The Ultimate Guide to Blueberry Companion Plants

If you’re looking to grow healthy, productive blueberry bushes, choosing the right blueberry companion plants can make all the difference. Whether you’re trying to improve soil conditions, deter pests, or enhance pollination, companion planting is a natural way to boost your blueberry patch. But not all plants play nice with blueberries. In this guide, we’ll explore the best companion plants for blueberries as well as the bad companion plants for blueberries that should be kept far away.

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Why Companion Planting Matters for Blueberries

Blueberry bushes thrive in acidic soil with a pH between 4.5 and 5.5. They also prefer full sun, well-draining soil, and consistent moisture. The right blueberry companion plants can help maintain these conditions by improving soil quality, attracting beneficial insects, and repelling pests. On the other hand, the wrong plants can compete for nutrients, alter soil pH, or attract harmful pests.

15 Best Companion Plants for Blueberries

1. Azaleas & Rhododendrons

• Benefit: These flowering shrubs thrive in the same acidic soil conditions as blueberries and create a visually appealing hedge that provides shade and wind protection.
• Planting Distance: Plant at least 3–4 feet away to prevent root competition while still allowing for mutual benefits.

2. Cranberries

• Benefit: Cranberries have similar soil requirements and help maintain moisture levels in the ground, reducing the need for frequent watering.
• Planting Distance: Can be interplanted around blueberry bushes as a ground cover, approximately 12–18 inches apart.

3. Pine Trees

• Benefit: Pine needles act as a natural mulch, helping to acidify the soil and retain moisture for blueberries.
• Planting Distance: Keep pine trees at least 10–15 feet away to prevent excessive shading and competition for water.

4. Strawberries

• Benefit: These low-growing plants act as living mulch, preventing weeds and retaining soil moisture.
• Planting Distance: Plant strawberries about 6–12 inches away from blueberries to allow air circulation while maximizing ground coverage.

5. Thyme

• Benefit: Thyme repels common blueberry pests like aphids and enhances pollination by attracting bees.
• Planting Distance: Place thyme about 12 inches from blueberry bushes, using it as a border plant.

6. Basil

• Benefit: Helps deter pests while attracting pollinators, ensuring higher fruit production.
• Planting Distance: Plant basil in pots nearby or around 12–18 inches away from blueberries.

7. Chives

• Benefit: The strong scent of chives deters pests such as aphids and Japanese beetles.
• Planting Distance: Space chives 6–12 inches away, using them as an edging plant.

8. Marigolds

• Benefit: Marigolds repel nematodes and other harmful insects that may damage blueberry roots.
• Planting Distance: Plant marigolds 12–24 inches away in rows or clusters.

9. Lupines

• Benefit: These nitrogen-fixing plants improve soil fertility, promoting healthier blueberry growth.
• Planting Distance: Keep lupines 2–3 feet away to avoid shading smaller blueberry bushes.

10. Ferns

• Benefit: Ferns thrive in the partial shade of blueberry bushes and help maintain soil moisture.
• Planting Distance: Plant ferns 1–2 feet away, allowing them to fill in gaps between bushes.

11. Borage

• Benefit: Attracts pollinators and adds nutrients to the soil, benefiting blueberry production.
• Planting Distance: Space borage 18 inches away to allow its spreading growth habit.

12. Dill

• Benefit: Brings in beneficial insects like ladybugs and hoverflies that help control blueberry pests.
• Planting Distance: Keep dill about 12 inches from blueberry plants.

13. Clover

• Benefit: Acts as a nitrogen-fixing ground cover, preventing soil erosion and improving fertility.
• Planting Distance: Can be sown directly beneath blueberries as a living mulch.

14. Oregano

• Benefit: Oregano naturally deters pests while providing aromatic ground cover.
• Planting Distance: Plant oregano 12–18 inches from blueberry bushes.

15. Hydrangeas

• Benefit: Hydrangeas prefer acidic soil and can be grown alongside blueberries to create an aesthetically pleasing garden layout.
• Planting Distance: Keep hydrangeas at least 3 feet away to prevent root crowding.

5 Bad Companion Plants for Blueberries

Just as some plants benefit blueberries, others can be detrimental. Here are bad companion plants for blueberries that you should avoid:

1. Tomatoes

• Why to Avoid: Tomatoes prefer a more neutral pH and deplete the soil of essential nutrients that blueberries need.
• Distance to Keep: At least 3–4 feet away to prevent soil imbalances.

2. Potatoes

• Why to Avoid: Potatoes compete for nutrients and attract similar pests, increasing the risk of infestations.
• Distance to Keep: 4–5 feet away to avoid pest crossover.

3. Peppers

• Why to Avoid: Peppers require a different soil pH and can stunt blueberry growth by altering nutrient availability.
• Distance to Keep: 3–4 feet away to prevent competition.

4. Brassicas (Cabbage, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Brussels Sprouts)

• Why to Avoid: Brassicas prefer more alkaline soil, which can hinder blueberry growth.
• Distance to Keep: At least 4 feet away to avoid soil pH conflict.

5. Melons

• Why to Avoid: These sprawling plants compete with blueberries for space, water, and nutrients.
• Distance to Keep: 5 feet or more away to prevent excessive competition.

When selecting blueberry bush companion plants, remember that blueberries thrive in acidic soil and benefit from companions that enhance soil fertility, deter pests, and improve pollination. Whether you plant nitrogen-fixing lupines, pest-repelling marigolds, or ground-covering strawberries, the right blueberry companion can make a world of difference in your harvest.

On the flip side, avoiding bad companion plants for blueberries like tomatoes, potatoes, and brassicas will prevent unnecessary competition and soil imbalances. By following these guidelines, you’ll create a thriving, biodiverse blueberry garden that produces bigger, juicier berries season after season.