Maximizing Your Container Garden: What to Plant with Strawberries

Are you interested in planting strawberries in containers but wondering what else you can add to your garden? Strawberries can thrive in a variety of environments, and with the right companion plants, you can maximize your container garden's productivity. In this article, we'll explore some suitable plants to grow alongside strawberries in a container garden.

Companion Plants for Strawberries

Companion planting is a technique where you grow two or more plants in close proximity to mutually benefit each other. When it comes to strawberries, there are numerous plants that can complement their growth.

1. Herbs

Herbs such as parsley, thyme, and basil are excellent companion plants for strawberries. Not only do they help enhance the flavor of strawberries, but they also make for great pest deterrents. These plants will help in fending off insects such as aphids and spider mites, which can cause damage to strawberries.

2. Lettuces

Lettuces can be an excellent choice when it comes to companion planting with strawberries. The shallow roots of lettuce help to reduce competition for water between the two plants. The lettuce plant also acts as a protective cover, helping to conserve soil moisture around the strawberry plants. Additionally, lettuces make ideal plants to grow in containers with strawberries because they are quick-growing and small, making them perfect for small gardens or cramped spaces.

3. Flowers

Flowers not only brighten up your garden, but they can also play a crucial role in companion planting with strawberries. Flowers such as marigolds and nasturtiums can help increase strawberry yields. These plants are natural pest control agents, helping to keep aphids and other insects at bay, while attracting beneficial bees and other pollinators to the garden.

Choosing the Right Container for Planting Strawberries

Now that you know some suitable companion plants to grow alongside strawberries, you need to select the right container for your garden. Strawberries require well-draining soil, so it's essential to select a container that has good drainage holes at the bottom.

The size of the container is also important. The container needs to be large enough to accommodate both the strawberry plants and the companion plants. Generally, a container that's at least 12 inches deep and 12 inches wide is sufficient for growing strawberries in addition to a few companion plants.

Conclusion

With the right companion plants, growing strawberries is an excellent way to maximize your container garden's productivity. Herbs such as parsley, thyme, and basil, lettuces, and flowers like marigolds and nasturtiums have shown to be successful companion plants for strawberries. Remember to choose a proper container that has good drainage holes, and you're on your way to growing an impressive strawberry container garden.