Good & Bad Companion Plants for the BEST Blueberries

Growing blueberries in my small urban garden is possible. But you must be aware of the bad companion plants for blueberries.

As a whole, blueberries are one of the most rewarding harvests in a garden for beginners. Understand what you need for the best companion plants and what to stay away from. Bad companion plants for blueberries are the ones that share the same nutrition needs and will deplete the soil of what the blueberries need.

We will go over the strategic companion planting and what to do and not do for the best production and delicious harvest for your vegetable garden when growing blueberries.

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Watch the video below to decide if you want blueberries or honeyberries in your garden.

https://youtu.be/poaSDZ_yCEY

WHAT SHOULD YOU NOT PLANT NEXT TO BLUEBERRIES?

The answer for what are bad companion plants for blueberries comes down to understanding that blueberries do best in acidic soil when it comes to the soil pH levels (pH 4.0-5.5). Because of this important requirement, stay away from alkaline-loving plants. Plants like cauliflower are bad companion plants for blueberries since they prefer an alkaline soil.

Do not feel intimidated by having to look at the pH level, all it takes is providing a good pH of the soil and testing for it if needed. But many times a berry fertilizer will be enough. Test with a simple water/pH tester, which is readily available. It is a good idea to have one available in case you need to test the water moisture or pH.

I dreamed of a blueberry patch, but since I don’t have the space for one, I visit one every year instead. I grow my blueberries in containers and have a lot of success with keeping the soil with the right ph balance they require.

What Are Bad Companion Plants?

Plants that require alkaline soil will affect negatively the growth and health of your blueberries. The different plants to keep away because they are bad companions for the Blueberry plants are:

Peas
Beans
Kale
Cauliflower
Brussel Sprouts
Garlic
Beets
Asparagus

Avoid Plants That Are Heavy Feeders

When planting blueberries look at the low maintenance some potential companion plants may have since blueberry plants are impacted negatively by any competition for nutrients.

Some plants to avoid planting next to Blueberries because of their nutrient demands are:

Tomatoes
Corn
Garlic
Onion
Kohlrabi

Height of Companion Plants

One critical thing we may not think of is that blueberries do best if you do the following:

Provide Full Sun by preventing tall plants around your blueberry plant that will cast shadows.
Add a natural Mulch like pine needles.
Provide moist soil for best results and to prevent weeds.

Pine needles are great to use and very effective since they are a natural mulch and keep the moisture level in check. You must create the best environment for your blueberries and adding pine needles adds to the acidity level and prevents weeds.

The right soil conditions with the right pH level, soil moisture, and ideal companion plants will provide you with the best blueberry growing season.

WHAT DO YOU PUT AROUND BLUEBERRY BUSHES?

There is a great companion plant that you should consider for your blueberry bushes to promote fruit production. These excellent companion plants will promote a healthy plant:

Cover Crops: Good companion plants are low-growing plants to keep soil moisture at the right level and prevent weeds. I love creeping thyme, it has a beautiful green texture and the little flowers are magical. If you live in a hot climate, the ground cover will help regulate the soil temperature and in turn help with the root development of the blueberry plant.
Pine Needle: The acidity of the soil is probably the most important and can be the biggest challenge when growing blueberries. Using pine needle mulch creates the best natural mulch that mimics their natural environment and regulates the pH level at the same time.
Welcome Some Insects!: You know how I grow flowers everywhere, you should also. Attract the pollinator as well as build your natural pest control by attracting; ladybugs, and lacewings to prevent aphids. The friendly bugs will keep pests in check without you having to use any chemicals in your garden.
Flowers for Assistance: Consider growing lavender, yarrow, marigolds, or nasturtium to bring beneficial insects and prevent harmful pests. They are the best blueberry companion plants.

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WHAT SHOULD YOU NOT DO TO BLUEBERRIES:

Blueberries are like so many other plants, they require care and the right placement. What is good for a great Blueberry plant is prevention and some of the good ones to keep in mind are:

Do Not Overcrowd Your Blueberry Plants:

Air circulation is extremely important, don’t overcrowd your blueberry plant. In my zone 8b with the amount of rain we get, it is even more critical that i provide sufficient sunlight and space in the bush where it is not touching other plants. Even when I keep mine in a container as a tree, I still provide the plant the space it requires.

Prune, But Do Not Over Prune:

Like most fruit trees, blueberries have to be pruned, but do not over do it. I did and got no fruit that year.

Provide moderate pruning by removing crossing branches, disease wood, or dead wood. The pruning will stimulate new growth and you will have a great harvest.

Take your time with the small branches and balance removing what is damaged and weak while making the form you feel is natural. A lot like a rose, do not overdo it.

Water Your Blueberry Deeply

I keep a schedule with my Blueberry bush, but it may vary depending on the month. The main reason is that most months it is good to water deep on a schedule, but for me the month of July I have to water more since it gets very dry and hot where I live.

Learn what your plant requires for your zone to provide enough for the fruit to form. If you overwater then you are inviting root rot, Prevent waterlogged conditions, it can be so detrimental.

If you are nervous about the watering, install a drip irrigation system to keep the moisture level where it requires it for maximum production.

Keep in mind that as it is important to water, it is also important that your soil has proper drainage. Well-drained soil will prevent a big headache with your plant root rot.

A PERFECT BLUEBERRY TYPE FOR FOR ZONE 8B

I wanted a blueberry so badly that after researching, I found the honeyberry plant. The honeyberry is a type of honeysuckle with a delicious blue fruit. They produce the most delicious fruits during the summer, from May to June, depending on which one you get.

Watch the honeberry video to learn all about this amazing plant!

You need two of them for cross-pollination and I keep mine in large containers. The fruit is long in shape and sweet and tart at the same time. Perfect fresh, in jams and baking.

This blueberry plant may be one worth looking into if you love blueberries and want one in your small garden.

MY SECRET WEAPON FOR THE BEST BLUEBERRIES

You know my love for fish compost and I use it in my blueberries. The compost is made of hardwood, organic matter, and fish compost. This makes the compost a perfect one to use as a mulch on your blueberry plant.

The color of the compost is dark and perfect to highlight your blueberry plant and a great organic material. The rich compost will help with the production of leaves and encourage flower production. It is also weed-free, which I always look for when dealing with my plants.

Do not confuse fish compost with fish fertilizer, they are totally different.

BLUEBERRIES SHOULD MAKE IT TO YOUR GARDEN

I don’t think blueberries are difficult to grow and the delicious berries are worth it all. There are so many different types of blueberry varieties, that you will find the perfect one.

But if you cannot grow one, then you pick blueberries this year, you will fall in love with them. I went last year and froze my harvest to use through the winter. I am still enjoying it today!

CAN YOU PLANT STRAWBERRIES NEXT TO BLUEBERRIES?

I like to grow them as a ground cover for the blueberries since they attract beneficial insects and will keep the soil moisture level up. Make sure you are watering and fertilizing to benefit both plants since their nutrient requirements are different.

Always consider two important things when planning your garden; seasonal planning and companion plants. Both will ensure the best outcome for your urban homestead.

But there is nothing like fresh blueberries from your blueberry garden. My small home garden cannot do without blueberries and strawberries.

Get yourself a couple of blueberry shrubs and enjoy the journey. You will be so happy when harvest time arrives in your garden space.

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