Best Companion Plants For Apple Trees

Best Companion Plants for Apple Trees

Apple trees are a popular choice for home gardeners, and for good reason. They are relatively easy to care for, and they produce delicious fruit. But did you know that there are certain plants that can help apple trees thrive? These are known as companion plants, and they can provide a number of benefits to apple trees, including:

• Attracting pollinators. Pollinators are essential for apple trees to produce fruit. Companion plants that attract pollinators, such as marigolds, nasturtiums, and lavender, can help to ensure that your apple trees are well-pollinated.
• Reducing pests and diseases. Some companion plants can help to repel pests and diseases that can damage apple trees. For example, chives, garlic, and onions can help to repel apple scab, a common fungal disease.
• Improving soil health. Companion plants can help to improve the soil health around apple trees. This can lead to healthier trees that are more resistant to pests and diseases.
• Adding beauty to your garden. Companion plants can add beauty to your garden, and they can also help to attract wildlife. For example, sunflowers and zinnias can attract butterflies and hummingbirds.

So, what are some of the best companion plants for apple trees? Here are a few of our favorites:

• Marigolds. Marigolds are a great companion plant for apple trees because they attract pollinators and repel pests. They are also easy to grow and care for.
• Nasturtiums. Nasturtiums are another great companion plant for apple trees. They attract pollinators and repel pests, and they also add a splash of color to your garden.
• Chives. Chives are a good companion plant for apple trees because they repel pests and improve soil health. They can also be used in cooking, so you get two benefits in one plant!
• Garlic. Garlic is another good companion plant for apple trees. It repels pests and improves soil health. It can also be used in cooking, just like chives.
• Onions. Onions are a good companion plant for apple trees. They repel pests and improve soil health. They can also be used in cooking, just like chives and garlic.
• Lavender. Lavender is a good companion plant for apple trees. It attracts pollinators and repels pests. It also has a lovely fragrance that can add to the beauty of your garden.
• Borage. Borage is a good companion plant for apple trees. It attracts pollinators and repels pests. It also has edible flowers that can be used in salads or as a garnish.
• Clover. Clover is a good companion plant for apple trees. It fixes nitrogen in the soil, which can help to improve the health of the trees. It also attracts pollinators.
• Rhubarb. Rhubarb is a good companion plant for apple trees. It fixes nitrogen in the soil and repels pests. It can also be harvested for its edible stalks.

These are just a few of the many companion plants that can benefit apple trees. When choosing companion plants, it is important to consider the specific needs of your apple trees. For example, if you live in an area with a lot of pests, you may want to choose companion plants that are known for their pest-repelling properties.

It is also important to plant companion plants that are compatible with each other. Some plants can compete for nutrients or water, so it is important to do your research before planting.

With a little planning, you can choose the right companion plants for your apple trees and help them to thrive.

Apple trees are a beloved part of many gardens, but they can be susceptible to pests and diseases. Companion planting is a great way to help protect your apple trees and improve their overall health.

There are many different plants that can be good companion plants for apple trees. Some of the most popular include:

• Marigolds: Marigolds help to repel pests such as aphids, whiteflies, and Japanese beetles.
• Nasturtiums: Nasturtiums also help to repel pests, and they can also improve the nitrogen content of the soil.
• Chamomile: Chamomile attracts beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings, which help to control pests.
• Dill: Dill helps to attract pollinators, which are essential for apple tree pollination.
• Fennel: Fennel helps to deter pests such as carrot flies and cabbage moths.

For more information about apple companion plants, visit Gardenia Inspiration. This website has a comprehensive list of companion plants for apple trees, as well as information about the benefits of companion planting.

FAQ of apple companion plants

5 Most Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Companion Plants

Question 1: What are companion plants?

Answer: Companion planting is the practice of planting certain plants together to benefit each other. Some plants can help to repel pests, attract beneficial insects, or improve the soil quality.

Question 2: What are some good companion plants for apple trees?

Answer: Some good companion plants for apple trees include:

• Allium (garlic, onions, chives): These plants help to repel pests such as aphids, spider mites, and Japanese beetles.
• Beans (pole beans, bush beans): Beans fix nitrogen in the soil, which can benefit apple trees.
• Cabbage (cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower): These plants attract beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings, which help to control pests.
• Marigolds (French marigolds, African marigolds): Marigolds help to repel nematodes, which can damage apple roots.
• Nasturtiums (nasturtiums, Indian cress): Nasturtiums attract beneficial insects and help to deter rabbits and deer.

Question 3: What are some bad companion plants for apple trees?

Answer: Some bad companion plants for apple trees include:

• Black walnut trees (Juglans nigra): Black walnut trees produce a toxin that can inhibit the growth of apple trees.
• Cucumbers (cucumbers, melons): Cucumbers and melons can compete with apple trees for water and nutrients.
• Potatoes (potatoes, tomatoes): Potatoes and tomatoes can attract the same pests as apple trees, so it is best to avoid planting them together.
• Raspberries (raspberries, blackberries): Raspberries and blackberries can spread diseases to apple trees, so it is best to avoid planting them together.

Question 4: How far apart should companion plants be planted?

Answer: The distance between companion plants will vary depending on the size of the plants. However, as a general rule, companion plants should be planted at least 12 inches apart.

Question 5: What are the benefits of companion planting with apple trees?

Answer: There are many benefits to companion planting with apple trees, including:

• Reduced pest and disease problems. Companion plants can help to repel pests and attract beneficial insects, which can help to reduce the incidence of pest and disease problems.
• Improved soil quality. Some companion plants can help to improve the soil quality, which can benefit the growth of apple trees.
• Increased yields. Companion planting can help to increase the yields of apple trees.

Image of apple companion plants

5 different images of "apple companion plants" from Pinterest:

1. Nasturtiums Nasturtiums are a great companion plant for apple trees because they attract beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and lacewings, which help to control pests. They also help to suppress weeds and improve the soil quality.

2. Marigolds Marigolds are another great companion plant for apple trees. They help to repel pests, such as Japanese beetles and aphids. They also help to improve the soil quality and attract pollinators.

3. Chamomile Chamomile is a good companion plant for apple trees because it helps to repel pests, such as spider mites and nematodes. It also helps to improve the soil quality and attract pollinators.

4. Lavender Lavender is a good companion plant for apple trees because it helps to repel pests, such as moths and ants. It also helps to improve the soil quality and attract pollinators.

5. Alliums Alliums, such as chives, garlic, and onions, are good companion plants for apple trees because they help to repel pests, such as aphids and borers. They also help to improve the soil quality and attract pollinators.