Creating the perfect raspberry patch means you will have delicious raspberries growing in your garden all summer and into the fall. While there are many things that can lead to a good raspberry harvest, planting the best raspberry companion plants can help promote strong raspberry canes and improve soil quality. Companion planting is a strategy where plants that benefit each other are grown together to improve the harvest of one or both the plants.
We’ve used companion planting methods for years, while at the same time, not getting too hung up on getting it perfect. In this article, we explore the best raspberry companion plants as well as bad companion plants for raspberries.
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Contents
The Benefits of Companion Planting for Raspberries
Companion planting is an excellent way to improve the health and productivity of your raspberry plants. When it comes to raspberries, there are several companion plants that can help improve soil health and prevent disease. For example, planting chives alongside your raspberry plants can help deter pests and improve soil health. Chives contain sulfur compounds that repel aphids, mites, and other common pests that can damage your raspberry plants. Additionally, chives are a natural source of nitrogen, which helps to enrich the soil and promote healthy growth.
When you are planning your raspberry patch, consider how raspberries grow – you will likely have a group of raspberry canes growing together. While it is hard to grow plants within the canes, the best strategy we’ve used is to grow raspberry companion plants around the edges and outside of the patch.
Another benefit of companion planting for raspberries is that it can help attract beneficial insects and pollinators. Marigolds, for instance, are an excellent companion plant for raspberries as they can attract ladybugs and other beneficial insects that help control pests like aphids and spider mites. Marigolds also have a scent that can repel harmful nematodes and other soil-borne pests that can harm your raspberry plants. Similarly, planting nasturtiums near your raspberry bushes can help attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, which are essential for fruit production.
Overall, companion planting is an effective and sustainable way to promote healthy and productive raspberry plants. By planting the right companion plants alongside your raspberries, you can help improve soil health, prevent disease, and attract beneficial insects and pollinators. Not only does this lead to better yields and more robust plants, but it also creates a more diverse and thriving ecosystem in your garden.
4 Best Companion Plants for Raspberries
Chives
Chives are a fantastic companion plant for raspberries, as they can help deter pests and improve soil health. Chives contain sulfur compounds that can help repel aphids, mites, and other pests that can damage your raspberry plants. Additionally, chives are a natural source of nitrogen, which can help to enrich the soil and promote healthy growth. To plant chives, choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil, and plant them in the spring. Make sure to space them 6-8 inches apart and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Chives require minimal maintenance, but it’s essential to trim them back regularly to encourage bushier growth.
Marigolds
Marigolds are an excellent choice for companion planting with raspberries as they can attract beneficial insects like ladybugs, lacewings, and hoverflies, which can help control pests like aphids and spider mites. Marigolds also have a scent that can repel harmful nematodes and other soil-borne pests that can harm your raspberry plants. To plant marigolds, choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil, and plant them in the spring. Make sure to space them 8-12 inches apart and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Deadhead the flowers regularly to encourage more blooms.
Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums are another excellent companion plant for raspberries as they can attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, which are neccessary for fruit production. Additionally, nasturtiums contain a compound called linalool, which can help repel pests like whiteflies, cucumber beetles, and squash bugs. To plant nasturtiums, choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil, and plant them in the spring. Make sure to space them 10-12 inches apart and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Nasturtiums require minimal maintenance, but it’s essential to deadhead the flowers regularly to encourage more blooms.
Garlic
Garlic is an excellent choice for companion planting with raspberries as it can deter pests like aphids, Japanese beetles, and spider mites. Additionally, garlic contains sulfur compounds that can help improve soil health and promote healthy growth. To plant garlic, choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil, and plant the cloves in the fall. Make sure to space them 6-8 inches apart and plant them 2-3 inches deep. Garlic requires minimal maintenance, but it’s essential to water it regularly and fertilize it once or twice a season with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer.
You can easily plant a row of garlic along one of the outside edges of your raspberry patch.
How to Incorporate Companion Plants with Raspberries
Companion planting is an excellent way to boost the growth and flavor of your raspberry plants. When selecting companion plants, consider those that provide benefits such as attracting pollinators, repelling pests, or adding nutrients to the soil. To incorporate companion plants with raspberries, plant them in the same bed or container as your raspberry plants, or as mentioned, along the outside edge. Be sure to give each plant enough space to grow and avoid overcrowding. Some good companion plants for raspberries are listed above, but I have also included herbs like dill and thyme, vegetables such as lettuce and beans with some success.
