Companion Flowers That Will Make Your Strawberries

Companion Flowers That Will Make Your Strawberries

Strawberries are a delicious and versatile fruit that can be enjoyed fresh, frozen, or cooked. They are also relatively easy to grow, but there are a few things you can do to improve their yield and flavor. One of the best ways to do this is to plant companion flowers near your strawberries.

Companion planting is the practice of planting different types of plants together in order to benefit each other. Some plants, when grown together, can help to attract beneficial insects, deter pests, improve soil quality, or provide shade. When it comes to strawberries, there are a number of companion flowers that can help to boost your crop.

Here are some of the best companion flowers for strawberries:

• Marigolds: Marigolds are a classic companion plant for strawberries. They help to repel a variety of pests, including aphids, nematodes, and Japanese beetles. They also attract beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and lacewings, which can help to control pests.
• Nasturtiums: Nasturtiums are another great companion plant for strawberries. They help to attract pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, which are essential for fruit production. They also help to deter pests, such as slugs and snails.
• Yarrow: Yarrow is a flowering plant that has a strong scent that deters pests. It also helps to attract beneficial insects and improve soil drainage.
• Borage: Borage is a flowering plant that is known for its edible leaves and flowers. It has a sweet, cucumber-like flavor and can be used in salads, teas, and even cocktails. Borage also helps to attract pollinators and repel pests.
• Sweet alyssum: Sweet alyssum is a low-growing, flowering plant that is known for its sweet fragrance. It helps to attract pollinators and repel pests. It is also tolerant of poor soil conditions and can help to suppress weeds.
• Dill: Dill is an herb that is known for its feathery leaves and its distinctive flavor. It helps to attract pollinators and repel pests, such as aphids and spider mites. Dill can also help to improve the flavor of strawberries.
• Chives: Chives are another herb that is known for its strong flavor. They help to repel pests, such as aphids and rabbits. Chives can also help to improve the flavor of strawberries.

When planting companion flowers with strawberries, it is important to consider the size and growth habit of the plants. Some companion flowers, such as marigolds and nasturtiums, can grow quite tall and may shade your strawberries. If you are limited on space, you may want to choose smaller companion flowers, such as sweet alyssum or dill.

It is also important to plant companion flowers that will bloom at the same time as your strawberries. This will help to ensure that there are pollinators available to pollinate your strawberries when they are in bloom.

To plant companion flowers with strawberries, simply dig a hole that is twice the size of the root ball of the companion flower. Add a few handfuls of compost or manure to the hole, then backfill with soil. Space the companion flowers about 12 inches apart.

Once your companion flowers are planted, water them well and mulch around them to help retain moisture. You may also want to fertilize your companion flowers every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer.

With a little planning, you can easily plant companion flowers with your strawberries to boost your crop and improve its flavor. So next time you are planting strawberries, be sure to add some of these beneficial flowers to your garden.

Growing strawberries is a rewarding experience, but it can also be challenging. One way to make it easier is to plant companion flowers alongside your strawberries. Companion plants are those that benefit each other in some way. For strawberries, some of the best companion flowers include:

• Marigolds: Marigolds are known for their pest-repelling properties. They can help to keep away aphids, nematodes, and other pests that can damage strawberry plants. [Website address] has a great article about the benefits of planting marigolds with strawberries.
• Borage: Borage is a flowering herb that attracts beneficial insects, such as bees and butterflies. These insects help to pollinate strawberry flowers, which leads to a better harvest. [Website address] also has a helpful article about the benefits of planting borage with strawberries.
• Chives: Chives are another flowering herb that attracts beneficial insects. They also help to repel pests, such as slugs and snails. [Website address] has a comprehensive guide to companion planting, including information about planting chives with strawberries.

If you're looking for more information about companion flowers for strawberries, I recommend visiting Garden Wiki. They have a wealth of information on the topic, including articles, videos, and even a plant finder tool that can help you find the perfect companion plants for your garden.

FAQ of companion flowers for strawberries

Q: What are some good companion flowers for strawberries?

A: There are many good companion flowers for strawberries, but some of the most popular include:

• Marigolds: Marigolds are known for their pest-repelling properties, and they can help to protect strawberries from aphids, nematodes, and other pests.
• Chives: Chives are another good choice for companion flowers, as they can help to deter pests and attract pollinators.
• Borage: Borage is a flowering herb that is known for its nectar-rich flowers, which attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
• Nasturtiums: Nasturtiums are colorful flowers that can help to attract beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and lacewings, which prey on pests that can damage strawberries.
• Yarrow: Yarrow is a tall, daisy-like flower that can help to improve the drainage of soil around strawberries, and it can also help to repel pests.

Q: What are the benefits of planting companion flowers with strawberries?

A: There are many benefits to planting companion flowers with strawberries. Some of the most common benefits include:

• Pest control: Companion flowers can help to deter pests and attract beneficial insects that prey on pests. This can help to reduce the need for pesticides, which can be harmful to the environment and to human health.
• Pollination: Companion flowers can help to attract pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, which are essential for the pollination of strawberries. This can help to improve the yield of strawberries.
• Improved soil health: Companion flowers can help to improve the drainage and fertility of soil, which can benefit strawberries.
• Visual appeal: Companion flowers can add beauty and interest to a strawberry garden.

Q: What are some companion flowers that I should avoid planting with strawberries?

A: There are a few companion flowers that you should avoid planting with strawberries. These include:

• Tomatoes: Tomatoes and strawberries are both susceptible to verticillium wilt, a fungal disease. Planting them together can increase the risk of spreading the disease.
• Potatoes: Potatoes and strawberries can harbor the same nematodes, which can damage the roots of both plants.
• Eggplants: Eggplants and strawberries can harbor the same nematodes, which can damage the roots of both plants.
• Peppers: Peppers and strawberries can harbor the same nematodes, which can damage the roots of both plants.
• Melons: Melons and strawberries can compete for water and nutrients, which can stress both plants.

Q: How far apart should I plant companion flowers with strawberries?

A: The distance at which you plant companion flowers with strawberries will depend on the size of the plants. In general, you should plant companion flowers at least 12 inches away from strawberries. This will give the plants enough space to grow and thrive.

Q: When should I plant companion flowers with strawberries?

A: You can plant companion flowers with strawberries in the spring or fall. When planting in the spring, wait until the soil has warmed up to at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit. When planting in the fall, plant companion flowers at least 6 weeks before the first frost.

Image of companion flowers for strawberries

• Nasturtiums: Nasturtiums are a great companion plant for strawberries because they help to deter pests and attract pollinators. They also add a splash of color to the strawberry patch.
• Marigolds: Marigolds are another good companion plant for strawberries. They help to repel nematodes, which are pests that can damage strawberry roots.
• Chives: Chives are a great companion plant for strawberries because they help to improve the flavor of the strawberries. They also help to deter pests.
• Lavender: Lavender is a beautiful and fragrant companion plant for strawberries. It helps to attract pollinators and repel pests.
• Mint: Mint is a relatively aggressive plant, so it's important to plant it in its own container or at the edge of your strawberry patch. It helps to repel pests and improve the flavor of strawberries.