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10 Best Strawberry Companion Plants for a Bountiful Harvest

Published on
October 4, 2024
10 Best Strawberry Companion Plants for a Bountiful Harvest
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Best Indoor Cactus Varieties Q&A

Q: How often should I water my indoor cactus?

A: Watering frequency for indoor cacti varies depending on the season and the specific type of cactus. Generally, you should water your cactus when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch. During the growing season (spring and summer), most cacti may require watering every 2-3 weeks. In the fall and winter, reduce watering to once a month or even less, as many cacti enter a dormant phase during this time.

Q: What type of soil is best for indoor cacti?

A: Cacti thrive in well-draining soil. A cactus mix or a blend of potting soil with sand, perlite, or pumice is ideal, as it allows excess water to escape and prevents root rot. Ensure that the pot you choose has drainage holes to facilitate proper drainage.

Q: Do cacti need direct sunlight?

A: Most cacti prefer bright, direct sunlight, especially during their growing season. However, some varieties, like the Christmas cactus and Easter cactus, thrive in bright, indirect light. It's essential to consider the specific needs of each cactus type to ensure they receive the right amount of light.

Q: Can indoor cacti survive in low humidity?

A: Yes, cacti are well-suited to low humidity environments, as they are adapted to arid conditions. However, some species, like the Christmas and Easter cacti, may benefit from slightly higher humidity levels, especially during their blooming seasons. For most other cacti, low humidity is not a concern.

Q: What temperatures do indoor cacti prefer?

A: Cacti generally prefer warm temperatures, typically ranging from 70°F to 90°F (21°C to 32°C) during the day. However, they can tolerate cooler temperatures at night, especially during the winter months. Avoid exposing them to frost or extreme cold, as this can damage or kill the plant.

Bringing Plants Indoors Q&A

Q: What is the best time to bring outdoor plants indoors?

A: It’s generally best to bring your outdoor plants indoors before the first frost of the year. For most regions, this is typically in late fall. However, the optimal timing can vary depending on your specific climate and the types of plants you have. Start monitoring the weather forecasts as temperatures begin to drop, and prepare to bring your plants inside for the winter months.

Q: How can I prepare my outdoor plants for indoors?

A: Before you bring your outdoor plants indoors, it's important to prepare them by closely inspecting for any signs of pest infestations, such as spider mites or aphid problems. You can spray them with water to remove any pests and dirt. Additionally, consider using insecticidal soap if you notice a significant problem. It’s also a good idea to repot the plants if they have outgrown their current pot.

Q: How do I acclimate my plants when bringing them indoors?

A: Acclimating your plants is crucial for their health when transitioning from outside to indoors. Start by placing them in a shaded area for a few days, gradually introducing them to lower light conditions. This process helps them adjust to the lower light levels they will encounter indoors. Monitor your plants closely for any signs of stress during this period.

The Benefits of Composting Q&A

Q: What is the difference between backyard composting and using composting facilities?

A: Backyard composting is a DIY approach where you manage compost in your own yard using kitchen scraps, yard waste, and other organic materials. It’s a great way to create healthy soil and reduce waste at home. Composting facilities, on the other hand, are larger, industrial operations where organic waste from cities or businesses is processed on a bigger scale. These facilities handle tons of waste from the broader waste stream, making a significant impact on environmental protection by diverting large amounts of material from landfills and reducing greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change. While both options are beneficial, backyard composting gives you the satisfaction of seeing your waste turn into rich compost right in your garden, whereas composting facilities take on a larger, community-wide role.

Q: How does composting help prevent soil erosion?

A: Composting plays a crucial role in reducing erosion by improving soil structure. When you add compost to your garden, it acts as a natural soil amendment, increasing the soil’s ability to hold moisture and bind together. Healthy soil created from compost is more resilient and better able to withstand the effects of wind and water, which are major causes of erosion. This is especially important in areas prone to heavy rains or droughts. Plus, by enriching your garden with compost, you’re contributing to environmental protection—less eroded soil means less sediment runoff into water systems, keeping ecosystems healthier.

Q: How does composting benefit the environment in the fight against climate change?

A: Composting is a simple yet powerful way to combat climate change. When organic materials decompose in landfills, they release methane, a potent greenhouse gas. By composting, either in your backyard or through composting facilities, you’re keeping food scraps and yard waste out of landfills and diverting them into a process that creates nutrient-rich compost instead. This not only helps reduce methane emissions but also produces healthy soil that can improve plant growth and reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers. Compost acts as a natural soil amendment, locking carbon into the ground and helping with long-term environmental protection. So, by composting, you're contributing to a healthier planet!

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10 Best Strawberry Companion Plants for a Bountiful Harvest

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As someone who’s passionate about growing my own food, I'm quite particular about my produce. I'm always on the hunt for the best, most delectable fruits and veggies, and strawberries are no exception.

