Peach + Strawberry

Peach and strawberry don't interact strongly in either direction, making this pairing more about space management than companion planting in the traditional sense. Strawberries fill the understory effectively once peach trees reach sufficient canopy spread, typically 3 to 5 years after planting, without competing meaningfully for light or root resources in the canopy zone.

Soil compatibility is reasonable: both prefer well-drained, slightly acidic soils (pH 6.0 to 6.5), so amendments for one generally benefit the other. The main concern is moisture management. Strawberries need consistent irrigation during fruit development, which can encourage fungal issues on peach bark and lower limbs if water splashes. Drip irrigation reduces this risk considerably.

This pairing works best in established orchards where the peach canopy provides afternoon shade that moderates summer heat stress on strawberries in zones 7 and warmer. In young orchards or high-rainfall regions, keep strawberries at least 18 inches from the trunk to reduce disease pressure on both crops.