Maintaining a healthy garden with companion planting requires careful planning and maintenance. Be sure to monitor your plants regularly for signs of pests or disease and take action promptly to prevent the spread. Water your plants regularly and fertilize as needed to promote healthy growth. Pruning is also important to maintain the health and productivity of your raspberry plants. Remove any damaged or dead canes and thin out overcrowded growth to encourage air circulation and sunlight penetration. By incorporating companion plants with raspberries and practicing proper maintenance, you can create a thriving garden that produces healthy and delicious fruit.
Bad Companion Plants for Raspberries
Deciding what what not to plant with raspberries is just important as finding the best raspberry companion plants.
Both raspberries and blackberries are part of the Rubus family and can attract the same pests and diseases, so planting them together can increase the risk of these problems. Additionally, plants that are prone to spreading or that require similar soil nutrients as raspberries, such as strawberries or tomatoes, can compete with raspberries for resources and hinder their growth. It’s also best to avoid planting plants with shallow roots, like mint, as they can compete with raspberries for water and nutrients, potentially reducing their productivity. Ultimately, it’s best to research and carefully plan which plants to include and exclude when planting with raspberries to ensure the best results. Below is a list of 5 plants to avoid growing with raspberries.
- Blackberries: Both raspberries and blackberries belong to the same Rubus family and can attract similar pests and diseases, making it best to avoid planting them together.
- Strawberries: While strawberries can be a great companion plant for many fruits and vegetables, they compete with raspberries for nutrients and water, which can negatively impact raspberry growth and yield.
- Tomatoes: Tomatoes are heavy feeders and require similar soil nutrients as raspberries, which can lead to competition for resources, potentially harming both plants.
- Mint: Mint is a highly invasive plant that spreads quickly and can easily take over an area. Its shallow roots can also compete with raspberries for water and nutrients.
- Potatoes: Potatoes are also heavy feeders that require similar soil nutrients as raspberries, which can lead to competition for resources, potentially reducing the productivity of both plants.
Growing Raspberries with Other Berries
Growing berries together with other berry plants might seem like a good idea, especially if you are creating a berry patch. There are some benefits to growing berries together, like ease of care and harvest, but often these plants compete with each other for sunlight, nutrients and water. Below you can see some of the most common berries and whether they make good companion plants.
Companion Planting Raspberries and Blueberries: Blueberries can be a good companion plant for raspberries, as they have similar soil pH and nutrient requirements, and can also help to deter some pests. Additionally, blueberries have shallow roots that won’t compete with the deeper root system of raspberries.
Companion Planting Raspberries and Strawberries: While strawberries are not the best companion plant for raspberries due to their similar nutrient requirements and competition for resources, they can still be planted together with some adjustments. Planting strawberries at the base of the raspberry canes or in between the rows can help to maximize space and reduce competition.
Companion Planting Raspberries and Blackberries: While both raspberries and blackberries are part of the same Rubus family and can attract similar pests and diseases, they can still be planted together if proper precautions are taken. Planting them at least 300 feet apart can help to minimize the risk of cross-contamination, and regularly monitoring for pests and diseases can help to prevent outbreaks.
Want to be inspired to grow raspberries, check out some healthy and delicious raspberry recipes!
Summary of the Best Raspberry Companion Plants
By incorporating the best raspberry companion plants like marigolds, nasturtium, garlic and chives, you can grow healthier raspberry plants that reward you with an abundant raspberry harvest. Even more important than planting the best raspberry companion plants is avoiding bad companion plants for raspberries. Since you will have your raspberry patch for years to come, it’s important to get it right.
Common Questions About Raspberry Companion Plants
What are the best companion plants for raspberries?
Some of the best companion plants for raspberries include herbs like dill and thyme, vegetables such as lettuce and beans, and flowers like marigolds and nasturtiums.
Can companion planting help deter pests from raspberries?
Yes, some companion plants like marigolds and garlic can help repel pests like aphids and Japanese beetles from raspberries. Rarely will companion plants deter larger animals like birds.
How do I plant companion plants with raspberries?
Plant companion plants in the same bed or container as your raspberry plants, giving each plant enough space to grow. Interplant companion plants throughout your raspberry patch to create a thriving garden ecosystem.
Will companion plants compete with raspberries for nutrients?
Companion plants can actually help improve soil fertility by adding nutrients and organic matter. Be sure to choose companion plants that have similar soil and water needs as raspberries to avoid competition.
Can companion planting improve the flavor of raspberries?
Yes, some companion plants like chamomile and thyme can enhance the flavor of raspberries. Additionally, attracting pollinators through companion planting can increase fruit production and improve the overall flavor of raspberries.
