Cultivating raspberries in your garden can be a rewarding experience, offering a bounty of sweet, nutritious berries that are loved by both kids and adults. These fruits are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making them a healthy addition to your diet. Growing raspberries yourself guarantees a fresh and ample supply, but pairing them with the right companion plants can further boost their growth and productivity. In this guide, I’ll talk about the practice of companion planting and introduce 25 perfect companion plants for raspberry bushes you can grow and those you need to avoid.
Also read: When is the Best Time to Plant Raspberries?
But first, let’s understand what companion planting is.
The Concept of Companion Planting
Companion planting involves strategically growing different plant species close together to enhance each other’s growth and overall health. This gardening technique leverages the natural interactions between plants to create a more productive and resilient garden ecosystem. By selecting appropriate companion plants for raspberries, you can promote their health, improve yields, and deter pests naturally.
Historically, farmers and gardeners have observed that certain plants thrive better when grown in proximity to specific others. Modern gardening continues to build on these ancient insights to create thriving garden environments. Companion planting can offer a range of benefits, from enhancing soil fertility to attracting beneficial insects and repelling harmful pests.
Knowing which plants to pair can make all the difference in your raspberry patch.
The 25 Best Companion Plants for Raspberry Bushes
Here are 25 plants that are ideal companions for raspberries, each bringing unique advantages to your garden:
1. Calendula
Why Plant Calendula? Calendula attracts beneficial insects and pollinators. Its flowers can also be used for medicinal purposes.
How to Plant: Plant calendula around the raspberry patch, spacing plants about 12 inches apart.
2. Hyssop
Why Plant Hyssop? Hyssop attracts pollinators and beneficial insects. Its strong scent also deters cabbage moths and other pests.
How to Plant: Plant hyssop near the raspberry bushes, ensuring it has enough space to grow without overshadowing the raspberries.
3. Lettuce
Why Plant Lettuce? Lettuce provides ground cover, reducing weeds and maintaining soil moisture. It also grows quickly, allowing for multiple harvests.
How to Plant: Plant lettuce in rows between raspberry plants, spacing them about 6-8 inches apart.
4. Spinach
Why Plant Spinach? Spinach provides ground cover, reducing weeds and maintaining soil moisture. It also improves soil health by adding organic matter.
How to Plant: Plant spinach in rows between raspberry plants, spacing them about 4-6 inches apart.
5. Sunflowers
Why Plant Sunflowers? Sunflowers attract pollinators and beneficial insects. They can also provide shade for raspberry plants in hot climates.
How to Plant: Plant sunflowers around the edges of the raspberry patch, ensuring they don’t overshadow the raspberries.
6. Mint
Why Plant Mint? Mint repels pests such as ants, aphids, and flea beetles. It also attracts beneficial insects like hoverflies and predatory wasps.
How to Plant: Mint can be invasive, so it’s best to plant it in containers placed around the raspberry patch.
7. Borage
Why Plant Borage? Borage attracts pollinators and beneficial insects. It also improves soil quality by adding trace minerals and providing organic matter when it decomposes.
How to Plant: Plant borage near your raspberry bushes, ensuring it has enough space to grow without overshadowing the raspberries.
8. Chives
Why Plant Chives? Chives help repel aphids and other insects that may damage raspberry plants. Their roots secrete a substance that can prevent fungal infections.
How to Plant: Plant chives in clumps around the raspberry bushes, spacing them about 12 inches apart.
9. Marigolds
Why Plant Marigolds? Marigolds release chemicals from their roots that repel nematodes and other soil-borne pests. They also attract pollinators and beneficial insects.
How to Plant: Plant marigolds between raspberry rows or around the perimeter of the raspberry patch.
10. Yarrow
Why Plant Yarrow? Yarrow attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and parasitic wasps, which help control pest populations. It also improves soil quality and enhances the health of nearby plants.
How to Plant: Plant yarrow throughout the raspberry patch, especially around the edges.
Related: How to Protect Raspberries from Birds
11. Clover
Why Plant Clover? Clover is a nitrogen-fixing plant that improves soil fertility by adding nitrogen. It also provides ground cover, reducing weeds and maintaining soil moisture.
How to Plant: Sow clover seeds between the rows of raspberry plants or as a cover crop around the raspberry patch.
12. Carrots
Why Plant Carrots? Carrots help aerate the soil, improving raspberry plants’ soil structure and root growth.
How to Plant: Plant carrots in rows between raspberry plants, spacing them about 2-3 inches apart.
13. Radishes
Why Plant Radishes? Radishes help break up compacted soil and can deter pests like cucumber beetles.
How to Plant: Plant radishes in rows between raspberry plants or as a border around the raspberry patch.
Compare: How to Grow Daikon Radish Microgreens
14. Beans
Why Plant Beans? Beans are nitrogen-fixing plants, enriching the soil with nitrogen. They also provide ground cover and reduce weeds.
How to Plant: Plant beans in rows between raspberry plants, spacing them about 2-3 inches apart.
15. Peas
Why Plant Peas? Peas are nitrogen-fixing plants that improve soil fertility. They also provide ground cover and reduce weeds.
How to Plant: Plant peas in rows between raspberry plants, spacing them about 2-3 inches apart.
16. Garlic
Why Plant Garlic? Garlic naturally repels pests such as aphids, Japanese beetles, and spider mites. Its antifungal properties can also help reduce the incidence of fungal diseases in raspberries.
