Strawberry Companion Planting
Fragaria x ananassa
Rose (Rosaceae) -- cool season
Good Companions for Strawberry
Garlic volatiles (allyl disulfides, diallyl trisulfide) deter spider mites (Tetranychus urticae) and show antifungal activity against Botrytis cinerea (gray mold) and Colletotrichum acutatum (anthracnose), two major strawberry pathogens.
Fall-planted garlic overwinters well alongside strawberry beds. Interplant within the strawberry rows for closest proximity.
- Antifungal activity of garlic extracts against strawberry pathogens -- Crop Protection (2009)
- Spider mite management using allyl isothiocyanate and related compounds -- Journal of Economic Entomology (2011)
- Intercropping garlic in strawberry fields for pest management -- HortScience (2015)
Chive border plantings reduce spider mite (Tetranychus urticae) colonization on adjacent strawberry through volatile emissions. Chive flowers attract pollinators that improve strawberry fruit set.
Plant chives as a permanent border around perennial strawberry beds.
- Companion planting with Allium species for strawberry pest management -- Acta Horticulturae (2012)
Lavender flowers attract a diverse community of pollinators (Apis mellifera, Bombus spp., Osmia spp.) that improve strawberry fruit set and berry quality through enhanced pollination.
Plant lavender as a permanent border near strawberry beds. Both prefer well-drained soil and full sun.
- Lavender as a pollinator resource in agricultural landscapes -- Journal of Pollination Ecology (2013)
- Pollinator-friendly plants for farm margins -- USDA NRCS Plant Materials Technical Note (2016)
Borage (Borago officinalis) flowers produce copious nectar that attracts pollinators (Bombus spp., Apis mellifera, native bees), increasing strawberry pollination rates and fruit quality. Borage deep taproots also mine minerals from subsoil.
Plant borage at strawberry bed edges. Borage self-seeds readily -- site accordingly.
- The effect of borage on pollinator visitation and fruit set in strawberry -- Acta Horticulturae (2009)
- Insect Visitors to Flowering Herbs and Their Potential Contribution to Biocontrol -- Environmental Entomology (2003)
Rhubarb's large leaves shade the ground between strawberry rows, suppressing weeds and conserving moisture. Both are perennial, cold-hardy crops with compatible growing conditions.
Space adequately -- rhubarb plants are large. Both benefit from heavy compost applications.
- Perennial polyculture systems for fruit and vegetable production -- HortScience (2012)
Sorrel (Rumex acetosa) provides ground-level living mulch that suppresses weeds in strawberry beds. Both are perennial, cold-hardy crops with compatible growing conditions.
Plant sorrel between strawberry rows. Both prefer slightly acidic soil.
- Perennial polyculture systems for fruit and vegetable production -- HortScience (2012)
Crops to Avoid Near Strawberry
Both cabbage and strawberry are susceptible to Verticillium dahliae. Growing them in proximity or in sequence increases soil inoculum load and disease pressure for both crops.
Also avoid in rotation. Do not plant brassicas where strawberries grew, or vice versa, for at least 3 years.
- Verticillium wilt of strawberry: biology and management -- Plant Disease (2006)
- Crop rotation and Verticillium wilt management -- UC IPM Pest Management Guidelines (2020)
Shared susceptibility to Verticillium dahliae. Brassica residue decomposition can temporarily increase soil Verticillium microsclerotia, increasing infection risk for nearby strawberries.
Applies to all brassica-strawberry combinations. Separate in both space and rotation.
- Verticillium wilt of strawberry: biology and management -- Plant Disease (2006)
As a brassica, arugula shares verticillium wilt (Verticillium dahliae) susceptibility with strawberry. Growing together or in sequence increases soil inoculum pressure.
Same brassica-strawberry disease risk applies to all brassica family members.
- Verticillium wilt of strawberry: biology and management -- Plant Disease (2006)