What to Plant Around Fig Trees

Fig trees can add to the beauty and functionality of your outdoor space. They provide shade, delicious fruit, and ornamental appeal. What’s more, you can enhance the area around the fig trees by planting complementary plants that supplement their growth and attractiveness. Here are some plant options to consider planting around your fig trees.

1. Comfrey

Comfrey, also known as knitbone, is a tall and leafy plant that can thrive in various soil types, including dry and shady areas. Its deep-rooted system helps attain moisture necessary for fig trees' healthy growth. Comfrey returns a lot of nitrogen to the soil, which is a crucial nutrient for healthy fig tree growth. Additionally, it has medicinal properties that can prove useful when you accidentally scratch yourself while gardening around the trees.

2. Chamomile

Chamomile boasts a vigorous growth and solid green foliage, which is an excellent contrast with the fig tree's leaves. It is an ideal option for enhancing soil fertility, which is vital for fig tree growth. The plant releases ethylene gas that helps increase fruit ripening in the figs. Chamomile has a pleasant scent that you can enjoy as you walk around your garden.

3. Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are low-growing plants that add aesthetic interest around your fig trees. These plants have brightly colored flowers that bloom in an array of colors such as red, orange, and yellow. They also have wide leaves that cast lovely shadows and shield the soil from too much sun radiation. The leaves can also serve as mulch that can help retain soil moisture and modulate soil temperature necessary for fig tree growth. Additionally, the flowers are edible and add a peppery, tangy flavor to your salads.

4. Herbs

You can plant various herbs such as basil and thyme around your fig trees. Herbs can add savory aromas that linger around your garden. Additionally, they have beneficial insect-repelling properties that protect your fig trees from possible damage by pests. The herbs enhance soil fertility, which helps maintain healthy fig tree growth. You can also use fresh herbs in cooking to add flavor to your meals.

5. Daffodils

Daffodils are an attractive option for adding splashes of color to your garden. They have a bright yellow color that goes well with fig trees' earthy green leaves. Additionally, daffodils have long stamen, which attracts pollinators that help fertilize the fig flowers. These plants grow well in well-drained soil and sunny areas, which is ideal for fig tree growth. Daffodils also act as a natural rodent repellent, which can help protect the fig tree roots from burrowing animals.

In conclusion, planting complementary plants around your fig trees can enhance the aesthetic appeal and health of the trees. The plants described above can help increase soil fertility, attract pollinators, and repel pests. Ensure that you select plants that complement your fig tree's growth requirements and consider how the plants will interact with one another as they grow.