The Top 10 Worst Companion Plants for Blueberries

Oleh Anonymous June 29, 2021 Post a Comment

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Blueberries are one of the most popular fruits around the world due to their sweet taste and health benefits. They are also relatively easy to grow, making them a great choice for home gardeners. One way to maximize your blueberry harvest is by planting them alongside other plants that can complement each other. However, not all plants make good companions for blueberries. In this article, we will discuss the top 10 worst companion plants for blueberries.

Bad Companion Plants for Blueberries

1. Azaleas/Rhododendrons

Azaleas and rhododendrons are both members of the heath family and have similar soil requirements as blueberries. However, they produce a chemical called grayanotoxin that is toxic to bees and other pollinators. This can harm the blueberry crop since they rely on these insects to pollinate their flowers.

Why are azaleas and rhododendrons bad companions for blueberries?

Aside from their toxicity to pollinators, azaleas and rhododendrons also prefer acidic soils like blueberries. This means that they will compete with blueberries for nutrients and water. Additionally, their dense foliage can block sunlight from reaching the blueberry plants, which can reduce fruit production.

2. Potatoes

Potatoes are known for attracting Colorado potato beetles, which can damage blueberry leaves and fruits. This can result in reduced yields and lower quality berries. Additionally, potatoes are heavy feeders and can deplete the soil of nutrients, which can impact blueberry growth and development.

Why are potatoes bad companions for blueberries?

Potatoes and blueberries have different soil requirements, with blueberries preferring acidic soils and potatoes requiring a more neutral pH. This can make it difficult to find a balance that works for both crops. Additionally, potatoes can spread diseases like verticillium wilt, which can infect blueberry plants and reduce their lifespan.

3. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are also known for attracting pests like aphids and whiteflies, which can damage blueberry plants. They also require a lot of water, which can lead to root rot in blueberries. Additionally, tomatoes prefer a more alkaline soil, which can cause nutrient deficiencies in blueberries.

Why are tomatoes bad companions for blueberries?

Tomatoes and blueberries have different soil and watering requirements, which can make it difficult to grow them together. Additionally, tomatoes are susceptible to many of the same diseases as blueberries, which can increase the risk of infection.

4. Black Walnuts

Black walnuts produce juglone, a chemical that is toxic to many plants including blueberries. This can cause yellowing of leaves, stunting of growth, and reduced fruit production in blueberries.

Why are black walnuts bad companions for blueberries?

Black walnuts have a wide range of effects on other plants due to their toxicity. Even if they don't kill blueberries outright, they can still inhibit their growth and development. Additionally, black walnuts have deep roots that can compete with blueberries for nutrients and water.

5. Peppers

Peppers are also members of the nightshade family, like potatoes and tomatoes, and are susceptible to many of the same pests and diseases. They also require a lot of water, which can lead to root rot in blueberries.

Why are peppers bad companions for blueberries?

Peppers and blueberries have similar soil requirements, but different watering needs. This can make it difficult to find a balance that works for both crops. Additionally, peppers can attract pests like aphids and whiteflies, which can damage blueberry plants.

6. Cucumbers

Cucumbers are heavy feeders and can deplete the soil of nutrients, which can impact blueberry growth and development. They also require a lot of water, which can lead to root rot in blueberries.

Why are cucumbers bad companions for blueberries?

Cucumbers and blueberries have different soil and watering requirements, which can make it difficult to grow them together. Additionally, cucumbers can attract pests like aphids and whiteflies, which can damage blueberry plants.

7. Eggplants

Eggplants are also members of the nightshade family and are susceptible to many of the same pests and diseases as potatoes, tomatoes, and peppers. They also prefer alkaline soils, which can cause nutrient deficiencies in blueberries.

Why are eggplants bad companions for blueberries?

Eggplants and blueberries have similar soil requirements, but different watering needs. This can make it difficult to find a balance that works for both crops. Additionally, eggplants can attract pests like aphids and whiteflies, which can damage blueberry plants.

8. Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are also heavy feeders and can deplete the soil of nutrients, which can impact blueberry growth and development. They also require a lot of water, which can lead to root rot in blueberries.

Why are sweet potatoes bad companions for blueberries?

Sweet potatoes and blueberries have different soil and watering requirements, which can make it difficult to grow them together. Additionally, sweet potatoes can attract pests like aphids and whiteflies, which can damage blueberry plants.

9. Fennel

Fennel produces a chemical called anethole, which can inhibit the growth of nearby plants including blueberries. This can reduce fruit production and impact the overall health of the plant.

Why is fennel a bad companion for blueberries?

Fennel can have a significant impact on the growth and development of blueberries due to its chemical production. Additionally, fennel can attract pests like aphids and whiteflies, which can damage blueberry plants.

10. Mint

Mint is known for being invasive and can quickly spread throughout a garden. This can make it difficult to control and can result in competition for nutrients and water with blueberries. Additionally, mint can attract pests like aphids and whiteflies, which can damage blueberry plants.

Why is mint a bad companion for blueberries?

Mint can take over a garden and compete with blueberries for resources. Additionally, mint can attract pests that can damage blueberry plants.

In while there are many plants that can make great companions for blueberries, there are also several plants that should be avoided. By keeping these bad companion plants in mind, you can maximize your blueberry harvest and ensure that your plants stay healthy and productive.

FAQs

Q1. Can I plant blueberries near strawberries?

A1. Yes, strawberries can make great companions for blueberries since they have similar soil and watering requirements.

Q2. Can I plant blueberries near raspberries?

A2. Yes, raspberries can also make great companions for blueberries since they have similar soil and watering requirements.

Q3. Can I plant blueberries near apple trees?

A3. No, apple trees are not good companions for blueberries since they prefer a more alkaline soil and can compete with blueberries for nutrients and water.

Q4. Can I plant blueberries near roses?

A4. No, roses are not good companions for blueberries since they prefer a more alkaline soil and can compete with blueberries for nutrients and water.

Q5. Can I plant blueberries near onions or garlic?

A5. No, onions and garlic are not good companions for blueberries since they prefer a more neutral soil and can attract pests that can damage blueberry plants.