Strawberries are one of the easiest fruits to grow, but where you plant them in the garden can greatly impact their fruit production. If you want to stop strawberries from depleting their energy by having to fend off stronger plants, then there are certain crops and flowers you need to be aware of. 

Erik, a gardener and the founder of Strawberry Plants, has warned that certain neighbouring plants are known for sucking the nutrients away from strawberries which can result in a poor harvest. He said: “Just as there are good companions for your beloved strawberries, there are bad buddies. These plants are actually harmful, resulting in fewer berries, flavorless fruit, and, in extreme cases, dead strawberry plants.”

What plants can harm your strawberries? 

Sunflowers

Sunflowers are magnificent flowers that mark the beginning of summer for most gardeners, but they are one of the worst plants to have growing near your strawberries. 

Due to their size, sunflowers have big root systems which can take a lot of nutrients and water away from strawberries, which will cause them to grow weaker fruit. 

Sunflowers are known as a very competitive plant and also release certain compounds into the soil, which can stunt the growth of any plants near it, so it can grow taller and stronger. 

They will also physically block light from getting to the strawberries due to their size so keep these flowers far away from your crops if you are growing both in your summer garden. 

Erik said: “Sunlight is necessary for photosynthesis. Sunflowers block too much sun so your strawberry plants can’t photosynthesize, which in turn lowers fruit production. Avoid growing other tall plants near your strawberries that will cast too much shade.” 

Tomatoes

Tomatoes and strawberries are some of the most common crops to grow in gardens due to how low-maintenance they are, but they need to be kept far away from each other. 

Both tomatoes and strawberries attract the same pests and diseases so growing them near each other increases the risk of infection in your crops. 

Erik said: “Tomatoes and other members of the nightshade family attract aphids and other harmful insects that love strawberries. These bad companion plants can attract and host species of nematodes that will feed on your strawberries as well.”

Not only will tomatoes harm strawberries, but potatoes, eggplants, and peppers also share the same pest and disease issue which will increase the likelihood of strawberries becoming damaged.

Broccoli and other green vegetables

Broccoli and strawberries need a lot of space to grow as they are heavy feeders, which means they need a lot more nutrients to grow strong and healthy. 

However, broccoli has deep roots but strawberries tend to have shallower roots, and when paired together, the strawberries will have no chance to get the nutrients they need to grow. 

Not only should you keep strawberries away from broccoli, but they need to be kept away from other members of the brassica plant family like cabbages, kale, collard greens and Brussels sprouts. 

Erik said: “Brassicas are infamous for competing with strawberries for nutrients. Strawberries impair the growth of brassicas in return.”