Would you like to know how to create an abundant harvest and a flourishing ecosystem with companion planting?
In this article, we delve into the art and science of apple tree companion planting, to enhance the health and productivity of your fruit trees by understanding their specific needs and cultivating a diverse community of companion plants around them.
Understanding the Basics
Apple trees, like all plants, have unique requirements for nutrients, water, and sunlight. Companion plants are carefully selected to complement these needs, creating a harmonious environment that fosters growth and resilience.
Enhancing Nutrient Cycling
Companion plants play a vital role in nutrient cycling, a process that involves the transfer of essential elements between plants and the soil.
Leguminous plants, such as clover or peas, for instance, have the ability to fix nitrogen from the air into the soil, enriching it with this crucial nutrient. By interplanting legumes with your apple trees, you create a natural fertilizer source that contributes to improved soil health and, consequently, enhanced apple tree vitality.
Mineral accumulators, also called dynamic accumulators, are plants known for their long deep tap roots, which give them the ability to draw up and accumulate specific nutrients from the soil. As these plants grow, they absorb minerals and trace elements from the deeper layers of the soil, effectively acting as nutrient “miners.”
Once mature, dynamic accumulators can be strategically pruned or mulched, allowing the nutrients they’ve gathered to be released back into the soil. This process benefits neighboring plants by creating a nutrient-rich environment, fostering healthier growth.
Popular dynamic accumulators include comfrey, nettle, and yarrow, each renowned for concentrating particular nutrients like potassium, phosphorus, and nitrogen.
Pest Management Through Diversity
Diversity is a powerful ally in the battle against pests. Certain plants act as natural repellents or attract beneficial insects that help control harmful pests.
For example, planting aromatic herbs like basil, tansy or chives can deter common apple tree pests, such as deer, rabbits and apple scab. While flowers such as marigolds can attract predatory insects that keep destructive populations in check.
Nasturtium serves as a valuable sacrificial crop in gardens. These resilient plants attract aphids away from more vulnerable crops. Aphids are naturally drawn to nasturtiums, and once infested, the nasturtiums are often more capable of withstanding the damage. This sacrificial offering not only protects other plants but also harnesses the aphids’ natural predators, such as ladybirds, which are attracted to the aphid-infested nasturtiums.
Larger perennials that are great for deterring apple tree pests include sweet cicely and dogwood.
I have used this integrated approach to pest management and eliminated the need for chemical interventions in my garden by promoting a healthier garden ecosystem.
Attracting Pollinators
Diversity is not only important for pest management but also for attracting beneficial insects. Many of the plants that are good for nutrient cycling and pest management are also great pollinator attractors.
Fennel, dill, borage and chamomile are all great options for attracting pollinators.
Creating Microclimates
Strategic placement of companion plants can also help create microclimates that benefit apple trees.
Taller plants can provide shade during hot periods, reducing water stress on young apple trees. Just be aware that they don’t grow so big to cast full shade on the maturing trees.
Meanwhile, low-growing ground covers help retain soil moisture and prevent weed competition. Some great plants to try include spring bulbs, such as daffodils or herbs such as lemon balm or chives.
By designing a diverse plant community, you can optimize growing conditions for your apple trees and improve their overall resilience to environmental stressors.
Aesthetic and Culinary Benefits
Beyond the practical advantages, companion planting adds both an aesthetic and a culinary dimension to your garden.
There are many different plants to choose from to be apple tree companions. I like to choose plants that will provide more than one benefit or function in the system.
For example comfrey because it is a mineral accumulator, it attracts pollinators and I can use it medicinally.
Practical Tips for Success
There are a few things that I have learnt over the years of companion planting with apple trees:
- Observe and adapt. Regularly observe your garden to assess the effectiveness of your companion planting strategy. Be open to adapting and experimenting with different plant combinations to find what works best for your specific conditions. What works well in one location isn’t necessarily going to work in your location as the microclimate will be different.
- Don’t plant too close together. Always consider the final spacing of both the apple tree and the companion plants. In my experience the plants need to be further apart than you think! When you look at the ground with very young plants, there seems to be lots of empty space. This will get filled with plants. If you don’t leave enough space, plants will get shaded and not grow optimally, there will be insufficient air flow which can cause moulds and mildews to develop.
Also don’t forget that insects fly, and the apple tree can still receive the benefit from the pollinator and pest management companions even if they are not planted directly under the tree. It is all part of a system that works together, with the sum being stronger than the parts.
- Design your system for the whole season. Consider choosing companion plants that will flower at different times throughout the growing season, to ensure that the benefits are available to the tree and to eachother when needed.
- Start small and add later. Don’t try and plant every single companion plant that you can in the beginning. Start small, build your knowledge and confidence, then expand from there.
Incorporating companion plants alongside your apple tree(s) not only maximizes yield but also fosters a balanced and biodiverse garden ecosystem. Understanding the interconnectedness of plants is super important.
FAQ
What is best to plant under an apple tree?
The best plant to plant under an apple tree fulfills multiple functions, it attracts pollinators and deters pests as well as either adding fertility to the soil or providing ground cover to reduce moisture loss.
A great example would be borage or nastrutiums (both are annuals but easily self seed). Perennial examples would be sweet cicely or yarrow.
What is the best pollinator plant for apple trees?
Comfrey is a great pollinator because it is also a dynamic accumulator, makes mulch and has medicinal benefits.
There are many others such as fennel, dill, and chamomile.
Can you Underplant fruit trees?
Yes you can. Make sure that you consider the final size of both what is being underplanted and the fruit tree itself when planting.
What not to plant near an apple tree?
Grass can compete for nutrients directly underneath the apple tree. So establishing an area that is grass free can help the tree to thrive, this can be done using a mulch to kill off the grass, and then planting companions.
Walnut trees are trees that don’t have many friends, few things grow well near walnuts. So if you would like a walnut tree, place it away from other plants in your garden.
The most important principle in a garden is diversity, if there is diversity in your planting, then the impact of most things will be diluted, and the benefits potentially enhanced.
By embracing the principles of companion planting, you embark on a journey that not only benefits your apple trees but contributes to the overall health and vibrancy of your garden.
I would love to hear what combinations of plants you have chosen to grow alongside your apple tree in the comments below.