If you want a thriving blueberry patch, you need to know about bad companion plants for blueberries. Planting the wrong neighbors nearby can lead to poor growth and disappointing harvests. Blueberries have very specific needs. They love acidic soil, lots of moisture, and plenty of sun. Some plants compete for these resources or create conditions blueberries hate. Getting the companions right is a key step for success.
This guide will help you identify which plants to keep far from your blueberry bushes. We’ll look at why certain plants are a problem and what you should plant instead. Let’s make sure your blueberries get the best possible environment to grow.
Bad Companion Plants For Blueberries
This list includes plants that are generally considered poor companions for blueberries. The main reasons are soil pH conflict, competition for water and nutrients, or allelopathy (where plants release chemicals that hinder growth).
Plants That Need Alkaline (Sweet) Soil
Blueberries require strongly acidic soil, with a pH between 4.5 and 5.5. Plants that prefer neutral or alkaline soil are terrible companions. They will struggle in the acidic conditions blueberries need, and you’ll be constantly fighting to keep the soil right for one or the other.
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Eggplant
- Broccoli, Cauliflower, Cabbage
- Lavender
- Most lawn grasses
Heavy Feeders and Water Hogs
Blueberries have shallow, fibrous roots that spread out near the surface. They don’t compete well with aggressive plants that have deep or spreading root systems. These competitors will steal the water and nutrients your blueberries desperately need.
- Corn
- Squash and Melons
- Potatoes
- Raspberries & Blackberries (They also spread aggressively via runners)
Plants with Allelopathic Tendencies
Some plants release natural chemicals into the soil that can inhibit the growth of nearby plants. While not all of these are proven to affect blueberries directly, it’s best to err on the side of caution and avoid them.
- Walnut Trees (release juglone, which is toxic to many plants)
- Fennel
- Sunflowers (in some cases)
Why These Plants Are Problematic
Let’s break down the specific issues in more detail. Understanding the “why” helps you make better planting decisions in the future, even for plants not on this list.
Soil pH is the Biggest Fight
The soil pH requirement is the most critical conflict. Plants like tomatoes and lavender simply won’t thrive in the acidic bed you’ve created for your blueberries. Their leaves may yellow, growth will be stunted, and they’ll be more susceptible to disease. Trying to amend the soil to suit both will only lead to failure for one or both plants.
Root Competition Stunts Growth
Blueberries roots are fine and need easy access to moisture and fertilizer. Planting a thirsty squash plant nearby means its vigorous roots will outcompete the blueberry. You’ll see reduced cane growth, smaller leaves, and fewer berries. The blueberry bush will be under constant stress.
Nutrient Imbalances and Shade
Tall plants like corn cast too much shade on sun-loving blueberries. They also pull massive amounts of nitrogen from the soil. Blueberries need nitrogen too, but in specific forms like ammonium. This competition creates an imbalance that’s hard to correct.
Common Mistakes in Blueberry Placement
Sometimes, the issue isn’t just the plant, but where you put it. Here are a few placement errors to avoid.
- Planting too close to trees: Tree roots are extensive and will rob your blueberries of water.
- Putting them in a vegetable garden bed: Most vegetables prefer a higher pH, making shared soil management impossible.
- Ignoring future growth: A small raspberry cane can quickly become a thicket that invades the blueberry root zone.
What to Plant Instead: Excellent Blueberry Companions
Now for the good news! Many plants love the same conditions as blueberries and can even provide benefits. These companions help create a healthy mini-ecosystem.
- Acid-Loving Flowers: Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Heather, and Lupines. They beautify the space and share soil needs.
- Herbs that Tolerate Acidity: Thyme and Wintergreen.
- Fertilizer Plants: Lingonberries and Cowberries are family members with identical needs.
- Pollinator Attractors: Cranberries and Lowbush Blueberries increase cross-pollination potential.
Step-by-Step: Setting Up a Blueberry-Friendly Zone
Follow these steps to ensure your blueberries are isolated from bad companions and set up for success.
- Test Your Soil pH. This is the first and most important step. Use a home test kit or send a sample to an extension service. Aim for 4.5-5.5.
- Amend the Soil. To lower pH, incorporate lots of peat moss into the planting hole and bed. Elemental sulfur can also be used, but it works slowly.
- Create a Dedicated Bed. Give your blueberries their own space, away from vegetable gardens and lawn grass (which is often limed).
- Use Mulch. Apply a 3-4 inch layer of acidic mulch like pine needles, shredded oak leaves, or pine bark. This conserves moisture, keeps roots cool, and adds acidity as it breaks down.
- Plan for Spacing. Plant blueberries 4-6 feet apart. This gives their roots room and creates a clear zone where you can manage weeds and moisture without interference.
Maintaining Your Blueberry Patch
Ongoing care is simple if you’ve avoided bad companions from the start. Here’s the basics of maintenance.
- Watering: Provide 1-2 inches of water per week, especially during fruit development. Drip irrigation or soaker hoses are ideal.
- Fertilizing: Use a fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants in early spring. Avoid nitrate-based fertilizers; look for ammonium sulfate.
- Pruning: In late winter, remove dead wood and any weak, twiggy growth. This encourages larger berries.
- Re-test Soil: Check your soil pH every 2-3 years to ensure it remains acidic.
FAQ Section
Can I plant strawberries with blueberries?
It’s not ideal. Strawberries prefer a slightly higher pH (5.5-6.5) and can form a dense mat that competes with blueberry roots for water. They’re not the worst companion, but not the best either. Its better to give them separate spaces.
Are potatoes bad to plant near blueberries?
Yes, avoid potatoes. They are heavy feeders and their need for hilling (mounding soil) can disturb the shallow roots of the blueberry bush. They also prefer a more neutral soil pH.
What vegetables can you plant with blueberries?
Very few, due to the pH difference. If you must, some gardeners have had limited success with leafy greens like kale in the very edge of the bed, but yields may be lower. It’s generally not recommended.
Is it bad to plant raspberries near blueberries?
Yes. Raspberries are aggressive spreaders and their runners will invade the blueberry root zone. They also have different pruning and care schedules, making maintenance messy. Keep them in separate beds.
Why are tomatoes bad for blueberries?
Tomatoes need a soil pH of 6.0-6.8, which is much less acidic than what blueberries require. Growing them together means one plant will always be struggling. Also, tomatoes are susceptible to verticillium wilt, which can spread to blueberries.
Final Thoughts
Successful blueberry gardening is about creating and maintaining the right environment. Avoiding bad companion plants for blueberries is one of the simplest ways to ensure your bushes thrive. By focusing on acid-loving companions and giving your blueberries their own dedicated space, you set the stage for years of healthy growth and bountiful harvests. Remember, the extra planning you do before planting pays off with less work and more berries later. Always test your soil and be prepared to amend it regularly to keep that acidity just right.