The Best Companion Plants for Blueberries (And Which Ones to Avoid)
Companion plants for blueberries
When it comes to blueberry companion plants, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.
For one, some plants are better than others at boosting the blueberry's production and flavor.
Secondly, there are some plants that you should avoid growing near blueberries, as they can actually harm the bushes.
Blueberries need certain conditions in order to thrive, including plenty of sunlight and soil that is well-draining and slightly acidic.
But perhaps the most important thing for blueberry companion plants is air circulation.
Blueberries are highly susceptible to fungal diseases like powdery mildew, so it's important to choose companion plants that will help improve air circulation around the blueberry plant.
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What is Companion Planting?
Companion planting is the practice of growing different types of plants together in order to benefit each other.
It is a practice that has been used by gardeners for centuries, and there are a variety of different benefits that can be gained from using companion plants.
These benefits can include increased yield, improved pest control, and better soil health.
In addition, companion planting can also help to attract pollinators and other beneficial insects to the garden.
For blueberries, this means choosing companion plants that can help boost their production and flavor, while also protecting them from disease and pests.
When choosing plants to grow together, it is important to consider the individual needs of each plant type. For example, some plants require full sun while others prefer partial shade.
By carefully selecting plants that complement each other's needs, gardeners can create a harmonious environment that supports healthy growth.
Looking for an easy reference guide? Then check out this dedicated sheet outlining the MOST beneficial companion plants on Etsy.
The Best Blueberry Companion Plants
When it comes to blueberry companion plants, there are a few that stand out as particularly well-suited for this task. Some of the best blueberry companion plants include:
Lilacs
Any blueberry enthusiast knows that having the right companion plants can make all the difference in a successful crop.
Lilacs make one of the best companion plants to blueberries for a number of reasons.
For one, they attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, which are essential for blueberry production.
Lilacs also provide shade. While blueberries need full sun to thrive, they can be susceptible to heat stress during the hottest days of summer. Having a lilac nearby can help to keep a blueberry plant cool and prevent them from getting too much sun.
Lilacs come in various colors, from white to purple, making them a beautiful addition to any blueberry patch. They are also very easy to grow and propagate.
So if you're looking for the perfect companion plant for your blueberries, look no further than the lovely lilac.
Azaela
As any gardener knows, companion planting can be a great way to boost the health and productivity of your plants.
When choosing companions for blueberries, it's important to look for plants that share the same growing conditions.
Azaleas are a great choice, as they prefer acidic soil and will bloom at the same time as blueberries.
Additionally, azaleas can provide much-needed shade for blueberries during the hot summer months.
By choosing plants that complement each other's needs, you can create a thriving garden that is both beautiful and bountiful.
Rhododendron
What makes a good companion plant for blueberries?
Ideally, it would be something that grows in similar conditions (acidic soil), provides complementary blooms and shade, and attracts pollinators.
The Rhododendron meets all of these criteria and more. Also known as the Rosebay, this flowering shrub is a popular choice for gardens across the country.
Rhododendrons come in a variety of colors, from delicate pink to deep purple, making them a welcome addition to any landscape.
And because they need more shade than blueberries, they are the perfect complementary plant. Not to mention, they attract bees and other pollinators, ensuring that your blueberry crop will be well-pollinated.
So if you're looking for a dependable companion plant for your blueberries, look no further than the Rhododendron.
Thyme
Anyone who has ever tried to grow blueberries knows that they can be finicky plants. They require special soil conditions, careful watering, and a fair amount of TLC.
However, one of the best ways to ensure a bumper crop of blueberries is to companion plant with thyme.
Thyme is an ideal companion plant for blueberries for a number of reasons.
First, it acts as ground cover, helping to protect the delicate roots of the blueberry bush from extremes in temperature and moisture.
Second, thyme tolerates moderately acidic soil, which is essential for blueberry growth.
Finally, thyme is a natural pest repellent, helping to keep harmful insects away from the blueberry bushes.
When planted together, thyme and blueberries make a winning combination that is sure to produce a bountiful harvest.
Basil
Basil is a great companion plant for blueberries. Not only does it help to repel pests, but it also thrives in acidic soil. As long as the pH levels aren't too extreme, basil will grow happily alongside blueberry plants.
In fact, many gardeners believe that basil helps to improve the flavor of blueberries.
So if you're looking for a natural way to boost the flavor of your blueberries, consider planting some basil alongside them. You won't be disappointed!
RELATED: Basil Companion Plants
Borage
Borage is an annual herb in the Boraginaceae family that's known for its blue or purple star-shaped flowers. It's native to the Mediterranean and has been used medicinally for centuries.
Today, borage is commonly grown as a companion plant to blueberries.
Borage attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, which help blueberry plants to set fruit. The plant also makes a great mulch, helping to suppress weeds and conserve moisture.
In addition, borage can help to prevent many pests and diseases, making it an essential part of any blueberry patch.
If you're looking for a versatile and easy-to-grow companion plant, borage is an excellent choice.
Strawberry
Like blueberries, strawberries are an excellent source of antioxidants and vitamins. In addition, they make a great companion plant to blueberries.
Strawberries can act as ground covers, preventing weeds from taking hold. They also add color to the garden with their bright red fruits.
Best of all, strawberries are relatively easy to care for and can provide a bountiful harvest with minimal effort.
For these reasons, strawberry plants are an excellent choice for gardeners who want to add a little something extra to their blueberry patch.
Evergreen Trees
When it comes to companion planting, blueberries and evergreens are a match made in heaven.
Blueberry plants require full sun to produce bountiful fruit, but they are also susceptible to heat stress. Placing them near evergreen trees gives them the perfect balance of sunlight and shade.
