Introduction

Banana trees are fascinating plants to include in any garden. They not only give a luscious and juicy fruit but also provide shade and a shady environment for other plants to grow. However, what most people do not know is that multiple plants like to grow underneath these trees, complementing them and offering substantial benefits to the overall atmosphere. In this article, we will explore the variety of fruits, nuts, vegetables, and flowers that can be grown under banana trees.

Fruits

Fruit trees or shrubs that thrive under banana trees should have shallow roots and be shade tolerant. Pineapples are an excellent option because they have shallow roots, and their leaves cover the soil, suppressing weed growth. Papayas are another fantastic choice because they grow well in the shade, and their root system doesn't interfere with the bananas. Strawberry plants are the perfect type of fruit to grow under bananas because they do require sunlight.

Nuts

Nuts that grow under banana trees are generally those that love shade or partial sunlight. Cashew nuts are one such plant, and they have a high nutritional value. Macadamia nuts, pistachios, and almonds are other great options since their roots can extend to a significant distance without posing any threat to banana trees.

Vegetables

There are numerous vegetables that grow well under banana trees. Vegetables like lettuces, beets, carrots, and cauliflower have shallow roots and will grow well in the shade of the banana trees. Both tomatoes and peppers are part of the nightshade family and are ideal for growing under banana trees since they need partial sunlight.

Flowers

Apart from fruits, nuts, and vegetables, flowers can also be grown under banana trees. These include begonias, marigolds, impatiens, and petunias. These flowers are usually shade-loving and enhance the beauty of the banana tree's environment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, planting trees or shrubs under banana trees increases biodiversity and the richness of the environment. This helps to create a natural ecosystem in your garden, leading to the growth and development of both the banana plant and the complementary plants. The possibilities are endless when it comes to the types of plants you can include, but it is critical to ensure that the plants you choose are tolerant to shade and have shallow roots. Happy planting!