What Not To Plant With Strawberries?

Strawberries are a popular and delicious fruit that can be grown in various settings, from backyard gardens to commercial farms. 

However, to ensure that your strawberry plants thrive and produce a bountiful harvest, you must be mindful of what you plant alongside them. 

Some plants can negatively affect strawberry growth, while others can help boost their growth and flavor.

In this article, we’ll explore what not to plant with strawberries and provide tips for maximizing the health and productivity of your strawberry plants.

How To Plant Strawberries

Here are some steps to follow for planting strawberries:

1. Choose a planting location: Choose a location with full sun and well-draining soil. Raised beds or containers like the popular Land Guard Galvanized Raised Garden Bed can be a good option if your soil is poor or you have limited space.
2. Prepare the soil: Amend the soil with organic matter, such as compost, to improve fertility and drainage. Remove any weeds or debris from the planting area.
3. Choose your plants: Purchase healthy strawberry plants from a reputable nursery or garden center. Look for plants with green leaves and no signs of disease or pests.
4. Plant the strawberries: Dig holes that are large enough to accommodate the roots of your strawberry plants. Space the plants 12-18 inches apart, with rows spaced 2-3 feet apart. Gently tamp down the soil around the plants and water thoroughly.
5. Mulch around the plants: Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as straw or leaves, to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
6. Water regularly: Water your strawberry plants deeply once a week or as needed to keep the soil consistently moist.
7. Fertilize as needed: Apply a well-balanced fertilizer; we like to use Espoma Organic Berry-Tone 4-3-4 Natural & Organic Fertilizer once a month during the growing season to provide nutrients to your plants.
8. Harvest your strawberries: Depending on the variety, your strawberries should begin to ripen 4-6 weeks after planting. Harvest the berries as soon as they ripen to encourage continued production.

For our detailed and tested organic fertilizer recommendations, please see the article Best Organic Fertilizers for Strawberries: Boost Your Crop Yield Naturally.

Types Of Strawberries

There are several types of strawberries, each with their own unique characteristics. Here are some common types of strawberries:

• June-bearing: June-bearing strawberries are the most common type and produce a large crop of fruit in late spring to early summer. They typically have a short harvesting season of 2-3 weeks.
• Everbearing: Everbearing strawberries produce two to three crops of fruit throughout the growing season. The first crop is typically in late spring to early summer, followed by a second crop in late summer to early fall.
• Day-neutral: Day-neutral strawberries produce fruit continuously throughout the growing season, regardless of day length. They typically have smaller berries than June-bearing or everbearing strawberries.
• Alpine: Alpine strawberries are a smaller, wild-type of strawberry that produces small, intensely flavored fruit. They are often grown in containers or as edging plants in garden beds.
• Honeoye: Honeoye strawberries are a popular variety of June-bearing strawberry that produces large, firm fruit with a sweet flavor.
• Seascape: Seascape strawberries are a popular variety of day-neutral strawberry that produces large, sweet fruit throughout the growing season.
• Ozark Beauty: Ozark Beauty strawberries are a popular variety of everbearing strawberry that produces large, firm fruit with a sweet flavor.

These are just a few examples of the many types of strawberries available. When choosing a variety of strawberries to grow, consider your climate, growing conditions, and taste preferences.

What Should Not Be Planted With Strawberries?

There are several plants that you should avoid planting alongside strawberries.

One common mistake is planting nightshade family members, such as tomatoes, potatoes, and peppers, near your strawberry plants. 

These plants are susceptible to similar diseases and pests as strawberries and can even attract the same pests, leading to decreased yields and stunted growth.

Another plant to avoid planting near strawberries is brassica family members, such as broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage.

These plants have a high demand for nutrients and can deplete the soil of essential nutrients that strawberries need to thrive.

Additionally, plants with shallow roots, such as mint and herbs, can compete with strawberries for water and nutrients, resulting in weaker plants and smaller yields. 

Finally, plants that attract pests, such as clover and certain types of weeds, can also be detrimental to the growth and health of your strawberry plants.

In general, it’s best to plant strawberries in a dedicated bed or area, away from other plants that may compete for resources or attract pests. 

By avoiding these common mistakes and being mindful of what you plant alongside your strawberries, you can help ensure a healthy and plentiful harvest.

Tips For Growing Healthy Strawberries

Here are some tips for growing strawberries:

• Choose the right variety: Many different varieties of strawberries are available, and some are better suited for certain climates or growing conditions. Choose a variety that is well-suited for your region and meets your needs in terms of taste, size, and yield.
• Provide adequate sunlight: Strawberry plants require at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day to produce a good harvest. Choose a location that receives full sun and is well-drained to promote healthy growth.
• Use fertile soil: Strawberry plants require nutrient-rich soil to thrive. Amend your soil with compost like Ribbon Organics OMRI Certified Organic Compost, manure, or other organic matter to improve soil fertility and drainage.
• Water regularly: Strawberry plants need consistent moisture, especially during the growing season. Water your plants deeply once a week or as needed, being careful not to overwater, which can lead to root rot.
• Control pests and diseases: Keep an eye out for common pests and diseases that can affect strawberry plants, such as spider mites, aphids, and powdery mildew. Use organic pest control methods and fungicides if needed.
• Mulch around plants: Applying a layer of organic mulch, like the popular 100% Natural Cedar Shavings Mulch or straw, around your strawberry plants can help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and protect against soil-borne diseases.
• Harvest regularly: Strawberries ripen quickly and should be harvested as soon as they are ripe to prevent overripe fruit and encourage continued production.

Final Thoughts

Planting strawberries can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience, but it’s important to be mindful of what you plant alongside them. 

Avoiding plants from the nightshade and brassica families, as well as shallow-rooted plants and those that attract pests, can help ensure the health and productivity of your strawberry plants. 

Following these guidelines and providing adequate sunlight, fertile soil, regular watering, and pest and disease control, you can help ensure a bountiful harvest of delicious strawberries.

Happy planting!

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• Can Dogs Eat Kiwi Fruit?

Video: What Not to Grow With Strawberries.