How to Plant Living Mulch in Containers with Fruit Trees

Living mulch is an eco-friendly and sustainable option for promoting healthy soil and growth around fruit trees. Instead of using traditional mulching methods, consider planting cover crops or low-growing plants. This guide will take you through the steps of planting living mulch in containers with fruit trees.

Choose the Right Plant

The first step is choosing the right plant for your living mulch. The ideal plant will have shallow roots, so it doesn't compete with the fruit tree roots for nutrients. Some excellent options include clover, creeping thyme, and low-growing grasses such as Bermuda or Kentucky bluegrass.

Prepare Your Container

Before you put the living mulch in the container, you need to prepare your container. It's essential to select a large enough container that will accommodate both the fruit tree and living mulch. Make sure the container has drainage holes and a layer of rocks at the bottom to ensure proper drainage. Once you have placed the fruit tree in the container, fill the remaining space with a high-quality potting mix.

Plant the Living Mulch

After preparing the container, it's time to plant the living mulch. The exact process will vary depending on the plant you've chosen. If you're using clover, sprinkle the seeds on top of the potting mix and gently press them down into the soil. For creeping thyme, dig small holes and plant each seedling. For grasses, it's best to plant them in small plugs. Follow the specific planting instructions for your chosen plant.

Maintain Your Living Mulch

After planting the living mulch, it's essential to maintain it properly. Water it regularly but avoid overwatering. Make sure the mulch isn't competing for nutrients and doesn't become too dense, which could lead to it choking out the fruit tree. Consider trimming the living mulch to keep it at a manageable height.

Benefits of Using Living Mulch

There are numerous benefits to using living mulch around your fruit trees. It helps to maintain healthy soil by increasing organic matter and suppressing weed growth. Additionally, living mulch can attract beneficial insects and pollinators, such as bees and butterflies. It also provides a natural aesthetic touch to your garden area.

Final Thoughts

Overall, planting living mulch in containers with fruit trees is a sustainable and eco-friendly option for promoting healthy soil and growth. By selecting the right plant, preparing your container, and maintaining your living mulch, you'll see many benefits, including increased yield and overall health of your fruit trees.