Strawberries Companion Plants
Strawberries are perennial fruiting plants that reward a sunny site, moisture-retentive soil and good air movement. Borage is their classic traditional companion, valued for its flowers, although it cannot promise better pollination or pest control. Choose disease-free plants, remove old leaves after fruiting where appropriate, and renew beds before vigour declines.
Good companions for Strawberries
| Plant | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| Borage | Borage is the classic traditional strawberry companion; its long-flowering blue blooms may attract pollinating insects to the area. |
| Garlic | Garlic is traditionally planted near strawberries, though generous spacing and airflow are more important than any claimed protective effect. |
| Spring onions | Their upright foliage uses little room between strawberry rows and can be lifted before plants become densely leafy. |
| Lettuce | Young lettuces can occupy open ground between new strawberry plants and are usually harvested before runners spread. |
| French marigolds | Compact French marigolds add colour and flowers around bed edges without shading low-growing strawberry crowns. |
| Thyme | Low thyme can suit a sunny border near strawberries, provided it is kept back from crowns and does not compete. |
Keep Strawberries away from
| Plant | Why to separate them |
|---|---|
| Potatoes | Keep potatoes separate to simplify rotation and avoid creating a crowded, humid patch around strawberry foliage. |
| Cabbages | Their large leaves shade strawberries and reduce airflow, making picking and routine removal of old leaves harder. |
| Raspberries | Both need regular picking and pruning, but raspberries create shade and compete strongly when planted too closely. |
Tips
Plant from late summer to spring, spacing plants about 35 cm apart with crowns at soil level. Mulch around plants with clean straw as fruits develop, keeping it away from crowns. Water regularly while flowering and fruiting. Peg down only the runners you want for replacement plants, then remove unwanted runners promptly.
Strawberries companion planting: frequently asked questions
What are good companion plants for strawberries?
Good companions for strawberries include Borage, Garlic, Spring onions, Lettuce, French marigolds, Thyme.
What should you not plant near strawberries?
Keep strawberries away from Potatoes, Cabbages, Raspberries.
How does companion planting help strawberries?
Strawberries are perennial fruiting plants that reward a sunny site, moisture-retentive soil and good air movement.
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Companion planting is a traditional practice; results vary with your climate, soil and garden. Page updated 18 Sep 2026.