[vc_row row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background__as_pattern=”without_pattern”][vc_column][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background__as_pattern=”without_pattern”][vc_column][vc_row_inner row_type=”row” type=”full_width” text_align=”left” css_animation=””][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]Companion planting means placing different species of plants near one another in a garden bed for mutually beneficial reasons. Companion planting can enhance the attractiveness of your garden design, fight common pests, attract beneficial insects, and amplify the overall flavor of your strawberry plants.
Figuring out what works well together and learning about the ways that individual plants can bolster each other can significantly improve productivity in your garden. When it comes to the sweet plump, succulent fruit of strawberry plants, garden pests are just as enamored with them as humans are. Luckily, there are lots of plants that repel these parasitic insects and also attract beneficial ones to the garden bed.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background__as_pattern=”without_pattern”][vc_column][vc_row_inner row_type=”row” type=”full_width” text_align=”left” css_animation=””][vc_column_inner]
Strawberries can also help other plants through companion planting. The low-lying spread of strawberry plants makes them an optimal as a ground cover to control weeds around plants like rhubarb, asparagus, and horseradish.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background__as_pattern=”without_pattern”][vc_column][vc_row_inner row_type=”row” type=”full_width” text_align=”left” css_animation=””][vc_column_inner]
Tomatoes and strawberries are two of the most popular fruits to grow in home gardens Their sweet, juicy flavors when picked fresh cannot be matched by store-bought varieties It’s no wonder many gardeners try to maximize their limited space by planting tomatoes and strawberries together. But is this a good companion pairing? Or are these fruits better grown separately?
The Short Answer
The short answer is no tomatoes and strawberries should not be planted together. Both plants are prone to fungal diseases like verticillium wilt and anthracnose, which can spread from one plant to another in close proximity. It’s better to separate tomatoes and strawberries to different areas of your garden.
The Long Answer
While tomatoes and strawberries are botanically very different plants they share some problematic disease susceptibilities that make them poor companions. Let’s look at why it’s best not to plant tomatoes and strawberries together.
Disease Susceptibility
The main reason tomatoes and strawberries should be kept apart is their mutual susceptibility to soil-borne fungal diseases. The two most concerning diseases are verticillium wilt and anthracnose. These fungal pathogens can quickly spread from an infected plant to nearby healthy plants.
Both tomatoes and strawberries are prone to verticillium wilt, which is caused by the fungus Verticillium dahliae. This fungus causes leaves to yellow, wilt, and die. It also causes shriveling and rotting of fruits.
Anthracnose is another fungal disease caused by the fungus Colletotrichum acutatum. It results in dark, sunken lesions on fruits, sometimes rotting them entirely. Leaves develop necrotic brown spots that spread rapidly.
If tomatoes and strawberries are planted near each other and one becomes infected, the disease can easily spread to the other via water, garden tools, and insect activity. Planting them separately reduces transmission risk.
Other Drawbacks
In addition to disease susceptibility, tomatoes and strawberries differ in their growing habits and needs in other ways that make them poor companions:
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Tomatoes are warm season annuals, while strawberries are cool weather perennials. Their seasons of active growth don’t overlap well.
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Tomatoes need tall trellising or cages, which could shade out low-growing strawberry plants.
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Strawberries spread aggressively via runners, which could overtake tomato root space.
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Tomato fertilizer needs differ from strawberries, making it hard to fertilize both crops optimally.
Better Companion Options
Rather than planting tomatoes and strawberries together, both plants have better companion options that can be planted nearby.
Good tomato companion plants include:
- Basil
- Carrots
- Onions/chives/garlic
- Marigolds
- Nasturtiums
- Borage
Great companion plants for strawberries include:
- Bush beans
- Lettuce/spinach
- Borage
- Thyme
- Sage
- Marigolds
These plants help repel pests, improve pollination, or enhance flavor. Avoid planting strawberries near nightshades like tomatoes, peppers, or eggplants to limit fungal disease spread.
Growing Tips for Tomatoes and Strawberries
If you want to grow both tomatoes and strawberries, just don’t plant them right next to each other. Here are some tips for growing each successfully:
Tomatoes
- Grow in full sun (at least 8 hours/day)
- Enrich soil with compost and fertilizer
- Water 1-2 inches per week
- Use cages or trellises for support
- Prune suckers and lower leaves
- Harvest ripe fruits promptly
Strawberries
- Grow in full sun (at least 10 hours/day)
- Enrich soil with compost
- Water 1 inch per week
- Use raised beds or containers
- Refresh plants every 2-3 years
- Harvest ripe berries often
With the right care and companions, you can grow bountiful, delicious tomatoes and strawberries—just keep these fruits in separate garden beds. Pay close attention for any disease symptoms and remove affected plants promptly. With smart garden planning, you can avoid problems and enjoy the sweet flavor of homegrown tomatoes and strawberries.
