Introduction

Olives trees are a great addition to any garden or backyard due to their aesthetic appeal and their ability to produce the delicious fruit that is used in many culinary dishes. However, when it comes to planting other vegetation around these trees, choosing the right plants can be challenging. In this article, we will take a look at what plants go well with olive trees and how to create a thriving garden space.

Complementary Plants

Like any other plant, olive trees have their likes and dislikes when it comes to the vegetation surrounding them. Complementary plants help to create an ecosystem where each plant thrives in harmony, and olive trees are no exception. Here are some of the plants that go well with olive trees:

Lavender: This beautiful plant is not only aesthetically pleasing, but it also repels pests that are often attracted to olive trees. Additionally, lavender’s ability to tolerate drought conditions makes it a perfect addition to any garden space with olive trees.

Thyme: This herb has a great fragrance and is used in many culinary dishes. Additionally, thyme’s low-growing nature makes it perfect for planting in the space between olive trees.

Rosemary: Another herb that goes well with olive trees is rosemary. Like thyme, it is drought-tolerant, has a pleasant fragrance, and can be used in many culinary dishes.

Sage: This herb is perfect for planting around the base of the olive tree. It helps to repel pests and also adds a nice fragrance to the garden space.

Benefits of Companion Planting

Companion planting involves planting different types of vegetation in close proximity to each other in order to create mutually beneficial relationships. When it comes to olive trees, companion planting can be beneficial in the following ways:

Pest control: Certain plants, like lavender and sage, have pest-repelling properties that can help protect olive trees from pests that are attracted to them.

Soil preservation: Companion plants, like thyme and rosemary, help to preserve the soil around the olive trees by preventing soil erosion and reducing weed growth.

Improved soil health: Some companion plants, like clover, add nitrogen to the soil, which can improve soil health and support the growth of the olive tree.

Plants to Avoid

While some plants go well with olive trees, there are others that should be avoided. Here are some of the plants that should not be planted near olive trees:

Grass: Grass is not a good choice for planting under olive trees as it competes with them for nutrients and water. It also makes it harder for the olive trees to absorb the water they need to grow properly.

Tomatoes: Tomatoes are not ideal to plant near olive trees as they are prone to disease and pests that can spread to the olive tree.

Vines: Vines, like grapevines, should not be planted near olive trees as they can compete for nutrients and water. Additionally, vines can wrap around olive tree branches, which can cause damage.

Conclusion

When it comes to planting other plants around olive trees, it is important to choose the right ones that complement the tree’s growth and add to the overall aesthetic appeal of the garden space. Complementary plants can help protect the tree from pests, preserve the soil, and promote good soil health. Conversely, it is important to avoid planting plants that compete with the olive tree for nutrients and water or are prone to disease and pests. By using these tips, you can create a thriving garden space with your olive tree as the centerpiece.