Bad Companion Plants For Strawberries That Will Ruin Your Harvest

Title: Bad Companion Plants for Strawberries That Will Ruin Your Harvest

Introduction:

Strawberries are a delicious and popular fruit that can be grown in many different climates. However, it's important to choose the right companion plants for your strawberries, as some plants can actually harm your harvest. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the worst companion plants for strawberries and why you should avoid planting them near your strawberry plants.

Main Content:

There are a number of plants that should not be planted near strawberries, as they can compete for nutrients, attract pests, or spread diseases. Some of the worst companion plants for strawberries include:

• Nightshades: This family of plants includes tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant, and peppers. These plants are susceptible to the same diseases as strawberries, so planting them near each other can increase the risk of infection.
• Brassicas: This family of plants includes broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts. Brassicas can compete with strawberries for nutrients, and they can also attract pests such as aphids.
• Fennel: Fennel is a strong-flavored herb that can inhibit the growth of strawberries. It can also attract pests such as spider mites.
• Melons: Melons can compete with strawberries for water and nutrients, and they can also attract pests such as cucumber beetles.
• Mint: Mint is a vigorous grower that can quickly take over a garden. It can also compete with strawberries for water and nutrients.

Conclusion:

By avoiding these bad companion plants, you can help to ensure a healthy and bountiful harvest of strawberries. When choosing companion plants for your strawberries, look for plants that have different nutrient requirements and that will not attract pests. Some good companion plants for strawberries include:

• Basil: Basil helps to repel pests such as aphids and flies.
• Borage: Borage attracts bees and other pollinators, which can help to increase your strawberry yield.
• Chives: Chives help to repel pests such as aphids and slugs.
• Marigolds: Marigolds help to repel nematodes, which can damage strawberry roots.
• Onions: Onions help to repel pests such as thrips and root-knot nematodes.

By planting the right companion plants near your strawberries, you can help to create a healthy and productive garden.

There are a number of plants that should not be planted near strawberries, as they can stunt growth, attract pests, or even spread disease. Some of the worst companion plants for strawberries include:

• Tomatoes: Tomatoes are in the same family as strawberries (Solanaceae) and can spread verticillium wilt, a fungal disease that can be fatal to strawberry plants.
• Eggplant: Eggplants are also susceptible to verticillium wilt, so it's best to avoid planting them near strawberries.
• Potatoes: Potatoes can also spread verticillium wilt, as well as other diseases such as potato scab and early blight.
• Melons: Melons can compete with strawberries for water and nutrients, and they can also attract pests such as aphids and cucumber beetles.
• Fennel: Fennel has a strong scent that can suppress the growth of strawberries, and it can also attract pests such as spider mites.

For more information about bad companion plants for strawberries, please visit Garden Wiki.

FAQ of bad companion plants for strawberries

Q: What are some bad companion plants for strawberries?

A: Some bad companion plants for strawberries include:

• Tomatoes, eggplant, potatoes, peppers, and melons: These plants are all susceptible to verticillium wilt, a fungus that can also infect strawberries.
• Cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, and other cruciferous vegetables: These plants compete with strawberries for nutrients and can stunt their growth.
• Fennel: Fennel has a strong smell that can suppress the growth of strawberries.
• Mint: Mint is a aggressive grower that can crowd out strawberries.
• Roses: Roses attract pests that can also damage strawberries.

Q: Why should I avoid planting these plants near my strawberries?

A: There are a few reasons why you should avoid planting these plants near your strawberries:

• They can spread diseases: Some of these plants, such as tomatoes and eggplant, are susceptible to verticillium wilt, a fungus that can also infect strawberries. If you plant these plants near your strawberries, the fungus can spread from one plant to the other.
• They compete for nutrients: Strawberries are heavy feeders, and they need a lot of nutrients to thrive. If you plant other plants that are also heavy feeders near your strawberries, they will compete for nutrients and may stunt the growth of your strawberries.
• They can suppress growth: Some plants, such as fennel, have a strong smell that can suppress the growth of strawberries. This is because the smell of fennel can interfere with the pollination of strawberries.
• They attract pests: Some plants, such as roses, attract pests that can also damage strawberries. If you plant roses near your strawberries, the pests that are attracted to roses may also damage your strawberries.

Q: What are some good companion plants for strawberries?

A: Some good companion plants for strawberries include:

• Herbs: Herbs such as chives, mint, and thyme can help to repel pests and diseases from strawberries.
• Lettuce: Lettuce is a good companion plant for strawberries because it helps to suppress weeds.
• Onions: Onions release sulfur compounds that can help to protect strawberries from pests and diseases.
• Beans: Beans fix nitrogen in the soil, which can help to improve the health of your strawberries.
• Cucumbers: Cucumbers help to attract pollinators to strawberries, which can help to increase your yields.

Q: What are some other tips for planting strawberries?

A: Here are some other tips for planting strawberries:

• Plant strawberries in full sun.
• Plant strawberries in well-drained soil.
• Amend the soil with compost or manure before planting.
• Space the plants 12-18 inches apart.
• Water the plants regularly, especially during the first year.
• Fertilize the plants in the spring and fall.
• Protect the plants from pests and diseases.

Image of bad companion plants for strawberries

• Tomatoes: Tomatoes are prone to verticillium wilt, a fungus that can spread to strawberries.
• Eggplant: Eggplants are also prone to verticillium wilt.
• Potatoes: Potatoes can also get verticillium wilt.
• Cabbage: Cabbage and other members of the Brassica family can compete with strawberries for nutrients.
• Fennel: Fennel can inhibit the growth of strawberries.
• Melon: Melons can attract pests that can also harm strawberries.
• Sunflowers: Sunflowers are heavy feeders that can compete with strawberries for water and nutrients.
• Corn: Corn is a heavy feeder that can also shade out strawberries.
• Roses: Roses can attract pests that can also harm strawberries.
• Chrysanthemums: Chrysanthemums can attract pests that can also harm strawberries.