What to Plant Around Apple Trees

Planting around apple trees can help create a more diverse and productive garden. It’s important to choose plants that not only complement the apple trees but also benefit them. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the best plants to plant around apple trees.

1. Wildflowers

Wildflowers like clover, dandelions, violets, and yarrow attract beneficial insects and help attract pollinators to your apple trees. They also help to add nitrogen to the soil, which is essential for healthy growth of apple trees. Wildflowers have deep roots that can help to loosen compact soil and improve drainage, which is an added benefit to planting them around your apple trees.

2. Herbs

Herbs like chamomile, mint, and thyme also attract beneficial insects and can help to repel pests like aphids and mites that can damage apple trees. These herbs are also useful in the kitchen and can be harvested for use in cooking. Planting herbs around your apple trees can also help to improve soil health and add nutrients to the soil that the apple trees can benefit from.

3. Berry Bushes

Berry bushes like blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries make great companion plants for apple trees. They not only add diversity to the garden but also help to attract pollinators to the apple trees. These berry bushes also provide tasty fruits that can be harvested throughout the season. It’s important to note that these plants require acid soil, which may not be ideal for all apple varieties.

4. Vegetables

Vegetables like onions, garlic, and chives can help to repel pests like aphids and mites that can damage apple trees. These vegetables are also easy to grow and can be harvested throughout the season. They also help to improve soil health and add nutrients to the soil that the apple trees can benefit from.

5. Ornamental Grasses

Ornamental grasses like fescue, blue oat grass, and feather reed grass provide an attractive backdrop for apple trees. These grasses are also useful for erosion control and can help to prevent soil compaction. They also help to improve soil health by adding organic matter to the soil.

In conclusion, planting around apple trees can help create a more diverse and productive garden. It’s important to choose plants that not only complement the apple trees but also benefit them. Wildflowers, herbs, berry bushes, vegetables, and ornamental grasses are all great options to consider when planting around apple trees. By incorporating these plants into your garden, you can help to improve soil health, attract beneficial insects and pollinators, and add diversity and beauty to your garden.