I garden in Zone 8a, where strawberries grow best in spring and summer. I've been meeting a lot of new people who either have a Vertical Planter, or they're interested container gardening. So I decided to share my knowledge on how to grow strawberries in the GreenStalk vertical planter. As well as which companion plants are best for them.
In this entry we're going to talk about herbs and flowers that boost pollination and reduce pests because we want the best harvest that we can get, right?
Here’s why I made that choice:
- It saves space
- It’s easier on my back
- It cuts down on pests
- It lets me grow more in less space
If you don’t have a GreenStalk, no problem.
You can do this with grow bags or an elevated raised bed from Amazon.
The goal is to grow smarter—not harder.
Why Companion Planting Matters
Strawberries do better when they have good neighbors.
I use companion planting to:
- Keep pests away
- Attract bees and butterflies
- Grow herbs and flowers alongside my food
- Make my garden beautiful and productive
This method is simple, natural, and it works.
How I Plant in My GreenStalk
I don’t usually fill each pocket with strawberries.
I use an every-other-pocket method.
This helps prevent overcrowding, gives each plant room to thrive, and allow me to companion plant.
Here’s how I do it:
Pocket 1: strawberry
Pocket 2: herb or flower
Pocket 3: strawberry
Pocket 4: herb or flower
Pocket 5: strawberry
Then repeat all with the rest of your tiers.
This creates balance.
Strawberries stay healthy.
Pollinators are drawn in.
And pests stay confused.
Best Herbs to Plant with Strawberries
Basil
- Attracts bees and keeps aphids and mosquitoes away.
- Also improves the flavor of nearby plants.
Thyme
- Repels worms and beetles.
- Stays small and fits nicely in tight spaces.
Chives
- Drives off aphids and Japanese beetles.
- Blooms attract pollinators.
Sage
- Repels slugs and cabbage moths.
- Adds beauty and does well in containers.
Mint (in pots near the tower)
- Keeps ants and aphids away.
- Don’t plant it directly in the tower—it spreads fast.
Lemon Balm
- Draws in bees and throws off pests with its scent.
- Also great for tea.
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Parsley
- Attracts hoverflies that eat aphids.
- Easy to grow and rotate out when needed.
Oregano
- Discourages beetles and slugs.
- Brings in pollinators when it flowers.
Best Flowers to Plant with Strawberries
Marigolds
- Repel nematodes and aphids.
- The strong smell confuses pests.
Nasturtiums
- Act as a trap crop for aphids.
- Their flowers also bring in bees.
Calendula
Brings in ladybugs and bees.
Its sticky resin catches tiny pests.
Borage
Keeps worms and beetles away.
Supports strawberry growth and brings in pollinators.
Chamomile
Improves the health of nearby plants.
Draws in helpful bugs.
Alyssum
Tiny flowers that bring in hoverflies and bees.
Low-growing and fills gaps nicely.
Grow Strawberries in the Greenstalk
Let's get into the layout. I prefer to fill each tier using the every-other-pocket method:
One pocket has a strawberry.
The next has a companion herb or flower.
This pattern helps with air flow and keeps the planter balanced. It also turns the whole tower into a pollinator magnet.
Here’s a sample tier:
Pocket 1: strawberry
Pocket 2: thyme
Pocket 3: strawberry
Pocket 4: calendula
Pocket 5: strawberry Pocket 6: basil
I keep mint and lemon balm in nearby pots.
That way, I get the benefits without letting them take over.
Why This Works So Well
Since doing this, I’ve seen:
More bees and butterflies, healthier plants, fewer pests and bigger, juicier strawberries.
Plus, it smells amazing when I walk outside.
You Can Try This Too!
You don’t need a big garden. you just need a planter, some great soil, and healthy plants to get started.
Whether you use a GreenStalk, a Vego bed, or a few grow bags on your patio—you can grow delicious strawberries and protect them naturally.
Start small.
Pair them with the right herbs and flowers.
And watch your garden come to life.
Be well,
