The Dirty Dozen: Bad Companion Plants for Strawberries

Oleh Anonymous January 31, 2022 Post a Comment

Table of Contents

Strawberries are one of the most popular fruits grown in gardens all over the world, known for their juicy sweetness and versatility in cooking. While strawberries are relatively easy to grow, choosing the right companion plants can make a big difference in their growth and yield. However, it's important to know which plants to avoid, as some can be detrimental to the health of your strawberry plants.

Bad Companion Plants for Strawberries:

1. Brassicas

Brassicas such as broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage are notorious for releasing chemicals that inhibit the growth of other plants in the same family. This is especially true for strawberries, which belong to the rose family.

If you must plant brassicas near your strawberries, try to keep them at least 100 feet away from each other.

2. Nightshades

Tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants are all members of the nightshade family, and they can be bad news for strawberries. Nightshades attract pests like spider mites and aphids, which can spread to your strawberries and cause damage.

Try planting nightshades in a separate area of your garden, or use natural pest control methods to keep the bugs at bay.

3. Mint

Mint is a fast-growing herb that can quickly take over your garden if not properly contained. It also has a tendency to spread diseases like verticillium wilt, which can be fatal to strawberries.

If you want to grow mint, consider planting it in a container or raised bed away from your strawberries.

4. Fennel

Fennel is another plant that can take over your garden if not properly controlled. It also excretes chemicals that can inhibit the growth of other plants, including strawberries.

If you must plant fennel near your strawberries, keep it at least 20 feet away and make sure to prune it regularly.

5. Alliums

Garlic, onions, and leeks are all members of the allium family, and like brassicas, they can release chemicals that inhibit the growth of other plants. They can also attract pests like onion maggots and thrips, which can damage your strawberries.

If you want to plant alliums near your strawberries, try to keep them at least 50 feet apart.

6. Strawberries

Believe it or not, strawberries can be bad companions for other strawberries. Strawberry plants can carry diseases like verticillium wilt and powdery mildew, which can spread to other plants in the same family.

Make sure to plant your strawberries in a separate area of your garden, or at least 2 feet apart from each other.

7. Black Walnut Trees

Black walnut trees release a chemical called juglone, which can be toxic to many plants, including strawberries. Juglone can cause stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and even death in some cases.

Try to keep your strawberries at least 50 feet away from any black walnut trees in your yard.

8. Sunflowers

While sunflowers can be a beautiful addition to your garden, they can also release chemicals that inhibit the growth of other plants, including strawberries.

If you want to plant sunflowers near your strawberries, keep them at least 20 feet away and make sure to prune them regularly.

9. Yarrow

Yarrow is a hardy perennial that can quickly take over your garden if not properly controlled. It also attracts pests like spider mites and aphids, which can spread to your strawberries and cause damage.

Try to plant yarrow in a separate area of your garden, or use natural pest control methods to keep the bugs at bay.

10. Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are a popular companion plant for many vegetables, but they can be bad news for strawberries. They attract pests like aphids and whiteflies, which can spread to your strawberries and cause damage.

If you want to plant nasturtiums near your strawberries, make sure to keep them well pruned and use natural pest control methods to keep the bugs at bay.

11. Grapes

Grapes are another member of the rose family, and like strawberries, they can be susceptible to diseases like verticillium wilt and powdery mildew.

Try to keep your strawberries at least 10 feet away from any grape vines in your yard.

12. Corn

Corn is a heavy feeder that can deplete the soil of nutrients, which can be detrimental to the growth of strawberries. It can also attract pests like corn borers, which can spread to your strawberries and cause damage.

If you want to plant corn near your strawberries, make sure to fertilize heavily and use natural pest control methods to keep the bugs at bay.

Choosing the right companion plants for your strawberries can be a daunting task, but avoiding these "dirty dozen" can help ensure that your strawberries grow strong and healthy. Remember to always research any new plants before adding them to your garden, and don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations to find what works best for you.

FAQs:

Q1: Can I plant strawberries near my herbs?

A1: Yes! Many herbs like basil and thyme are great companions for strawberries because they can help repel pests and attract beneficial insects.

Q2: Can I plant strawberries near my roses?

A2: It's not recommended. Roses and strawberries are both members of the rose family, which means they can be susceptible to the same diseases.

Q3: Can I plant strawberries near my tomatoes?

A3: It's not recommended. Tomatoes are members of the nightshade family, which can attract pests that can spread to your strawberries.

Q4: Can I plant strawberries near my carrots?

A4: Yes! Carrots are a great companion plant for strawberries because they can help improve soil conditions and attract beneficial insects.

Q5: Can I plant strawberries in containers?

A5: Absolutely! Strawberries do well in containers, as long as they have enough room to spread out their roots and receive regular watering and fertilization.