Plants to Avoid in your Strawberry Patch
Unfortunately, some plants are not meant to be interplanted and can cause the demise of your strawberries if they are used as companions. In this case, strawberry plants are prone to a disease called verticillium. Plants like tomatoes, eggplant, potatoes, melons, peppers, roses, mint, and okra may actually contribute to this deadly disease in strawberry plants. It is essential to note that strawberries should not even be planted in beds that have recently housed those plants on this list.
Strawberries are also not the best companions for plants that are in the cabbage family. Not only aren’t they good neighbors, but they are destructive neighbors, as they hamper the growth of cabbage family members. Common cabbage groupings include collard greens, kale cauliflower, kohlrabi, bok choy, and brussel sprouts.
Best Strawberry Companion Plants
Here is a robust list of plants that will offer some pest protection for your strawberry plants and help you grow a hardy bumper crop of strawberries. Plant these garden friends alongside strawberry plants and enjoy the extraordinary benefits of companion planting.
Asparagus and strawberries are natural interplanting partners in the garden bed. They spread their roots on alternate planes of the soil, and they both emerge from the ground soon after the last frost. These two garden mates use the soil effectively without competing with one another and contributes to nutrient return.
Borage is an herb that works double duty for strawberries in the garden bed. Not only does borage repel damaging insects, but it also attracts beneficial insects and pollinators to the strawberry patch.
Caraway attracts insects that feed on pests that can cause significant damage to strawberries. Such insects included parasitic flies and wasps that will protect strawberries from fruit seeking pests like aphids and mites.
Catnip deters damaging insects such as aphids and mites from destroying the leaves of strawberry plants. Strawberry plants are particularly prone to attracting both of these garden pests.
Yarrow attracts beneficial pollinators to your garden, which can boost the yield of your strawberries.
These pungent vegetables make great strawberry companion plants. Their unappealing odor is a natural deterrent of many garden pests that feed on the leaves and fruits of the strawberry plant.
Sage is another one of those herbs that emit a strong odor and has also been successful in masking the sweet scent of your strawberries in the garden, making it more difficult for destructive pests to find your berries plants.
Not only do spinach and strawberries make an excellent combination in the salad bowl, but they are also super compatible in the garden. Spinach contains saponins, which act as a natural repellent of destructive garden pests.
5 companion plants for tomatoes
FAQ
Can strawberries be grown next to tomatoes?
While not ideal, strawberries and tomatoes can be grown near each other, but it’s not recommended due to potential disease transmission. Tomatoes and strawberries can both be susceptible to Verticillium wilt, and planting them close together can increase the risk of this fungal disease spreading.
What is the best companion plant for strawberries?
The best companion plants for strawberries include herbs like borage, thyme, and chives, which attract beneficial insects and deter pests. Marigolds are also excellent for pest control, especially against nematodes.
What should not be planted next to tomatoes?
Tomato is a nightshade plant, so avoid planting with other nightshades such as peppers, eggplants, and potatoes, as they are prone to many of the same pests and diseases. In fact, avoid planting nightshade vegetables in the same bed for three years if possible.
Can you grow strawberries and tomatoes together?
If you want to grow both strawberries and tomatoes, you may wonder if you can plant them together. Many garden plants grow well together, and those that benefit each other are known as companion plants. Companion plants may benefit their neighbors by providing shade, repelling insect pests, providing support, or attracting pollinators.
Do tomatoes and strawberries make good garden companions?
Let’s take a closer look now at both tomatoes and strawberries to find out if they make good garden companions, or if you should pick something else to pair them with. Tomatoes and strawberries do not make good companion plants. You could grow them together, and it’s possible they will both do fine.
Can strawberries & tomatoes be planted in the same container?
Yes, strawberries and tomatoes can be planted in the same container, but it’s essential to choose a large enough container with good drainage. A minimum size of 12-18 inches deep and 24-36 inches wide is recommended. Make sure to use a well-draining potting mix and provide support for the tomato plant as it grows.
Can strawberries & tomatoes spread?
Spreading Disease: Both strawberries and tomatoes are susceptible to fungal diseases like powdery mildew and botrytis. If one plant becomes infected, it can easily spread to the other. Ensure good air circulation and remove any infected plants promptly.
How do you grow strawberries in a tomato garden?
Plant Height: Plant strawberries at the base of tomato plants or use a strawberry jar to elevate them, ensuring they receive adequate sunlight. Support: Provide support for tomato plants using trellises, stakes, or cages to keep them upright and promote even growth. To ensure a successful strawberry and tomato garden, follow these additional tips:
Can tomatoes and strawberries coexist?
While tomatoes and strawberries are not traditional companions, with proper planning, they can coexist harmoniously and even provide some mutual benefits. Learn how to grow tomatoes and strawberries together, their potential benefits, and tips for ensuring both plants thrive. What Is Companion Planting?