What to Plant Next to Citrus Trees

Citrus trees are a wonderful addition to any garden or yard, offering juicy and delicious fruit throughout the year. However, planting the right companions alongside your citrus trees can help improve soil quality, increase pollination and biodiversity, and even create a more pleasing aesthetic. In this article, we'll explore some of the best plants to grow alongside citrus trees.

Companion Plants for Citrus Trees

Companion planting involves growing different plants together to create a more mutually beneficial ecosystem. Citrus trees thrive when planted alongside certain plants that can help improve the soil, ward off pests, and attract pollinators. Some of the best companion plants for citrus trees include:

Lavender: Not only does lavender add a sweet fragrance to the garden, but its flowers also attract bees and other beneficial insects that help pollinate citrus trees.

Clover: Clover is a nitrogen-fixing plant, which means it helps replenish the soil's nutrients. Planting clover as a ground cover can also help combat weeds and prevent soil erosion.

Nasturtiums: These bright and colorful flowers add a pop of color to the garden while also repelling aphids and other pests that can damage citrus trees.

Mint: Mint is a great companion plant for citrus trees because it repels pests and adds a refreshing aroma to the garden.

Comfrey: Comfrey is a deep-rooted plant that has a taproot that can bring up nutrients from deep within the soil, making them available to nearby citrus trees.

Vegetables to Grow Next to Citrus Trees

In addition to companion plants, growing vegetables alongside citrus trees can help increase biodiversity and provide a source of fresh produce. However, it's important to choose the right vegetables that won't compete with citrus trees for nutrients and water. Some of the best vegetables to grow next to citrus trees include:

Lettuce: Lettuce is a shallow-rooted plant that doesn't require a lot of space or nutrients. Growing lettuce in the shade of citrus trees can help keep the soil moist and provide a source of fresh greens.

Radishes: Radishes are a quick-growing crop that can be harvested in as little as 30 days. Planting radishes in between citrus trees can help increase soil fertility and provide a source of spicy, crunchy snacks.

Peas: Like clover, peas are nitrogen-fixing plants that can help improve soil fertility. Planting peas near citrus trees can also help provide shade and support for the climbing vines.

Spinach: Spinach is a nutrient-rich vegetable that can be grown in the shade of citrus trees. It doesn't require a lot of space and can be harvested throughout the growing season.

Things to Consider

When planting companions or vegetables alongside citrus trees, it's important to keep a few things in mind:

Don't overcrowd: Make sure to leave enough space between plants to ensure they have room to grow and develop. Overcrowding can also create competition for water and nutrients.

Watch for pests: While companion plants can help repel pests, they can also attract them. Keep an eye out for any signs of pests and take action if necessary.

Consider the soil: Different plants have different soil requirements. Make sure to plant companions and vegetables that can thrive in the same soil conditions as citrus trees.

By planting the right companions and vegetables alongside citrus trees, you can create a thriving and diverse ecosystem that benefits both you and the environment. Not only will you enjoy a bountiful harvest of citrus fruit and fresh vegetables, but you'll also be supporting the health and wellbeing of your garden's ecosystem.