What to Plant Under Apricot Tree

Apricot trees are a beautiful and valuable addition to any garden or orchard. They produce delicious fruit and provide shade and beauty to the surrounding area. If you have an apricot tree, you may be wondering what to plant underneath it. Here are some suggestions:

Low-Growing Ground Covers

One option for planting under an apricot tree is a low-growing ground cover. Ground covers not only provide visual interest, but can help prevent weeds and erosion. Some good choices for this include:

Creeping Thyme: This fragrant herb is very drought-tolerant and can handle being walked on, making it a good choice for a high-traffic area.

Creeping Phlox: A low-growing flowering plant that comes in a variety of colors, including pink, purple, and white.

Corsican Mint: This minty herb has tiny leaves that create a dense, low-growing cover that smells wonderful when stepped on or brushed against.

Companion Plants

Another option for planting under your apricot tree is companion plants. These are plants that work well together and can benefit each other when grown in close proximity. Some examples of companion plants for apricot trees include:

Lupines: These plants have a deep root system that can help to fix nitrogen in the soil, which can benefit the apricot tree.

Marigolds: These flowers release a chemical that can repel harmful nematodes and insects, which can benefit the apricot tree.

Nasturtiums: These flowers help to attract beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and lacewings, which can help to control pests that may affect the apricot tree.

Herbs

Finally, another option for planting under your apricot tree is herbs. Herbs can provide a useful harvest and their fragrant foliage can also help to mask any unpleasant odors that may come from the apricot tree. Some good herb choices for planting under an apricot tree include:

Basil: This fragrant herb is easy to grow and can be used in a variety of dishes in the kitchen.

Parsley: This herb is rich in minerals and vitamins and can be used in salads or as a garnish.

Chives: These onion-flavored herbs are easy to grow and can add a nice flavor to your cooking.

When planting under your apricot tree, make sure to choose plants that are compatible with the tree's root system and that won't compete with the apricot for water or nutrients. Also, be sure to give your apricot tree enough space so that it can grow and thrive without being crowded by other plants.

In conclusion, planting under an apricot tree can be a great way to maximize the use of space in your garden or orchard. Whether you choose low-growing ground covers, companion plants, or herbs, make sure to choose plants that will benefit both your apricot tree and your garden as a whole.