These companion plants boost your berry harvest and naturally control blueberry pests.
Laurie Black
Many gardeners dream ofgrowing succulent blueberriesin their backyards.
The challenge is finding companion plants for blueberries that thrive in theacidic soil conditionsthat blueberries prefer.
Credit:Laurie Black
What is Acidic Soil?
Acid soils have a pH value of less than 5.5 for most of the year.
Both berry plants love slightly acidic soils and prefer full sun and regular water.
Credit:Marty Baldwin
Use low-growing strawberries as a border plant around taller blueberries, orgrow strawberrieswith compact lowbushblueberries in a container garden.
Even better, azaleas and rhododendrons generally bloom around the same time that blueberries start to flower.
They can increase pollinator activity around your blueberries and enhance the blueberry crop.
Credit:Bob Stefko
Avoid pesticides, as many insecticides can harm beneficial pollinators; chooseorganic pest controlmethods to protect them.
Alliums
Chives, onions, andornamental alliumsemit a pungent odor that drives away many common garden pests.
Alliums are popular for organic pest control in vegetable gardens and work well in berry patches.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
When grown as companion plants for blueberries, alliumsdeter Japanese beetles, deer, and aphids.
Plus, native wildflowers lure pollinators to blueberry shrubs and improve the berry harvest.
Basil
Basil is a light feeder that won’t compete with blueberries for soil nutrients.
Credit: Denny Schrock
The shorter stature ofbasil plantsmeans they won’t overshadow even lowbush blueberries.
Mulchingblueberry and basil plants helps retain soil moisture and keeps roots cool during hot weather.
Like blueberries, heather prefers well-draining, acidic soil, and full sun.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
When in flower,heather adds brilliant colorto garden beds, and its always a hit with bees.
As a member of the mint family,lemon balmis easy to grow but tends to spread.
To keep lemon balm from taking over, grow it as a blueberry companion plant in pots nearby.
Credit: Bob Stefko
Prune lemon balm regularly to promote bushier growth, prevent legginess, and encourage a new harvest of leaves.
Cranberries
David Nevala
Blueberries and cranberries are closely related plants with similar growing needs.
Credit: Dean Schoeppner
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
Credit:Rob Cardillo
Credit:David Nevala
