What Can I Plant Under a Citrus Tree?

Citrus trees are a wonderful addition to any garden, providing you with a bountiful supply of juicy, vitamin-rich fruits that are perfect for adding flavor and nutrition to your diet. However, their leaves and fruit can make it difficult to grow anything underneath them. Fortunately, there are several plants that can thrive in the shade and acidic soil that citrus trees provide, making it possible to create a beautiful and productive garden under your trees.

Herbs

Herbs make an excellent addition to any garden, and many of them are well-suited to growing under citrus trees. Some of the most popular herbs for this purpose include mint, parsley, thyme, lemongrass, and basil. These herbs prefer the slightly acidic soil that citrus trees produce and don't need a lot of direct sunlight, making them ideal for growing in the shade. Plus, many of these herbs can be used in dishes that feature citrus fruits, so you can create a delicious and cohesive garden that complements each other perfectly!

Vegetables

If you're looking to grow vegetables under your citrus trees, there are several options that can thrive in the slightly acidic soil that citrus trees produce. Some of the best vegetables to plant in this environment include lettuce, spinach, kale, and other leafy greens. These vegetables have shallow root systems, making them well-suited to the soil conditions found under citrus trees. Plus, they don't require a lot of direct sunlight, and their leaves can help protect the soil from erosion and excessive moisture loss.

Flowers

Flowers are a beautiful addition to any garden, and there are several varieties that can thrive in the shade and acidic soil provided by citrus trees. Some of the best flowers to plant under citrus trees include impatiens, hostas, and ferns. These flowers are known for their lush foliage and bright colors, making them perfect for creating a vibrant garden that will bloom all season long. Additionally, many of these flowers have shallow root systems, making them well-suited to the soil conditions found under citrus trees.

Vines and Groundcovers

Vines and groundcovers can be used to create a beautiful, cohesive garden under your citrus trees. Some of the best choices for this purpose include vinca, sweet potato vine, and creeping thyme. These plants are low-growing, making them ideal for filling in spaces between existing plants, and they can help keep the soil moist while also providing a visual interest to the landscape. Plus, many of these plants have shallow root systems and don't require a lot of direct sunlight, making them well-suited to growth under citrus trees.

Conclusion

Growing anything underneath a citrus tree can be a challenge due to the shade and acidic soil that these trees produce. However, with the right plants and techniques, it is possible to create a bountiful and beautiful garden that complements your citrus trees perfectly. Whether you opt for herbs, vegetables, flowers, or vines and groundcovers, there are plenty of options to choose from that will thrive under the conditions provided by your citrus trees. So why not give it a try and see what you can create?