The trees will also provide protection from strong winds, which can damage delicate blueberry blossoms.
Some evergreens worth considering are pine, fir, spruce, juniper, and yew. They are all excellent choices for blueberry companion plants.
For these reasons, anyone who is serious about growing blueberries should consider planting them near evergreen trees.
Cranberry Bushes
If you're thinking about planting blueberries in your garden, you might want to consider adding some cranberry bushes as well.
These two plants make a great companion planting pair since they have similar requirements and make a good complement to each other.
Both blueberries and cranberries do best in moist, well-draining, slightly acidic soil. They also both prefer full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
And since they're both native to North America, they're used to the same climate conditions.
When it comes to companion planting, blueberries and cranberries are a great match. So if you're looking to add some fruit-bearing plants to your garden, be sure to consider these two!
Hydrangea
There are many reasons to love blueberries. Not only are they delicious, but they are also easy to grow and highly nutritious. One of the best things about blueberries, however, is that they make excellent companion plants.
Hydrangeas, for example, are a great option for companion planting with blueberries. Hydrangeas are hardy plants that can survive in a wide range of soil and light conditions.
They also produce large, showy flowers that attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Their foliage complements blueberry leaves nicely, adding a splash of color to the blueberry garden.
RELATED: 6 Reasons Your Hydrangea Leaves Are Turning Yellow And How To Fix It
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What Not To Plant With Blueberries
When it comes to blueberries and companion plants, there are certainly some that you should avoid. These plants can have negative effects on blueberry bushes. Here’s what not to plant with blueberries:
Nightshades
As any blueberry enthusiast knows, blueberries require acidic soil in order to thrive. This means that when planting blueberries, it's important to choose companion plants that will help to lower the pH of the soil.
One group of plants to avoid are the nightshades. This includes plants like potatoes, tomatoes, and eggplants.
While these plants prefer neutral or slightly alkaline soil, blueberries need soil that is more acidic. As a result, planting blueberries near nightshades can lead to poor plant growth and poor yields.
Brassicas
When it comes to blueberry companion planting, there are a few plants you should avoid putting near your blueberry bushes - brassicas.
Brassica plants include kale, cabbage, brussels sprouts, and cauliflower, and they have heavy nutrient requirements. This means that they'll compete with blueberries for nutrients, making it harder for the blueberries to thrive.
In addition, brassicas have different pH requirements than blueberries, so they can actually make the soil less hospitable for blueberry growth. For these reasons, it's best to steer clear of planting brassicas near blueberry bushes.
Melons
While blueberry bushes and melon plants might both seem like they would make for a tasty combination, it's actually best to avoid planting melons near blueberry bushes.
Melons have very heavy nutrient requirements and prefer soil with a pH level of 6.0 to 7.0, while blueberries prefer soil with a pH level of 4.5 to 5.0.
Therefore, it's best to stick to planting complementary plants near your blueberry bushes in order to produce the tastiest and most healthy fruits possible.
Blueberry Companion Planting Chart
Growing Tips for Blueberries
When planting blueberry bushes, it is essential to choose a sunny location that receives plenty of direct sunlight. The soil pH should also be checked, as these bushes thrive in acidic soils- a pH level of 4.5 to 5.0 is the sweet spot.
There are a few different ways to measure soil pH, but two of the most popular methods are using pH strips or a pH meter. Both methods are fairly simple and only require a small amount of equipment.
A pH strip is dipped into the soil and then compared to a color chart to determine the pH level. Here's a detailed review of Garden Tutor pH soil Test Strips.
A pH meter is slightly more accurate, as it measures the electrical conductivity of the soil to determine the pH level. However, both methods are relatively easy to use and will give you a good idea of your soil's pH levels.
When planting, be sure to give each bush plenty of space, at least 3 feet apart. Watering at least 1 inch per week is necessary, but up to 4 inches per week may be necessary once the bushes start producing fruit.
FAQS About Companion Plants for Blueberries
Where is the best place to plant blueberry bushes?
When choosing a location for your blueberry bush, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, blueberries require full sun, so choose a spot that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight each day.
Second, the soil should be well-drained and rich in organic matter.
Finally, blueberries are acid-loving plants, so they do best in soil with a pH between 4.5 and 5.0.
With these factors in mind, you can choose the perfect spot for your blueberry bush and enjoy fresh berries for years to come.
Are raspberries and blueberries good companion plants?
Raspberries and blueberries are two of the most popular types of berries, and they are often grown together in home gardens. However, while they may look similar, these two plants actually have very different growing requirements.
Raspberries prefer a more mildly acidic soil that is closer to 5.5 to 6.5 pH while blueberries thrive in soils with a lower pH.
For these reasons, it is generally not advisable to grow raspberries and blueberries together as companion plants.
While they may coexist for a time, one or both of the plants will eventually suffer from unsuitable growing conditions.
Can I grow strawberries with blueberries?
For many fruit enthusiasts, nothing is more tantalizing than the prospect of growing their own strawberries and blueberries.
Luckily, it is indeed possible to grow both strawberries and blueberries on the same plot of land.
The strawberries not only act as a great ground cover, but they assist in keeping the soil moist, and it also aids in weed prevention - perfect for blueberry shrubs!
Companion Planting Blueberries
As you can see, there are a variety of blueberry companion plants that can help your blueberry plants to thrive.
By selecting the right plants, you can provide your blueberries with the nutrients they need, improve drainage, and deter pests.
So, do some research and find the blueberry companion plants that will work best in your garden.
And, don't forget to enjoy a few blueberries straight from the bush. They are a delicious way to enjoy all the benefits of blueberry companion planting!
