I’ve learned that gardening is so much more than just planting seeds. For me, it’s about understanding the mutual benefits between different plants. I use companion planting a lot—it really helps keep my garden healthy and productive.
Here’s what I’ve learned about companion plants for Blackberries.
What is Companion Planting?
Best Companion Plants For Blackberries
Imagine having a garden where plants help each other grow. I’m here to make that happen with companion planting. I’ll guide you through the process, showing you which combinations have worked wonders for me.
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Comfrey
I’ve found that Comfrey is a great companion plant for Blackberry. It helps improve the soil quality by adding nutrients and organic matter, which in turn promotes healthy growth for the Blackberry plant. Additionally, Comfrey’s deep roots help prevent soil erosion and provide shade to the Blackberry plant’s shallow roots, keeping them cool and protected.
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Marigold
Over the years I have found that planting marigolds with my blackberry bushes helps to deter pests and attract beneficial insects to the garden. I have noticed that the strong scent of the marigolds seems to repel harmful insects, while also adding a pop of color to the garden. Additionally, the marigolds help to improve the overall health and vitality of my blackberry plants, leading to a better harvest. -
Nasturtium
I first learned about using nasturtium as a companion plant for blackberry from an old farmer. I have personally experienced how nasturtium helps support the growth of blackberry by attracting beneficial insects that help pollinate the flowers. Additionally, nasturtium acts as a natural ground cover, preventing weeds from competing with the blackberry plant for nutrients and water. Lastly, I have noticed that nasturtium’s vibrant flowers create a visually appealing contrast to the blackberry vines, enhancing the overall beauty of my garden.
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Borage
Over time I figured out through trial and error that planting borage alongside blackberry plants was a game-changer. I noticed that borage attracted beneficial insects like bees and ladybugs, which helped pollinate the blackberry flowers and control pests. Additionally, the borage’s tall and bushy growth provided shade and acted as a natural mulch, keeping the blackberry roots cool and moist during hot summer days.
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Chives
This is a pretty common pairing! I’ve found that planting chives near blackberry bushes has been a great way to support their growth. The chives help deter pests that can damage the blackberry plants, keeping them healthy and thriving. Plus, the chives add a lovely aroma to the garden and can be used in cooking too!
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Garlic
This one comes from the book “Carrots love Tomatoes.” I’ve found that planting garlic alongside blackberry bushes has been a game-changer for me. The strong scent of garlic helps deter pests that would otherwise feast on my blackberries, keeping them healthy and thriving. Plus, the garlic’s natural fungicidal properties help prevent diseases that could harm the blackberry plants.
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Tansy
This was a tip from a reader: I have found that planting tansy by my blackberry bushes has been incredibly beneficial. I have noticed that tansy helps to repel pests that can damage the blackberry plants, such as aphids and Japanese beetles. Additionally, tansy’s strong scent seems to deter rabbits and deer from munching on the blackberry leaves. Overall, I have seen a significant improvement in the health and productivity of my blackberry plants since I started planting tansy as a companion.
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Yarrow
I’ve found that planting yarrow close to blackberry bushes helps to repel harmful insects and pests that can damage the blackberry plants. Additionally, yarrow’s deep roots help to aerate the soil and improve its overall health, which can benefit the blackberry plants. Lastly, yarrow’s attractive flowers can attract beneficial pollinators to the area, which can increase the yield of the blackberry bushes. -
Mint
Another tip is to plant mint near blackberry bushes. I have found that mint helps to deter pests that can damage blackberry plants. Additionally, the strong scent of mint can mask the scent of blackberries, making them less attractive to pests. Lastly, mint can also help to improve the soil quality around blackberry plants, providing them with the necessary nutrients for healthy growth.
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Thyme
I’ve found that planting thyme near my blackberry bushes helps to repel pests and attract beneficial insects, which in turn supports the health of my blackberry plants.
I’ve also noticed that the aromatic oils released by the thyme help to mask the scent of the blackberry plants, making it harder for pests to locate them.
In my experience, the thyme also helps to improve the soil quality around the blackberry bushes, providing them with the nutrients they need to thrive.
What Not To Plant With Blackberries
Just like there are plants that play well together, there are others that don’t get along. Here are some plants that you’re going to want to avoid putting into close proximity to each other. Most of these aren’t the end of the world if it happens, we only have so much garden space after all, but where it makes sense, keep these in mind.
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Raspberry
I learned this the hard way: Essentially these two are so similar, it makes a mono-culture and just is a natural magnet for berry loving bugs. planting blackberries near raspberries can lead to the spread of disease and pests between the two plants, ultimately harming both. It’s best to keep these two fruits separate in your garden.
