Can I Plant Mint Under My Apple Trees?

Apple trees and mint are two popular plants that can be found in many gardens. But can these two plants be grown together? The answer is yes, you can plant mint under your apple trees. In fact, it's a great idea to grow these two plants together because they are great companion plants.

Why are Apple Trees and Mint Great Companion Plants?

Companion planting is a gardening technique that involves planting different plants together that have a beneficial relationship. Apple trees and mint are great companion plants because they grow well together and offer several benefits:

Mint repels pests: Mint has a strong scent that repels insects and pests, which can help protect your apple trees from damage.

Mint attracts pollinators: Mint attracts bees and other pollinators, which can help pollinate your apple trees and lead to a better harvest.

Mint controls weeds: Mint has a low-growing habit and can help control weeds under your apple trees.

Mint adds flavor: Mint can add a delicious flavor to your apple trees and can be used in cooking and baking.

How to Plant Mint Under Your Apple Trees

Planting mint under your apple trees is easy. Here's how to do it:

Choose a spot: Find a spot under your apple trees that gets partial to full shade. Mint prefers to grow in cool and moist soil, so try to find an area that stays damp but is not waterlogged.

Prepare the soil: Remove any weeds or grass from the area where you want to plant mint. Use a garden fork or tiller to loosen the soil and add compost or aged manure to improve soil fertility.

Plant the mint: Dig holes in the soil about 6 inches apart and insert the mint plants. Make sure the roots are covered with soil and water the plants well.

Mulch the soil: After planting, add a layer of organic mulch over the soil. This will help retain moisture in the soil and prevent weed growth.

Care for the mint: Water the mint plants regularly to keep the soil moist. Mint can be an invasive plant, so you may want to plant it in containers or use a barrier around the perimeter to prevent it from spreading.

Conclusion

If you're looking to add a new plant to your garden, consider planting mint under your apple trees. Not only will the mint add flavor to your apples, but it will also help protect your trees from pests and attract pollinators to your garden. Follow these simple steps to plant mint under your apple trees and enjoy the benefits of companion planting!