What vegetables can be planted near strawberries: creating harmonious beds

Strawberries are a favorite of many gardeners. Their juicy, aromatic berries are a desired delicacy for children and adults.

But to get a bountiful harvest, it is important not only to properly care for the strawberries, but also to choose the right neighbors for them in the garden.

Anastasia Kovrizhnykh , an expert of the online publication "BelNovosti", an agronomist and landscape designer, told how to act in such a situation.

Good neighbors for strawberries

Some vegetable crops have a beneficial effect on strawberries, protecting them from pests, improving the taste of berries and increasing yields.

Onions and garlic are reliable defenders of strawberries from pests. Their phytoncides repel weevils, slugs and other unwanted guests. In addition, onions and garlic improve the taste of strawberries.

Spinach and lettuce are great companions for strawberries. They create a favorable microclimate, shading the soil and retaining moisture. Thanks to this, strawberries better tolerate the summer heat and produce a more abundant harvest.

Legumes such as peas and beans add nitrogen to the soil, which is good for strawberries. They also repel some pests.

Carrots and beets are neutral neighbors for strawberries. They do not compete with them for nutrients and do not affect their growth and development.

Unwanted Neighborhood

Some vegetable crops can have a negative impact on strawberries by competing with them for nutrients, water and sunlight, and by attracting pests.

Nightshade crops such as tomatoes, peppers, eggplants and potatoes are not recommended to be planted near strawberries. They can carry diseases dangerous to strawberries, such as late blight.

Cabbage is an unfortunate neighbor for strawberries. It greatly depletes the soil and can attract pests such as the cruciferous flea beetle.

Cucumbers and pumpkins are also not the best companions for strawberries. They have similar growing conditions and can compete with them for resources.

Planning the beds

When planning beds, it is important to consider not only the compatibility of crops, but also their sizes, ripening times and requirements for growing conditions.

Strawberries are best planted in sunny areas with fertile, well-drained soil. The distance between rows should be sufficient for easy care of the plants and harvesting.

When choosing neighbors for strawberries, pay attention to their height so that they do not shade the berry bushes. Also consider that some crops, such as onions and garlic, can repel not only pests, but also beneficial insects, such as bees.

Earlier we told you what to plant in your dacha to get rid of wireworms .