Now, I've discovered this amazing concept called companion planting. It's all about planting certain plants together to help each other grow better. And you know what? I've found some awesome strawberry planting companions that work wonders. So, I thought I'd share my findings with you all because, well, why keep all the fun to myself, right?

Herbs and Flowers for Strawberry Companion Planting

Borage

closeup of borage

One of my favorite companion for strawberries is borage. Borage has beautiful blue flowers that attract bees and other pollinators to the garden. Its cucumber-flavored leaves are also edible and can be a great addition to salads and drinks.

Benefits:

Borage attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies to your garden. It also has a taproot that helps break up compacted soil and can help improve soil structure. Additionally, borage is believed to repel certain garden pests such as tomato hornworms and cabbage worms.

Planting Guide:

Even though flowers of borage are small, this plant can reach impressive sizes. That's why, I suggest you plant borage 12 inches apart from your strawberries to give these two the perfect amount of space.

Chamomile

a group of chamomile flowers

Known for its calming properties, chamomile is a soothing and fragrant herb that is recognized by its daisy-like flowers. Chamomile flowers are not only aesthetically pleasing but also possess medicinal properties, making them a popular choice for herbal remedies and teas.

Benefits:

Chamomile repels pests like aphids and spider mites. It also improves soil quality by adding nutrients and organic matter.

Planting Guide:

This lovely, daisy-like flower prefers well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight. You can sow chamomile seeds directly into the ground or start them indoors and then transplant them outside.

Marigolds

a group of marigolds in the wild

Marigolds – the cheerful flowers that brighten up any garden with their sunny hues. They're a popular choice as companion flowers for a wide range of crops, and they work wonders alongside strawberries. When these vibrant blooms are planted alongside strawberries, they create a stunning visual. But their benefits go beyond just adding beauty to the garden.

Benefits:

Not only do they dazzle with their vibrant colors, but they also deter harmful nematodes and other soil-dwelling pests, protecting your strawberry plants from root damage.

Planting Guide:

I highly recommend planting marigolds along the edges of your strawberry beds to create a natural pest barrier.

Creeping Thyme

closeup of creeping thyme

Creeping thyme is a low-growing perennial herbaceous plant that can spread several feet wide, making it an excellent ground cover option. The leaves are small, oval-shaped, and arranged densely along the stems, giving the plant a lush appearance.

Benefits:

Encouraging thyme to bloom is essential to unlocking its potential as a strawberry companion. Their flowers bring in helpful insects like syrphid flies and wasps who love snacking on aphids. As mentioned, they have a low, ground-hugging nature, which stop weeds from growing and protects the strawberry fruits from touching the soil, preventing them from rotting or being eaten by slugs.

Planting Guide:

I usually plant creeping thyme seeds or transplants every 6 inches within my strawberry bed. This will allow it to create a dense mat over the soil surface, effectively suppressing the growth of weeds.

Chives

closeup of chives

Chives feature tall, slender, and spiky leaves that emerge from a central base. It has a powerful onion taste, so if you allow it to grow to the flowering stage without cutting it all, it will attract pollinators. You can see its foliage as a spherical cluster of small, star-shaped flowers in shades of pink to purple, adding a delightful pop of color to the garden landscape. The flowers are not only visually appealing but also attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, making them beneficial for garden biodiversity.

Benefits:

Chives have a strong scent that can help repel pests such as aphids and spider mites. They also have shallow roots that won't compete with the deeper roots of the strawberry plants. Plus, chives are a tasty addition to salads and other dishes.

Planting Guide:

These easy-to-grow herbs prefer rich, well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight. You can either start chives from seeds or buy transplants from a nursery.

Vegetable Companion Plants For Strawberries

Lettuce

bountiful lettuce plants

Who says strawberries and lettuce can't be best buds? Lettuce is like the crown jewel of salads, with its crisp leaves and refreshing taste. It's easy to grow and comes in different types, from tender butterhead to hearty romaine. Plus, its leafy presence has beneficial effects to the delicate strawberry roots.

Benefits:

Lettuce provides shade and moisture retention for your strawberry plants, creating a cozy microclimate that promotes healthy growth. It also adds nutrients to the soil and attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings.

Planting Guide:

Plant lettuce around the base of your strawberry plants to create a living mulch that keeps the soil cool and moist.

Onions

onions in the soil

Onions, with their humble appearance, often surprise with their secret superpowers in the garden. These underground gems are not just for cooking; they make fantastic companions for strawberries too!

Benefits:

These pungent bulbs help repel pests like aphids, which can damage strawberry plants. Plus, their strong scent confuses pests, making it harder for them to locate their favorite snack. Onions also improve soil health by releasing compounds that inhibit the growth of certain weeds and harmful microorganisms.

Planting Guide:

Plant onions in between your strawberry rows to create a natural pest barrier and add a savory kick to your garden.

