Not all crops can be friends in the same garden bed, but strawberries have real allies.
These plants will not replace care, but will become reliable assistants: they will scare away pests, reduce the risk of diseases and help to collect a double harvest.
Garlic
Garlic is a classic partner for strawberries. Its pungent aroma confuses aphids, spider mites, and weevils. Garlic roots release sulfur compounds that suppress fungal infections.
Plant the cloves between the rows - and the strawberries will be healthier, and the bed will also give you a harvest of spicy vegetables. Onions will also work, but it is better to plant them pointwise so as not to overload the soil.
Marigold
Low-growing marigolds will not only decorate the garden bed, but will also become a shield against gray mold. Their phytoncides slow down the development of the disease, and bright inflorescences distract the weevil.
Plant flowers along the edges of the bed - this way they will not shade the strawberries, but will intercept slugs that love to feast on marigolds. Don't forget to pick off pests from flowers so that they don't crawl onto the berries.
Dill
During flowering, dill attracts soft-bodied beetles, which destroy the larvae of pests. These are plant-safe orderlies that can reduce the parasite population.
Sow dill near strawberries, but make sure it doesn't grow too densely, otherwise it will start competing for nutrients.
Basil
The spicy smell of basil disorients the weevil, and its leaves enrich the soil with useful substances.
For maximum effect, plant greens close to strawberry bushes. Bonus: pick a handful of berries and basil leaves, mix with mineral water - you will get a refreshing drink with notes of summer.
Legumes
Beans or peas planted on the north side of the bed will become a natural "feeder" for strawberries. Their roots saturate the soil with nitrogen, which is necessary for the growth of greenery.
The main thing is to choose low-growing varieties of legumes so that they do not block the sun.
Joint plantings are not only practical, but also profitable. The right neighbors will save time on fighting diseases, and the bed will turn into a multifunctional corner of the garden.
Experiment, but remember: even the best allies require attention and moderate space.