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Blueberry
This one came from my neighbor, and I’ve noticed that the blackberry plant tends to overshadow and steal nutrients from the blueberry plant, resulting in stunted growth and lower fruit production for the blueberries.
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Strawberry
This also came from Carrots Love Tomatoes. Blackberry negatively impacts Strawberry because it competes for nutrients and space, potentially stunting the growth of the Strawberry plant.
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Tomato
I’ve heard some people swear by this, while others dismissed it entirely. which is that blackberry plants can negatively impact tomato plants by competing for nutrients and sunlight, potentially stunting the growth of the tomatoes.
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Eggplant
I’ve heard mixed things on this, but blackberry plants can negatively impact eggplant plants by competing for nutrients and sunlight, potentially stunting the growth of the eggplant.
What Should You Plant Near Blackberries
In addition to the list below, there are some common plants you likely already have in your garden that I thought you might want to know. These veggies make up much of my garden, so here is what you need to know about companion planting them with Blackberries.
Lettuce and Blackberries Companion Planting
No, blackberry is not a good companion plant for lettuce in a vegetable garden. Blackberry plants can spread aggressively and compete for nutrients and space, which can negatively impact the growth of lettuce. It is best to keep blackberry plants separate from lettuce to ensure optimal growth for both plants.
Carrots and Blackberries Companion Planting
No, blackberry is not a good companion plant for carrots. Blackberry plants can spread aggressively and compete for nutrients and space, which can hinder the growth of carrots. It is best to keep blackberry plants separate from carrots in a vegetable garden.
Beans and Blackberries Companion Planting
No, blackberry is not a good companion plant for beans in a vegetable garden. Blackberry plants can be invasive and may compete with beans for nutrients and space. It’s best to keep them separate to ensure the beans have the best chance for a successful harvest.
Tomatoes and Blackberries Companion Planting
No, blackberry is not a good companion plant for tomatoes. Blackberry plants can compete with tomatoes for nutrients, water, and sunlight, which can hinder the growth and productivity of the tomatoes. Additionally, blackberry plants can also attract pests that may damage the tomatoes.
Cucumbers and Blackberries Companion Planting
No, blackberry is not a good companion plant for cucumbers in a vegetable garden. Blackberry plants can spread aggressively and compete for nutrients and space, which can hinder the growth of cucumbers. Additionally, blackberry plants can also attract pests that may damage the cucumber plants.
Zucchini and Blackberries Companion Planting
No, blackberry is not a good companion plant for zucchini. Blackberry plants can be invasive and may compete with zucchini for nutrients and space in the garden. It’s best to avoid planting them together to ensure the zucchini’s growth and productivity.
Peppers and Blackberries Companion Planting
No, blackberries are not good companion plants for peppers in a vegetable garden. Blackberries can spread aggressively and may compete with peppers for nutrients and space. It’s best to keep them separate to ensure the health and productivity of both plants.
Peas and Blackberries Companion Planting
No, blackberry is not a good companion plant for peas in a vegetable garden. Blackberry plants can be invasive and may compete with peas for nutrients and space. It’s best to avoid planting them together to ensure the health and productivity of your pea plants.
Radishes and Blackberries Companion Planting
No, blackberry is not a good companion plant for radishes in a vegetable garden. Blackberry plants can spread aggressively and compete for nutrients and space, which can hinder the growth of radishes. It is best to keep them separate to ensure optimal growth for both plants.
Squash and Blackberries Companion Planting
No, blackberry is not a good companion plant for summer squash in a vegetable garden. Blackberry plants can be invasive and may compete with summer squash for nutrients and space. It is best to keep them separate to ensure the optimal growth and health of both plants.
Onions and Blackberries Companion Planting
No, blackberry is not a good companion plant for onions in a vegetable garden. Blackberry plants can spread aggressively and compete with onions for nutrients and space. Additionally, blackberry plants can create shade, which can hinder the growth of onions.
Tips For Companion Planting With Blackberries
- Incorporate flowering plants among your Blackberries can provide nectar and pollen throughout the growing season to keep pollinators in your garden longer.
- Plant a few Blackberries each week of your so you have some ready to harvest each week instead of all at once. This will make it so you can eat what is ready without going to waste or having too many at once.
- Plan your garden so that different plants bloom consecutively alongside Blackberries, providing continuous attraction for beneficial insects and maintaining a balanced ecosystem throughout the growing season.
- When companion planting Blackberries, pair tall plants that provide shade with lower-growing, shade-tolerant plants to make the most efficient use of space and light.
- Plant legumes such as peas and beans near plants that require a lot of nitrogen. Legumes fix nitrogen in the soil, enriching it for plants that are heavy feeders.
Your Turn!
- What have you learned about companion planting for Blackberries?
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