Getty Images
While it may take a few years for a young fruit tree to mature and bear fruit, creating the proper growing conditions can help speed up the process. Adequate sunlight, well-draining soil, fertilizer, and the right temperature are all crucial factors, but don’t forget about the significance of companion planting. Companion planting involves growing complementary plants together to benefit each other, promoting a thriving garden. Certain plants can deter pests, attract pollinators, and suppress weeds, making them ideal companions for fruit trees. However, it’s important to be aware of plants that should not be grown near fruit trees.
To assist you in cultivating a flourishing, fruit-bearing tree, we consulted gardening experts who identified plant varieties that should not be grown alongside fruit trees. When planted in close proximity, these plants may attract pests, spread diseases, or compete with fruit trees for vital nutrients.
Meet the Experts:
– Adrienne Roethling, head gardener for a private estate and former curator of Juniper Level Botanic Gardens at Plant Delights Nursery
– Damon Abdi, from the Hammond Research Station at Louisiana State University’s AgCenter
Avoid placing the following plants near fruit trees:
Juniper Trees:
Avoid planting junipers (Juniperus) near fruit trees as they can harbor cedar apple rust, a disease that can spread to nearby fruit trees, causing orange spots on the fruit and leaves.
Gardenias:
While gardenias (Gardenia spp.) are beautiful and fragrant, they are sensitive to ethanol released by rotting fruits, causing their blossoms to turn brown and fall off.
Walnut Trees:
Walnut trees (Juglans regia) have wide-spreading roots and release toxins that can be harmful to fruit-bearing trees, especially apples.
Mint:
Mint (Mentha spp.) is invasive and can crowd out the roots of fruit trees if not controlled, making it best grown in containers.
Root Crops:
Avoid planting root crops such as potatoes, carrots, and beets near fruit trees, as they can crowd out the roots and disturb the soil, hindering the growth of fruit trees.
Ornamental Grasses:
Deep-rooted ornamental grasses can compete with fruit trees for water and nutrients, affecting their growth and development.
By being mindful of these plant pairings, you can create a conducive environment for your fruit trees to thrive and produce abundant fruit.
Damon Abdi from the Hammond Research Station at Louisiana State University’s AgCenter warns that having a diverse range of insects and animals in your garden can be beneficial, but it can also be a problem if too many small critters start damaging your crops. When it comes to turf grasses, David Beaulieu explains that tall fescue grass stands out among other varieties like crabgrass due to its height and texture. To prevent turf grass from competing with fruit trees for water and nutrients, Abdi advises maintaining a clean, mulched area around the trees using organic mulch such as wood chips or straw. It’s important to ensure that the mulch is not stacked against the tree trunk to avoid disease issues and maintain plant health.
