Raspberries can bear fruit noticeably more abundantly if the right plants grow next to it. Agronomists note that a good neighborhood strengthens the bushes, protects them from pests and helps produce large berries without chemical treatments. The main thing is to choose crops that support the raspberries, and do not compete with them.
Parsley and dill
This green works as a natural protector. The strong aroma repels aphids, weevils and other insects that often damage shoots and ovaries. In addition, the roots of parsley and dill do not interfere with raspberries, and the soil under them becomes looser and more vibrant. When regularly cut, greens can be used as light mulch.
Calendula and nasturtium
Flowers perform several tasks at once. They repel ants that carry aphids and attract bees and other pollinators. Thanks to this, there are more ovaries on the bushes. Nasturtium often “switches” aphids to itself, protecting raspberries, and calendula reduces the risk of fungal diseases in the soil.
Garlic and chives
These crops secrete phytoncides, which suppress the development of fungi and repel pest larvae. Planted next to raspberries, they reduce the risk of root rot and leaf spots. An additional plus: garlic and onions require almost no care and do not create shade for the bushes.
Marigold
Marigolds are considered one of the best soil protectors. Their roots secrete substances that inhibit soil pests and improve soil microflora. When planting marigolds regularly, raspberries get sick less often and withstand weather changes better.
Spinach and salad
These plants act as living shelter. They cover the ground at the raspberry roots, retain moisture and protect the soil from overheating. Thanks to this, the root system works more stable, and the bushes do not suffer in the heat.
It is better to plant greens between the rows of raspberries, retreating 20–30 centimeters from the bushes. It is convenient to place flowers along the edges of the bed, creating a natural protective barrier. After cutting, the green mass can be left between the rows as mulch.
This proximity makes the shoots stronger, the berries larger, and the harvest more stable. As a result, the raspberries bear fruit generously, and there are enough supplies for the whole winter.
