all part of the nightshade family (Solanaceae) and can carry the verticillium wilt fungus, which can infect strawberry plants.
- Grapes: Grapes can harbor the black root rot fungus, which can affect strawberries.
- Rose family (Rosaceae) plants: Since strawberries are also part of the Rosaceae family, avoid planting them close to other members of this family, such as apples, cherries, and raspberries. This is because they can share diseases and pests.
Need More Help?
You can always ask us here at Couch to Homestead, but you should know the other resources available to you! Here are the resources we recommend.
- Local Cooperative Extension Services: While we do our best with these articles, sometimes knowledge from a local expert is needed! The USDA partnered with Universities to create these free agriculture extension services. See your local services.
- 7 Easy Steps to Grow Fruit Trees (Free Guide): Need more fruit tree help from the ground up? See our free guide to make growing fruit trees a breeze.
- Ask the Free Community: Join The Couch to Homestead Community and connect with other members discussing gardening, homesteading, and permaculture.
- 30-Day Permaculture Food Forest Course: Learn how to turn your backyard into a thriving food forest in just 30 days with our online course.