What to Plant Next to Strawberries, Blueberries & Plants to Avoid Near Berries
When I first planted berries, I was so excited about the fruit I didn’t need to buy from the grocery store but I didn’t give much thought to what else I could grow around them. Big mistake. Berries thrive when they have the right companions nearby — plants that attract pollinators, deter pests, and even improve the soil. Over the years, I’ve learned that tucking in herbs, flowers, and veggies around my berry patches not only boosts my harvest but makes the garden feel fuller, healthier, and (bonus) way prettier. Here’s a handy guide to the best companion plants for strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries — plus what to avoid!
Why Companion Planting Matters for Berries
Companion planting is all about pairing plants that help each other thrive. With berries, good companions can:
- Attract pollinators for better fruit set.
- Repel pests like aphids, slugs, and spider mites.
- Improve soil health by fixing nitrogen or suppressing weeds.
- Make the most of your garden space by combining crops with different root depths and growth habits.
Personal tip: Once I started mixing flowers, herbs, and shallow-rooted veggies into my berry beds, the whole patch came to life — more bees, fewer pests, and better yields.
Best Companion Plants for Strawberries
Strawberries are natural spreaders, sending out runners to fill any empty space. The best companions for strawberries are low-growing herbs, shallow-rooted veggies, and pest-repelling flowers.
Top Companions for Strawberries
| Companion | Benefits |
| Borage | Attracts pollinators, deters pests, adds trace minerals |
| Marigolds | Repel nematodes, aphids, and slugs |
| Nasturtiums | Trap crop for aphids, edible flowers |
| Spinach & Lettuce | Shallow roots, doesn’t compete with berries |
| Chives & Onions | Deter aphids, improve soil health |
| Thyme | Groundcover, repels worms and flies |
I love planting borage with strawberries — the blue flowers are gorgeous, and the bees go wild for them.
Best Companion Plants for Blueberries
Blueberries are a bit picky about soil — they love acidic conditions, so any companions need to tolerate (or thrive in) lower pH. Focus on shallow-rooted plants that won’t compete for nutrients. For a complete guide for your soil check out how to improve your garden soil here
Top Companions for Blueberries
| Companion | Benefits |
| Thyme | Deters cabbage worms and boosts pollination |
| Cranberries | Share similar soil needs, make great ground cover |
| Basil | Repels mosquitoes and flies, attracts pollinators |
| Mint | Repels ants and aphids (keep it contained!) |
| Marigolds | Repel nematodes and attract pollinators |
| Ferns | Thrive in acidic soil and provide light shade |
Personal tip: I plant low-growing thyme and cranberries around my blueberries — they act like living mulch, suppressing weeds and keeping the soil cool.
Companion Planting for Raspberries & Blackberries
Brambles (raspberries and blackberries) grow fast and can dominate a space if you let them. The best companions are ones that attract pollinators, deter pests, and don’t mind a little shade as the canes fill in.
Top Companions for Raspberries & Blackberries
| Companion | Benefits |
| Chives | Repel aphids and Japanese beetles |
| Yarrow | Attracts predatory insects like ladybugs |
| Tansy | Repels ants and beetles |
| Comfrey | Deep roots bring up nutrients, excellent mulch |
| Garlic | Repels spider mites and aphids |
| Bee Balm | Attracts pollinators, adds color |
Personal tip: I like planting bee balm along my raspberry fence — it’s beautiful, attracts pollinators, and handles the occasional bramble invasion like a champ.
Plants to Avoid Near Berries
Some plants just don’t play nice with berries. They may compete for nutrients, invite pests, or stunt growth. Avoid these near your berry patches:
| Plant | Reason |
| Tomatoes | Susceptible to verticillium wilt, which can spread to berries |
| Potatoes | Same disease risk as tomatoes, plus heavy feeders |
| Eggplants | Also a verticillium carrier |
| Cabbage & Broccoli | Compete heavily for nutrients |
| Mint (uncontrolled) | Spreads aggressively, chokes out berries |
Personal tip: I learned the hard way that planting tomatoes near strawberries is a recipe for disease. Now I keep nightshades far away from my berries.
FAQs About Companion Planting
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Companion planting around your berries isn’t just practical it’s a great way to pack more life, beauty, and flavor into your garden. By choosing plants that support each other, you’ll get healthier berries, fewer pests, and a garden that’s buzzing with life all season long. Whether tucking chives between blueberries or letting nasturtiums sprawl under strawberries, these companion pairings turn your berry patch into a thriving ecosystem.
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Happy Planting
Linnea