Companion planting is a gardening technique that involves planting different crops together to benefit each other. It is a natural and organic way of growing crops that has been used for centuries. Companion planting fruit trees is a great way to improve the health of your trees and increase their yield. In this article, we will discuss the benefits of companion planting fruit trees and the best companion plants to use.
Why Companion Plant Fruit Trees?
Companion planting fruit trees has many benefits. First, it helps to improve the soil quality. Different crops have different nutrient requirements, and by planting them together, they can help to improve the soil quality and fertility. This means that your fruit trees will have access to more nutrients and will be able to grow healthier and stronger.
Second, companion planting can help to control pests and diseases. Some plants have natural pest-repelling properties that can help to keep pests away from your fruit trees. By planting these plants alongside your fruit trees, you can reduce the need for harmful pesticides and herbicides.
Third, companion planting can help to attract beneficial insects. Some plants, such as marigolds and lavender, attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies. These insects can help to pollinate your fruit trees and keep harmful pests at bay.
Best Companion Plants for Fruit Trees
There are many different plants that are great companions for fruit trees. Here are some of the best companion plants:
Clover
Clover is a great companion plant for fruit trees. It is a nitrogen-fixing plant, which means that it can help to improve the soil quality by adding nitrogen to the soil. It also has shallow roots, which means that it does not compete with the fruit trees for nutrients.
Marigolds
Marigolds are another great companion plant for fruit trees. They have natural pest-repelling properties that can help to keep harmful pests away from your fruit trees. They also attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies.
Lavender
Lavender is a beautiful and fragrant companion plant for fruit trees. It attracts beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, and its strong scent can help to repel pests like moths and fleas.
Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums are a great companion plant for fruit trees. They have natural pest-repelling properties that can help to keep harmful pests away from your fruit trees. They also attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies.
Conclusion
Companion planting fruit trees is a great way to improve the health of your trees and increase their yield. By planting companion plants alongside your fruit trees, you can improve the soil quality, control pests and diseases, and attract beneficial insects. Some of the best companion plants for fruit trees include clover, marigolds, lavender, and nasturtiums. Give companion planting a try and see the difference it can make in your fruit tree garden!