List of crops that are recommended to be grown under an apple tree

A garden plot is often such a compact area, dominated by fruit trees and shrubs, that many gardeners simply do not have separate free space for other plantings. The presence of apples in orchards is a common trend, because they give birth well and do not require extra care. That is why every gardener tries not only to plant a successful and fruit-bearing garden, but also to create such conditions so that anything can be grown at the foot. Let's discuss what can be grown under an apple tree, which plants will feel quite comfortable in the crown of a fruit tree.

Tree trunk circle: rules for plant location, proximity, influence and mutual benefit

Not all plants can be grown at the foot of apple trees, because you must think in advance about the entire influence of the plant on the root system of the apple tree, as well as on changes in the composition of the soil. Very often, plants at the foot of a fruit tree are an excellent way to renew the soil, give the tree that very “kick”, from which its vegetation will return to its ideal course, increasing not only the crown, but also forming a large ovary, and also increases productivity. Planting the “right” plants will help to have a beneficial effect on the root system of the fruit tree, renewing and improving its health. In order for tree trunk planting to truly have a positive effect and influence, a number of rules and recommendations must be strictly followed.

1. The presence of a free area around the root neck of the tree. Any planting directly next to the tree is strictly prohibited; there should be a free circle with a radius of about 20 cm, preferably a little more.
2. Dense plantings in the tree trunk circle are not rational. If you can, then you need to use everything to the maximum. This theory and opinion are erroneous, because the landing should be moderate. Do not forget that apples and other fruits tend to fall off, so picking them is mandatory, which can significantly harm dense plantings in the tree trunk.
3. Thoughtful choice of plants under the tree. Planting plants under an apple tree should be done consciously, because if chemical treatments of the apple tree are carried out regularly, and not just in early spring, then it is better not to plant vegetable crops; opt for flowers or green manure.
4. Careful and not deep digging of the tree trunk circle before planting. The trunk circle has the root system of the apple tree, so deep digging can injure the root. Remember, before planting crops, digging should not be deep, no more than half a spade bayonet. The best equipment is a pitchfork.
5. Down with bushes and powerful plants under the apple tree. It is strictly forbidden to plant large-scale plants that have a large and spreading root system, as well as berry or ornamental shrubs.

With trees and bushes

Fruit and berry crops without signs of antagonism, which have similar requirements for growing conditions, are suitable as partners for an apple tree:

• Raspberries . Saturates with oxygen, enriches with nitrogen and loosens the soil around the tree trunk. It protects the apple tree from scab, and in return it saves the raspberry from gray rot. But! As the crown of the apple tree grows, the light-loving shrub begins to experience discomfort, and the raspberry tree has to be moved to a sunny place.
• Plum . It harmoniously coexists with the apple tree, promoting its growth and development.
• Pear . Gets along well with a close relative, but is inferior to her in vitality. It is not recommended to “plant” young pear trees with an old apple tree. Ideally, seedlings of both crops should be the same age.
• Ash-leaved maple . Releases substances into the air that repel the moth.

Unlucky neighbors for an apple tree are:

• Rowan. Attracts rowan moth, whose caterpillars damage apples.
• Bird cherry. Promotes the spread of the glass butterfly, which parasitizes the apple tree.
• Hawthorn. It is the “host” of the hawthorn butterfly, which causes serious damage to the apple tree.
• Cherry. It does not cause any inconvenience to the apple tree, but in such proximity it withers and dies over time.
• Gooseberry. In the shade, the apple tree lacks light, develops poorly and bears poor fruit.
• Walnut. The worst antagonist of the apple tree. Juglone substances secreted by its roots are natural herbicides, accumulate in the soil and destroy any vegetation within a radius of 6-8 m.

You should not plant a garden in close proximity to forest plantations, since wild trees (birches, lindens, oaks, ash trees) will take away moisture and nutrition from fruit trees. The optimal distance between “savages” and cultivars is at least 7-10 m.

Spatial isolation is also necessary for such garden shrubs as mock orange, lilac, rose hips, viburnum, and sea buckthorn. Growing rapidly, these crops behave extremely aggressively, trying to “conquer” territory from neighboring plants.

List of prohibited vegetable crops under the apple tree

It is not advisable to grow a number of plants under the apple tree that do not interact well with the fruit tree, since you will not get a good harvest of apples, and vegetable crops will not please you with their abundance. So, the following is prohibited:

• White cabbage,
• onion,
• carrot,
• parsley,
• mint.

What are the benefits of marigold infusion?

