Proven Strawberry Companion Plants That Attract More Fruit in Half the Time!

Did you know that pairing the right plants with strawberries can dramatically boost your harvest—often in half the time? Companion planting is a powerful, natural gardening technique that enhances growth, improves pollination, boosts soil health, and deters pests—all without harsh chemicals. In this article, we’ll explore the top strawberry companion plants that help your strawberries produce more fruit faster, helping you enjoy juicy, abundant berries sooner.

Why Companion Planting Boosts Strawberry Yields

Understanding the Context

Strawberries thrive in harmony. When strategically planted together, companion plants can:

  • Attract More Pollinators: More bees and beneficial insects mean better fruit set.
  • Improve Soil Nutrients: Legumes fix nitrogen; deep-rooted plants bring up nutrients.
  • Repel Pests Naturally: Some plants emit scents that deter common strawberry pests like aphids and nematodes.
  • Suppress Weeds: Ground covers reduce competition and retain soil moisture.
  • Enhance Garden Biodiversity: A healthy ecosystem leads to healthier plants.

Below are the proven companion plants that deliver faster, tastier strawberries—backed by garden experiments and research.


Key Insights

1. Borage: The Pollinator Magnet & Growth Accelerator

Borage (Borago officinalis) is one of the best strawberry companions. Its vibrant blue flowers attract bees and other pollinators, directly boosting fruit formation. Studies show that strawberries planted near borage experience 20–30% faster fruit development and up to 50% larger berries.

Key benefits:

  • Enhances cross-pollination for bigger, more uniform fruit
  • Repels pests like tomato hornworms and cabbage moths
  • Rich in nutrients that improve soil fertility

How to plant: Grow borage in sunny spots near strawberries; it spreads gently but stays manageable.


Final Thoughts

2. Calendula: The Pest-Fighting Powerhouse

Calendula (Calendula officinalis) isn’t just pretty—it’s a warrior plant. Its lively flowers attract predatory insects that target strawberry pests. Plus, planted close, calendula improves soil health and inhibits fungal diseases like powdery mildew.

Key benefits:

  • Natural nematode control
  • Strengthens plant immunity
  • Accelerates fruit ripening through improved pollinator activity

How to plant: Interplant calendula along strawberry rows or use as a border crop.


3. Garlic & Onions: Natural Deterrents

Aromatic alliums like garlic and onions emit strong scents that repel pests such as aphids, spider mites, and strawberry bugs—common culprits slowing growth and reducing yield. Garlic also boosts soil’s microbial health and acts as a mild fungicide.

Key benefits:

  • Natural pest resistance
  • Improved root development
  • Enhances strawberry flavor with no chemical interference

How to plant: Place garlic and onion sets in between strawberry plants or edge beds to maximize scent coverage.