Is It Possible To Plant Strawberries And Sunflowers Together?

Sunflowers, lettuce, and other companion plants can enhance strawberry growth in an organic garden. Sunflowers attract pollinators and provide light shade during the hottest parts of the day, while lettuce is compact and suitable for planting next to strawberries. However, sunflowers can block sun from reaching strawberry plants, inhibiting their growth.

Herbs like basil, mint, and dill also make excellent strawberry companions. Other flowering plants like sunflowers, clover, borage, and marigolds play a vital role in strawberry growth. They can be grown in a garden bed or container, as long as they have sun, water, and the right companions by their side.

Asparagus and strawberries are great companion plants in a garden, but it’s wise to plant asparagus a little deeper if growing them near them. Sunflowers block too much sun, preventing strawberry plants from photosynthesizing and lowering fruit production. To avoid this, space sunflowers 30cm to 45cm (12-18 inches) apart and plant them on the north or west side of strawberries.

Organic gardening expert Logan Hailey discusses the benefits of companion planting with strawberries, highlighting that they help grow bigger plants with more fruit. Sunflowers block too much sun, causing strawberry plants to struggle to photosynthesize, which lowers fruit production. Borage is a good companion plant for strawberries, as it spreads its roots deeper than strawberries and adds nitrogen to the soil.

What is the best companion plant for strawberries?

Lemon basil and cinnamon basil are excellent companion plants for strawberries due to their repellent properties. The oil of basil repels flies, mosquitoes, tomato hornworms, whiteflies, aphids, and thrips, which strawberries attract. To ensure strawberry plants thrive, consider growing them alongside companion plants, such as herbs, vegetables, and flowers. Companion planting improves soil quality, attracts pollinators, and repels bugs, making strawberry plants happier and gardening easier.

However, some plants may not go well together, so experts advise against planting near strawberries. Carrie Spoonemore, co-creator of Park Seed’s From Seed to Spoon app, and Linda Langelo, horticulture specialist at Colorado State University, provide expert advice on which plants to avoid planting near strawberries.

Can you put flowers with strawberries?

Marigolds are a popular choice for natural pest control, especially for strawberries. Their orange and yellow flowers repel common pests like deer, rabbits, and thrips. To avoid competition with strawberries, consider dwarf varieties that grow between 6″ and 12″ high. Crimson clover, a legume, can be planted as a natural mulch around strawberry plants to suppress weed growth and enhance soil structure. It boosts nitrogen levels and loosens up the soil, allowing strawberry roots to grow better. Both marigolds and crimson clover are beneficial companion plants for strawberry plants.

What not to plant next to sunflowers?

Sunflowers are a versatile garden plant that can be paired with various vegetables, fruits, herbs, and flowers. However, certain plants like cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, and brussel sprouts can become infested with aphids when planted near them. To avoid this, it is recommended to choose plants that are not infested with aphids and that are not close to the sunflowers. Instead, consider planting a variety of plants that complement the sunflowers, such as carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, and brussel sprouts.

Can sunflowers be planted next to strawberries?

Some crops, such as sunflowers, corn, fennel, melons, potatoes, tomatoes, and roses, are best kept away from strawberries due to shared pests, overbearing growth habits, or shading out low-growing plants. However, companion plants can enhance strawberry growth in various ways, with some benefits supported by scientific experiments and anecdotal experiences. As organic growing methods become more popular, researchers continue to explore these old-time strategies for interplanting flowers, herbs, or vegetables with strawberries.

What are the disadvantages of sunflowers?

Sunflower plants are a popular choice for gardeners due to their ability to bloom and grow new flowers. However, they have some disadvantages, such as exuding toxins that repress other plants’ growth, and needing bright direct sunlight for optimal growth. Common pests infesting sunflower plants include aphids and whiteflies. Despite these drawbacks, sunflower plants are essential for maintaining a healthy and vibrant garden.

What are the best areas to plant strawberries?

Strawberries thrive in deep, sandy loam soil with organic matter, well-drained, and away from wet areas. The site should receive full sunlight and have a gradual slope to prevent frost injury. Avoid planting strawberries near tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, or eggplant grown in the past four years, as they carry the root rot fungus Verticillium. Avoid planting strawberries in recently plowed grass or sod areas, as they can cause weed problems and damage by white grubs. Finally, choose a site with easy access to water supply for good plant growth during dry periods and to prevent frost injury in the spring.

What do sunflowers grow best with?

The Three Sisters planting system, an ancient Native American practice, is a powerful tool in gardens when paired with the majestic sunflower. The classic companions include beans, corn, and squash, which pair beautifully with sunflowers. Sunflowers grow in almost any soil but are tolerant of drought and can be used as a fire starter in a fireplace or fire pit. Most tall varieties of sunflowers are annuals, but they reseed with wind and bird activity, and can be harvested or left to feed birds in winter.

Flowering companion plants for sunflowers can also have pest repellent properties, as they can keep away bad bugs and encourage pollinators and predatory insects. These plants must share the same cultural conditions as sunflowers, such as full sun, well-draining soil, and average water. Ideally, flowering plants should be as stoic as sunflowers, needing little extra care except for occasional watering. Some blooming plants that share these site requirements include:

What is the best thing to grow strawberries in?

Strawberries thrive in fertile, well-drained, slightly acidic soil, and should be planted in raised beds for better drainage and rooting depth. They grow best in full sun but can tolerate some shade. Avoid planting in late frost-prone areas or exposed locations, as these can damage flowers and cause strawberry black eye. Avoid planting in ground previously used for potatoes, chrysanthemums, or tomatoes, as they are prone to verticillium wilt.

Dig a hole large enough to accommodate the roots, water well, trim the roots, and replace the soil. Plant at the correct depth, as too deep planting can cause rot and too shallow planting can cause plant death. Water well, space plants 35-40cm apart, and use a biodegradable mulch mat or re-usable strawberry collar to deter weeds and keep the fruits off the soil.

Cloches should provide fruits at least a week ahead of unprotected plants, and an unheated greenhouse can provide ripe berries as early as late April.

What not to plant next to blueberries?

Brassica vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, and kale are not suitable companion plants for blueberry plants due to their high nutrient and water requirements and soil preferences. Instead, blueberry companion plants like herbs and wildflowers can help promote growth by attracting pollinators, retaining soil moisture, and providing essential nutrients like nitrogen. By strategically selecting plants to grow alongside blueberry shrubs, you can maximize space, create visual appeal, and maximize the benefits of companion planting. In summary, blueberry companion plants can be a beneficial addition to your garden.

What is the best pollinator for strawberries?

Poor pollination can lead to poor fruit set and small or misshapen fruit in strawberries. Insect pollination is beneficial for strawberry production, as cages without honey bees only produced 55% fruit set compared to 65. 5% in cages with honey bees. Bees visit strawberry flowers to collect pollen and nectar, but they do not find them attractive. Between six and 15 bee visits are needed to fully pollinate a strawberry fruit.

Honey bee colonies should be introduced for strawberry production, with recommendations for two to 22 hives per ha. Additional information and fact sheets about strawberry pollination can be found on the Pollination Program (Agrifutures Australia and Hort Innovation).

What flowers go well with sunflowers?

Sunflowers pair well with various flowers, including roses, snapdragons, chrysanthemums, chamomile, and irises. Bright colors like reds and oranges complement yellow, while blue or purple irises create a beautiful contrast. Warm-toned greenery like camellia leaves, gymea leaves, or monstera leaves complement the vibrant yellow of sunflowers. The yellow sunflower instantly brightens up any space.