Strawberries are excellent to plant in spring, and growing them alongside other garden crops is an easy way to boost the yields of these delicious soft fruits, both in terms of quantity and quality. Companion planting is an organic gardening practice that involves planting specific crops near one another to provide certain benefits, such as stimulating growth or deterring pests. Good strawberry companions will also attract the right kind of bugs – pollinators and predatory insects – to keep your strawberry plants pest-free and productive.
According to the experts behind the blog My Garden, the right companion plants can “boost strawberry yields by up to 20%”, leading to “tastier, bigger and healthier yields”. The one “standout” plant to opt for growing your strawberries near is basil, in their opinion.
This aromatic herb is known for its ability to repel harmful insects such as aphids and spider mites, both of which can “pose a threat to your strawberry plants”.
By planting basil alongside your strawberries, you create a “natural barrier” against these pests.
In addition to its pest-repelling properties, basil also “enhances the flavour of strawberries”, making them “even more delicious” when harvested.
The aromatic oils released by basil can also mask the scent of strawberries, further deterring pests and helping to promote a healthier growing environment.
Another “excellent herb” to companion plant with strawberries is oregano. This hardy perennial not only thrives in soil conditions similar to strawberries but also attracts beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings.
These insects are natural predators of common strawberry pests, helping to keep your strawberry plants healthy and thriving.
Oregano’s dense foliage can also provide ground cover, reducing weed growth and conserving moisture in the soil.
The combination of these benefits makes oregano a “fantastic companion for strawberries”, contributing to an overall more productive garden.
When planning a companion planting strategy, it’s essential to consider the layout of the garden. Strawberries can benefit from being planted in clusters, surrounded by their companion plants.
