The Strawberry Companion: A Guide to Growing and Caring for Your Plants

Oleh Anonymous April 04, 2022 Post a Comment

Table of Contents

What is a Strawberry Companion?

If you are a gardener or someone who loves plants, you may have heard of the term "strawberry companion." But what exactly does it mean? A strawberry companion is a plant that grows alongside strawberries and helps them thrive. These companion plants can provide benefits such as pest control, nutrient enhancement, and weed suppression.

In this guide, we will explore the world of strawberry companions and how they can benefit your garden.

Companion Plants for Strawberries

When it comes to choosing companion plants for strawberries, there are many options to consider. Here are some of the most popular choices:

Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are known for their bright, colorful flowers and peppery leaves. They are an excellent choice as a strawberry companion because they attract beneficial insects that prey on common strawberry pests like aphids and spider mites. Nasturtiums also help repel harmful insects like whiteflies and cucumber beetles.

How to Grow Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are easy to grow from seed or er plants. They prefer well-draining soil and full sun but can tolerate some shade. Plant nasturtiums around the edges of your strawberry patch, or intersperse them throughout.

Borage

Borage is a beautiful blue-flowered herb that is rich in nutrients like potassium and calcium. It is an excellent companion to strawberries because it attracts bees and other pollinators, which are essential for fruit production. Borage also deters pests like tomato hornworms and cabbage worms.

How to Grow Borage

Borage is an annual plant that grows quickly from seed. It prefers full sun and well-draining soil. Plant borage around the edges of your strawberry patch or in between plants.

Chives

Chives are a member of the onion family and have a mild onion flavor. They are a great companion plant for strawberries because they deter harmful insects like aphids and spider mites. Chives also repel slugs and snails, which can damage strawberry leaves.

How to Grow Chives

Chives are easy to grow from seed or er plants. They prefer full sun but can tolerate some shade. Plant chives in between your strawberry plants or around the edges of your patch.

The Benefits of Companion Planting

Companion planting has been used by gardeners for centuries. By pairing certain plants together, you can create a healthier, more productive garden. Here are some of the benefits of companion planting:

Natural Pest Control

Companion plants can help control pests without the use of chemicals. For example, marigolds attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, which prey on aphids and other pests.

Improved Soil Health

Some companion plants, such as clover, add nitrogen to the soil, which is essential for plant growth. Others, like comfrey, have deep roots that help break up compacted soil.

Better Yield

Companion planting can improve crop yield by promoting pollination and enhancing nutrient uptake. For example, planting beans alongside corn can increase the amount of nitrogen available to both plants, leading to higher yields.

How to Incorporate Companion Plants into Your Strawberry Patch

If you want to try companion planting with your strawberries, here are some tips to get ed:

Small

Don't try to incorporate too many companion plants at once. with one or two and see how they do.

Choose Complementary Plants

Choose companion plants that have different growth habits and nutrient needs than your strawberries. This will prevent competition for resources.

Consider Space Requirements

Make sure you have enough space in your garden for both your strawberries and companion plants. Some plants, like borage, can grow quite large.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the best companion plants for strawberries?

Some of the best companion plants for strawberries include nasturtiums, borage, and chives.

2. How do companion plants benefit strawberries?

Companion plants can provide benefits such as pest control, nutrient enhancement, and weed suppression.

3. Can I plant strawberries with other fruits?

Yes, strawberries can be planted with other fruit trees or bushes, but make sure they have similar soil and sunlight requirements.

4. Do companion plants work for all types of strawberries?

Companion plants can benefit all types of strawberries, including June-bearing, everbearing, and day-neutral varieties.

5. Are there any plants that should not be planted with strawberries?

Avoid planting strawberries with members of the cabbage family, such as broccoli and cauliflower, as they can attract pests that also attack strawberries.