How to Plant: Plant garlic bulbs around the base of raspberry bushes in the fall, spacing them 4-6 inches apart.
17. Tansy
Why Plant Tansy? Tansy deters ants, beetles, and other pests. Its bright yellow flowers also attract beneficial insects.
How to Plant: Plant tansy around the edges of the raspberry patch, ensuring it doesn’t overshadow the raspberry plants.
18. Comfrey
Why Plant Comfrey? Comfrey is a dynamic accumulator, drawing nutrients from deep in the soil and bringing them to the surface. It also provides excellent mulch when chopped and dropped around raspberry plants.
How to Plant: Plant comfrey in areas where it can be easily managed, as it can spread quickly. Space plants about 2-3 feet apart.
19. Chamomile
Why Plant Chamomile? Chamomile attracts beneficial insects and improves soil health. Its flowers are rich in medicinal properties.
How to Plant: Plant chamomile around the edges of the raspberry patch or in between raspberry bushes.
20. Rue
Why Plant Rue? Rue repels Japanese beetles and other pests. Its strong scent can also deter animals like cats and dogs from the raspberry patch.
How to Plant: Plant rue around the perimeter of the raspberry patch, spacing plants about 18-24 inches apart.
21. Horseradish
Why Plant Horseradish? Horseradish has strong pest-repelling properties and can deter beetles and other harmful insects. It also improves soil health by breaking up compacted soil.
How to Plant: Plant horseradish near the raspberry patch, but ensure it is contained, as it can spread aggressively.
22. Nasturtiums
Why Plant Nasturtiums? Nasturtiums attract aphids, drawing them away from raspberry plants. They also attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and hoverflies.
How to Plant: Sow nasturtiums directly into the soil in the spring, creating a border around your raspberry patch.
23. Dill
Why Plant Dill? Dill attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and predatory wasps. It can also enhance the flavor of nearby plants.
How to Plant: Plant dill near the raspberry bushes, but ensure it doesn’t overshadow the raspberries.
24. Fennel
Why Plant Fennel? Fennel attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and parasitic wasps. However, it can inhibit the growth of some plants, so it should be planted at a distance from the raspberries.
How to Plant: Plant fennel in a separate bed near the raspberry patch, ensuring it doesn’t compete with the raspberries for nutrients.
25. Lupine
Why Plant Lupine? Lupine is a nitrogen-fixing plant, enriching the soil with nitrogen. It also attracts beneficial insects and pollinators.
How to Plant: Plant lupine in clusters around the raspberry patch, spacing them about 12-18 inches apart.
Read: Why Are My Raspberry Leaves Turning Brown?
Plants to Avoid Near Raspberry Bushes
Even as you focus on these companion plants for raspberry bushes, some should be avoided as they can compete for nutrients or attract pests and diseases. Here are ten plants to avoid planting near raspberries:
- Potatoes – Attract verticillium wilt, which affects both potatoes and raspberries.
- Tomatoes – Also susceptible to verticillium wilt, competing for similar nutrients.
- Eggplants – Another verticillium wilt host, impacting raspberry growth.
- Peppers – Can suffer from verticillium wilt and compete for nutrients.
- Blackberries – Close relatives of raspberries, they can share diseases and pests.
- Strawberries – Susceptible to similar diseases and pests, which can spread to raspberries.
- Roses – Attract similar pests and diseases, increasing the risk for raspberries.
- Apple Trees – Can host diseases that affect raspberries.
- Melons – Compete for nutrients and attract similar pests.
- Cucumbers – Compete for nutrients and can attract similar pests.
Companion Plants for Raspberries FAQs
Q: Can I plant raspberries near other berry plants like blueberries or strawberries?
A: It’s generally not recommended to plant raspberries near other berry plants like strawberries or blueberries. These plants can share diseases and pests, which can spread and affect the health of your raspberries. It’s better to plant them in separate areas to minimize the risk.
Q: How close should companion plants be to raspberries?
A: The distance between companion plants and raspberries depends on the type of companion plant. For ground cover plants like lettuce or spinach, you can plant them within a few inches of the raspberry plants. Larger plants like sunflowers or comfrey should be planted around the perimeter or at least a foot away to prevent overshadowing and competition for nutrients.
Q: Can I grow herbs as companion plants for raspberries?
A: Yes, herbs like mint, chives, and chamomile are excellent companion plants for raspberries. They can help repel pests, attract beneficial insects, and improve soil health. However, be cautious with invasive herbs like mint and plant them in containers to prevent them from spreading uncontrollably.
Q: What are the benefits of planting nitrogen-fixing plants with raspberries?
A: Nitrogen-fixing plants like beans, peas, and clover enrich the soil by converting atmospheric nitrogen into a form that plants can use. This improves soil fertility, providing essential nutrients for raspberry plants and promoting healthier growth and higher yields.
Final Thoughts on Companion Plants for Raspberry Bushes
Companion planting is a powerful gardening technique that can significantly enhance the growth and productivity of your raspberry plants. You can create a balanced and thriving garden ecosystem by carefully selecting the right companion plants for raspberry bushes.
Whether you’re looking to attract beneficial insects, repel pests, improve soil health, or increase yields, the 25 plants listed in this guide offer a variety of benefits that will help your raspberries flourish.
Remember to avoid planting species that may compete with or harm your raspberries. You can enjoy a bountiful harvest of delicious, homegrown raspberries with thoughtful planning and care.