An infusion prepared from marigolds will save cultivated plants from diseases and insect pests. To prepare the solution, you can use all its parts: stems, flowers, roots, leaves. You can chop them all with a knife or pruning shears. Fill a bucket (10 l) halfway with the prepared raw materials, add warm (50°C) water, cover with a lid and leave for 2 days.

Laundry soap (40 g) is then added to the finished strained infusion. It is necessary to improve the adhesion of the infusion to the treated plant. Spraying is best done in the morning. If necessary, the procedure can be repeated after 3-4 days.

To get results, you must adhere to the consumption of this infusion for each type of crop:

• vegetables – 2.5-3 l. for 10 sq. m;
• for berry bushes or seedlings (up to 5 years) - 3-4 liters for each;
• for mature trees – 7-7.5 l. for one.

You can spray the berries with the infusion, but only before they begin to ripen. It will also rid all crops of aphids, bedbugs, and flea beetles.

If you reduce the concentration in the infusion (fill the bucket only 1/3 with marigold raw materials, 2/3 with water), then you can use it to treat indoor flowers and water the soil underneath them. The window sill on which the flowers and glass stand should also be wiped. Flowers must be treated until all pests are completely gone.

An infusion of garlic, wormwood, and marigold will save strawberries and raspberries from weevils. The recipe is simple:

• Pour boiling water over wormwood (200 g) and leave for 2 hours. Leave 200 g of dried flowers in cold water for 3 hours, and mince 200 g of garlic. Then all components are mixed and their volume is brought to 10 liters with water.

Another infusion of garlic, marigold, tansy will help preserve strawberry buds and get rid of mites (all components are taken in the same quantity - 200 g each):

• Pour boiling water over the tansy and leave for 2 hours. Separately, marigolds are infused in cold water, and the garlic is finely chopped. All components are mixed, their volume is brought to 10 liters. water.

The prepared infusion can be used to treat raspberries before budding. You can dip the roots of seedlings and seedlings of asters and roses into it for 3-4 hours.

Biological substances that remain active even after preparing the infusion will disinfect the soil and cope with diseases and insects.

List of wild plants to grow under an apple tree

You should not think that only ornamental plants that are sold as seedlings or seeds can be planted near an apple tree. Wild plants that can be found anywhere are also an excellent option for transforming the tree trunk. The advantage of such a “wild” plant is its unpretentiousness to the presence of sun, watering and other stages of full care. With minimal effort, you can significantly transform the area where apple trees grow.

A popular option would be to plant tansy , which will not only significantly transform the area thanks to its gorgeous appearance, bright flowering, and also the unique opportunity to combat not only the unpleasant aphids on the apple tree, but also the codling moth. It is the flowering tansy that will be an excellent option for protecting apple trees.

White clover is also a good wild choice for apple trees. Thanks to this plant, the tree trunk circle will turn into a bright lawn, which will significantly transform the area, and fallen ripe apple trees will not be chipped, spoiled or smeared, as they fall on a “blanket” of clover. Clover's honey-bearing characteristic is also considered an advantage, so when planting this particular plant, you can count on the formation of a good ovary and a high yield. White clover is a natural source of nitrogen, which will act as a natural fertilizer for the tree. Moreover, in an area where white clover successfully grows, many pests do not lay their larvae.

As an option for a natural remedy for aphids, you can plant celandine under an apple tree. There is definitely a wild medicinal plant somewhere in your area, but it smells fragrant, carefully dig it up and move it under the apple tree. A few bushes will be enough to overcome aphids, since the plant secretes specific substances that the pest does not like at all.

Lupine is an excellent option for planting under an apple tree. This is not just a wild plant, but also a flowering one. Lupine is the simplest type of green manure, which brings great benefits to the apple tree, as it is a natural source of nitrogen, an attractive decoration, and also a “neighbor” that will help significantly increase the tree’s productivity.

White mustard under an apple tree is a good option, as you can combine its beneficial functions and direct them in the right direction. Mustard is a well-known first-class green manure, as well as a strong honey plant, which is so necessary for the apple tree during flowering, since bees will not only visit the mustard, but also pollinate the flowering tree.

Fertilizer for fruit tree seedlings

Young seedlings need additional nutrition with minerals and organic matter. The most important microelements are phosphorus, potassium, calcium. Sulfur, iron, and manganese are of secondary importance. The best option is complex fertilizer.

Thus, nitrogen is present in bird droppings, manure and compost. These substances are diluted with water in a ratio of 1:10. In spring, it is good to combine organic fertilizers with ammonium nitrate. After 4 years, additional nutrition with phosphorus and potassium is gradually introduced.

