Strawberries are friendly plants—but only if you put them next to the right neighbors. Some plants help them grow sweeter and healthier, while others quietly steal nutrients or invite pests. The best companion plants for strawberries are garlic, onions, lettuce, spinach, herbs like basil, and beans. These plants help keep pests away, improve soil health, or don’t compete for space.
The worst companions are cabbage family plants, potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, and fennel because they attract the same pests or slow strawberry growth.
🌱 Best companion plants for strawberries (and why they work)
Garlic and onions
These are top helpers. Their strong smell keeps away insects like aphids and mites that love strawberries.
Why they’re good:
- Natural pest control
- Don’t steal nutrients
- Easy to grow nearby
Lettuce and spinach
These leafy greens grow fast and stay shallow in the soil.
Why they’re good:
- No root competition
- Act like living mulch
- Help keep soil moist
Beans
Beans add nitrogen to the soil, which strawberries love.
Why they’re good:
- Improve soil health
- Boost strawberry growth
- Great for raised beds
Herbs (basil, thyme, chives)
Herbs attract helpful insects and repel bad ones.
Why they’re good:
- Improve garden balance
- Help with pest control
- Some gardeners say they improve flavor
Worst companion plants for strawberries
Cabbage family (broccoli, cauliflower, kale)
These plants are heavy feeders.
Why they’re bad:
- Steal nutrients
- Slow strawberry growth
Potatoes
Potatoes and strawberries attract similar soil diseases.
Why they’re bad:
- Increase disease risk
- Compete for space
Tomatoes and peppers
They look harmless but cause problems underground.
Why they’re bad:
- Attract pests like spider mites
- Increase risk of fungal issues
Fennel
Fennel doesn’t play well with almost any plant.
Why it’s bad:
- Stops nearby plants from growing
- Poor neighbor for most gardens
✅ Pros & cons of companion planting for strawberries
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fewer pests naturally | Needs planning |
| Better soil health | Wrong plants can hurt growth |
| Higher yields | Crowded beds if not spaced well |
| Less need for sprays | Takes trial and error |
🌍 Real-world examples
Home garden example:
A small backyard grower planted strawberries with garlic and lettuce. Result? Fewer bugs and cleaner berries all season.
Raised bed example:
Strawberries paired with beans showed stronger plants and more flowers due to better soil nutrients.
What went wrong example:
Strawberries planted next to tomatoes had more leaf damage and lower fruit yield.
❓ FAQs (People Also Ask)
Can strawberries be planted next to tomatoes?
No. Tomatoes attract pests that also harm strawberries and can spread disease.
Do strawberries like herbs nearby?
Yes. Herbs like basil, thyme, and chives are great companions.
Can I plant strawberries with cucumbers?
It’s not ideal. Cucumbers spread fast and can crowd strawberry plants.
What flowers grow well with strawberries?
Marigolds and nasturtiums are great. They help keep pests away.
Final verdict
Strawberries grow best when surrounded by calm, helpful neighbors. Stick with garlic, onions, leafy greens, beans, and gentle herbs. Avoid potatoes, tomatoes, cabbage plants, and fennel.
Choose the right companions, and your strawberries will reward you with healthier plants and sweeter fruit—no extra effort needed. 🍓
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