Introduction

Apple trees are popular among gardeners and orchard owners. With their iconic blooms in the spring and their delicious fruit in the fall, apple trees provide both beauty and function to a garden or orchard. However, choosing the right plants to grow alongside apple trees can be tricky. In this article, we will discuss what plants can be planted near apple trees to create a sustainable and flourishing ecosystem.

The Benefits of Planting Near Apple Trees

Planting complementary plants near apple trees can provide a range of benefits. For one, it can improve the overall health of the apple trees. For example, some plants will repel pests and insects, reducing the need for pesticides. Other plants will provide shade and help retain moisture in the soil, reducing the need for watering.

Additionally, planting a diverse range of plants near apple trees can create a more sustainable and resilient ecosystem. Different plants can attract beneficial insects and pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, which can increase the yield of fruit from the apple trees. Finally, planting certain plants near apple trees can also improve the overall aesthetic appeal of your garden or orchard.

Plants to Avoid Near Apple Trees

First, it is important to know which plants to avoid growing near apple trees, as some plants can be harmful or cause damage to the apple trees. For example, plants that prefer acidic soil, such as blueberries, cranberries, and azaleas, may compete with apple trees for nutrients and water or change the pH levels of the soil. Similarly, plants such as black walnut trees, which produce the chemical juglone, can be toxic to apple trees.

Additionally, plants that are prone to diseases, such as rose bushes or cherry trees, can also harm apple trees. Certain diseases, such as fire blight, can easily spread to nearby plants, including apple trees. Therefore, it is best to avoid planting these types of plants near apple trees.

Companion Plants for Apple Trees

Fortunately, there are many plants that can be planted near apple trees to create a complementary ecosystem. Here are some examples:

Borage

Borage is a plant that has beautiful blue, star-shaped flowers that can attract beneficial insects to your garden, such as bees and butterflies. Additionally, borage is a natural insect repellent, which can help protect your apple trees from pests. Finally, borage can also improve soil quality and help retain moisture in the soil, making it an excellent companion plant for apple trees.

Clover

Clover is a ground cover plant that can provide multiple benefits to apple trees. Clover can fix nitrogen in the soil, which can benefit the apple trees by providing them with extra nutrients. Additionally, clover can help retain moisture in the soil, reducing the need for watering. Finally, clover can also attract beneficial insects, such as bees and butterflies, which can increase the yield of fruit from the apple trees.

Lavender

Lavender is a beautiful flowering plant that can attract pollinators to your garden, such as bees and butterflies. Additionally, lavender is a natural insect repellent, which can help protect your apple trees from pests. Finally, lavender can also improve soil quality and help retain moisture in the soil, making it another excellent companion plant for apple trees.

Mint

Mint is another excellent companion plant for apple trees. Mint can repel pests, such as aphids and ants, which can damage apple trees. Additionally, mint can help enhance the flavor of the apple fruit. Finally, mint can also improve soil quality and help retain moisture in the soil.

Conclusion

In conclusion, planting complementary plants near apple trees can provide a range of benefits, including improving the overall health of the apple trees, attracting beneficial insects and pollinators, and creating a more sustainable and resilient ecosystem. However, it is important to avoid planting certain plants near apple trees, as they can be harmful or cause damage to the apple trees. By choosing the right companion plants, such as borage, clover, lavender, and mint, you can create a beautiful and functional garden or orchard that will thrive for years to come.