Spinach

growing spinach in the soil

Spinach, packed with nutrients, isn't just a healthy addition to your meals but also a fantastic companion for strawberries. It offers an extra harvest without taking up much space, and its low-growing nature make great strawberry companion plants.

Benefits:

Spinach acts as a natural mulch, helping suppress weeds and retain soil moisture. Its shallow roots also help prevent erosion and improve soil structure.

Planting Guide:

For an early yield from your strawberry beds, consider planting a row or two of spinach alongside your strawberries in early spring. This cold-tolerant green grows rapidly and reaches a similar height to fully grown strawberry plants.

Asparagus

growing asparagus

Asparagus makes for an excellent companion to strawberries due to its complementary root system and distinct growing seasons. Unlike the shallow root zone of strawberries, asparagus roots extend deep into the ground. This helps condition the soil and optimize the productivity of the space.

Benefits:

Asparagus acts as a natural weed suppressor, crowding out unwanted invaders and keeping the soil tidy around your strawberry plants. Its deep roots also improve soil structure and help retain moisture, ensuring your strawberries stay healthy and hydrated.

Planting Guide:

Asparagus is a resilient perennial that can thrive for 20 or 30 years, surpassing the lifespan of your strawberries. When planting asparagus crowns, choose a location where they can thrive and multiply. You can plant asparagus crowns in trenches and gradually fill in the soil as the shoots grow.

Radish

radish fresh from the harvest

Radishes are a fantastic choice for beginner gardeners, as they are easy to grow. When paired with strawberries, they provide an additional quick harvest, making efficient use of any unused space in the garden. Radishes are the ideal edible crop that can fit into almost any available space. They are light feeders and won't vie with strawberries for nutrients or water.

Benefits:

Radishes can help break up compacted soil around your strawberry plants and also act as a trap crop for certain pests.

Planting Guide:

These fast-growing vegetables prefer well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight. You can sow radish seeds directly into the ground and thin them as they grow to allow space for the roots to develop.

Planting Strategies for Strawberry Companions

When planting companion plants for strawberries, it's important to consider their growth habits and nutrient requirements. Here are a few strategies to keep in mind:

Plant low-growing companions

Since strawberries are a low-growing crop, it's best to choose companion plants that won't shade or compete with them for light and nutrients. Good options include low-growing herbs like thyme, chamomile, and oregano, as well as shallow-rooted vegetables like lettuce and radishes.

Choose nitrogen-fixing plants

Strawberries require a lot of nitrogen to thrive, so planting nitrogen-fixing companions can help reduce the need for fertilizers. Good options include legumes like clover, beans, and peas.

Plant pest-repellent herbs

Certain herbs have natural pest-repellent properties that can help protect strawberries from common pests like aphids and spider mites. Good options include basil, sage, and rosemary.

Rotate crops

To prevent soil-borne diseases and pests from building up in the soil, it's important to rotate crops each year. Consider planting strawberries with different companion plants each year to keep the soil healthy and balanced.

Plants to Avoid

As much as companion planting can help improve the growth and yield of strawberries, there are certain plants that should be avoided when planting them together. Here are some plants that can negatively impact the growth and health of strawberries:

  1. Brassicas: Plants in the brassica family such as broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage can attract pests like aphids and flea beetles, which can also attack strawberries. Additionally, brassicas are heavy feeders and can deplete the soil of nutrients that strawberries need.
  2. Nightshades: Plants in the nightshade family such as tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants can also attract pests like spider mites and tarnished plant bugs, which can cause damage to strawberries. Nightshades also have similar nutrient requirements as strawberries, which can lead to competition for resources.
  3. Weeds: Weeds can compete with strawberries for nutrients, water, and sunlight. Some weeds like clover and vetch can also host pests like tarnished plant bugs and slugs, which can damage strawberries.
  4. Plants susceptible to Verticillium wilt: Verticillium wilt is a fungal disease that can infect strawberries and other plants. Plants like potatoes, peppers, and tomatoes are susceptible to this disease, and planting them near strawberries can increase the risk of infection.

FAQS

Q: What are some other edible crops that can be planted alongside strawberries?

A: Edible crops such as garlic, peas, and mint can be considered as companion plants for strawberries. Garlic can help deter pests, while peas and mint can complement the growth of strawberries and provide additional harvests.

Q: What are some companion plants that can help improve the flavor of strawberries?

A: Some companion plants, such as borage and chamomile, are known to enhance the flavor of strawberries when planted nearby. These plants can contribute to a more complex and nuanced flavor profile in the strawberries.

Q: Can companion planting with strawberries attract beneficial wildlife to the garden?

A: Yes, certain companion plants can attract beneficial wildlife such as bees, butterflies, and birds, contributing to the overall biodiversity and ecological balance of the garden.

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