Strawberries might be sweet on their own—but they grow even better with a few good friends by their side! If you want a bigger, juicier harvest (and fewer pests stealing your berries), companion planting is the way to go.
“Companion planting is a traditional, eco-friendly way of pairing plants together so that there is natural pest control, beneficial insects are attracted to the growing space, pollination is increased and yields are bigger with improved taste,” says Lucie Bradley, a gardening expert at Easy Garden Irrigation.
The right plant pairings can help deter bugs, attract pollinators, improve the flavor of your berries, and even make your garden look better. “With so many pests wanting to eat our plants,” Bradley explains, “it’s great to have a natural way to control their numbers.” And when you grow herbs and flowers alongside your strawberries, it’s not just pretty—it’s practical. Ready to transform your strawberry patch? Here are 20 of the best companion plants to grow nearby.
Basil
This fragrant herb is a strawberry superfriend. “Its strong scent both masks the sweet scent of strawberries from pests and acts as a repellent,” says Bradley. It’s also said to enhance flavor and brings bees to the garden for better pollination.
Chives
Chives are compact, easy to tuck in, and full of benefits. “The strong scent repels aphids, spider mites, and even slugs,” says Bradley. They may even give your berries a subtle flavor boost.
Marigolds
These cheerful flowers are powerhouses when planted with strawberries. “They deter pests like aphids and nematodes, attract pollinators, and can help reduce weeds and retain moisture,” Bradley explains. Bonus: They make your garden look gorgeous.
Thyme
Thyme works as a living mulch, helping to retain moisture and crowd out weeds. “Its scent repels some parasitic worms and may even improve the flavour of strawberries,” says Bradley. Plus, it’s hardy and low-maintenance.
Borage
Borage draws in bees like crazy, which means better pollination for your berries. “Its bright blue flowers attract pollinators and beneficial insects, while its roots improve the soil,” says Bradley. Some gardeners even say borage helps strawberries grow larger and sweeter.
Lettuce
Low-growing lettuce works well as a living mulch, helping to keep weeds down and moisture in. “Lettuce doesn’t compete heavily for nutrients, so it’s an easygoing neighbor for strawberries,” Bradley notes.
Spinach
Like lettuce, spinach can grow well in the same bed as strawberries. “It’s another shallow-rooted crop that doesn’t compete with strawberries, and helps suppress weeds,” says Bradley.
Carrots
Carrots and strawberries are root buddies—they grow well together without crowding each other out. “Plus, they attract different pests, so you’re not concentrating risk in one spot,” explains Bradley.
Onions
Onions help mask the scent of strawberries from pests and deter bugs like aphids and spider mites. “They’re a great pest deterrent and don’t interfere much with strawberry growth,” says Bradley.
Garlic
Like onions, garlic is a strong-smelling, pest-fighting plant. “It helps repel harmful insects and can reduce the chance of fungal infections in strawberries,” Bradley explains.
Sage
Sage has a pungent aroma that helps keep pests at bay. “It’s also easy to grow alongside strawberries and doesn’t need much space,” says Bradley.
Dill
Dill attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, which love to snack on strawberry pests. “It’s a great addition for organic pest control,” Bradley notes.
Yarrow
Yarrow’s small flowers attract loads of beneficial insects and pollinators. “It also improves soil structure over time, which can benefit nearby plants,” says Bradley.
Cilantro
Cilantro is another herb that helps bring in pollinators while keeping pests like aphids away. “It’s compact and grows quickly, making it easy to fit in with strawberries,” Bradley explains.
Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums are often used as sacrificial plants—pests like aphids and beetles go for them first. “They act as a natural trap crop, drawing pests away from your strawberries,” says Bradley.
Parsley
Parsley is easy to grow and doesn’t compete heavily for space or nutrients. “It can attract beneficial insects and works well as a filler around strawberry beds,” Bradley notes.
Chamomile
Chamomile is said to improve the health and flavor of nearby plants. “It attracts hoverflies and parasitic wasps, which help with pest control,” says Bradley.
Calendula
Calendula, also known as pot marigold, is a superstar for attracting beneficial insects. “It’s perfect for organic pest control and adds a pop of color too,” says Bradley.
Sweet Alyssum
This low-growing flower attracts pollinators and beneficial bugs while doubling as a groundcover. “It helps conserve soil moisture and reduce weeds around strawberries,” Bradley explains.
Beets
Beets are a great underground neighbor for strawberries. “They don’t compete for the same nutrients and help loosen up the soil, which benefits root growth,” says Bradley.
Tierney McAfee is a freelance writer and Country Living and The Pioneer Woman contributor who covers entertainment, holiday & entertaining, food & drinks, design ideas, DIY, and more.