Fruit trees can be fed with these mixtures during the formation of ovaries, as well as in the spring. Superphosphate is an excellent fertilizer containing phosphoric acid. Suitable for all fruit crops.

Important! For seedlings that are not sufficiently strong, do not use fertilizers containing nitrogen. This will only reduce their resistance to low temperatures, as it helps prolong the growth period

List of ornamental and ornamental flowering plants for planting under an apple tree

The most common option is planting blackbrews or marigolds . This option will not only be beautiful, but also practical, since the planting process involves sowing seeds, and maintenance is minimal. In addition to the decorative value, it is worth noting a significant positive impact. Thus, it is marigolds that are able to protect the soil under the apple tree from fungal diseases, as well as from the nematode parasite. Many insect pests cannot tolerate the scent of these flowers. It is a fact proven in practice that in the presence of Chernobyvtsy at the foot, the apple tree forgets about the misfortunes of ants and aphids.

The base of the apple tree looks no less original in tandem with nasturtium , which spreads in a thick and bright carpet. It is noteworthy that this plant is capable of reliably covering the root system of a tree until winter; this is a kind of “living” mulch. In addition to the decorative value, it is worth noting the repellent effect, since you will not see the whitefly butterfly, leaf beetles and bugs if you choose nasturtium for planting.

A popular option for the base of an apple tree is planting calendula , since this plant will not only be a bright decoration, but also an excellent way to protect the tree from aphid attacks. Where calendula grows there is no room for aphids.

Plantings near an apple tree look no less bright, beautiful and practical:

• daylilies;
• aquilegia;
• irises;
• primrose;
• liverworts;
• swimsuits;
• tulips;
• daffodils;
• crocuses;
• hosts;
• Brunners;
• astilbe;
• survivors;
• sedum

Compatibility of currants - the best neighbors in the garden

You can safely plant onions next to currant bushes, both black and red. It is better to do this before winter, since in the spring it will protect the berry bushes from the bud mite, a dangerous pest.

Honeysuckle will be an excellent neighbor for black currants. Plum also grows well next to black currants.

Black currants are a bad neighbor for cherries and pears, which may even die next to them.

As for its closest relative, red currants, you need to be careful. Red and black currants do not get along well with each other. An example is the photo at the beginning of the article. I was unable to take a photo to show that black currants were growing behind the neighbor’s fence. But I assure you, before this my red currants were literally strewn with berries. But the neighbor at the dacha planted a black one on his side along the fence - as a result, his harvest was meager and so was mine. Neither of us knew about the incompatibility of these plants...

Six months have passed since I published this article. In winter it was not yet clear what we would see in the garden in the spring. Now I can already say that practically both my neighbor and my neighbor in the country have lost our currants. After spring, not a single (!) black currant bush “woke up” for him, and out of three red currant bushes, I only had one left.

The same applies to raspberries. Its root system is very freedom-loving and requires new territories. The currants from such a free neighbor begin to wither, and the yield drops.

It is forbidden to plant under an apple tree

If you think that the list of ornamental plants can be expanded, you should not experiment with periwinkle , since there will be no benefit from such a tandem, because periwinkle will deprive the apple tree of many useful components, and will also significantly depress the fruit tree.

Another taboo for planting under an apple tree is planting lilies of the valley . Undoubtedly, the white bells that barely make their way through the huge greenery are very beautiful, but not for proximity to such a fruit tree. It's all about the root system of lilies of the valley; it is so powerful that it can cause failure at the root of the apple tree, so this tandem is not recommended.

Benefits of a good neighborhood

The compatibility of trees and bushes directly affects not only the amount of the future harvest, but also the development of the garden.

The proximity of some promotes better growth and protects against diseases and pests, while the proximity of others has the completely opposite effect - growth is inhibited, trees begin to get sick and may die.

General landing rules:

1. Apple trees get along with almost all fruit trees, but distance must be maintained.
2. It is better not to plant walnuts where other crops are planned to be grown. Its leaves are poisonous and simply poison the soil and everything around.
3. Not a single fruit crop gets along with spruce either.
4. You cannot plant oaks, birches, lindens or poplars in the garden. The large root system requires a lot of nutrients, and the spreading crown provides shade.

Cherry is not the friendliest plant. More details about which crops and why this tree can or cannot be planted will be written later.

TOP 7 vegetables for planting under an apple tree

The only caveat before choosing vegetable crops for a neighborhood with an apple tree is the presence of regular spraying of the tree; if such a procedure is absent, then you can safely plant the following vegetable crops.

1. Planting garlic under an apple tree. It is recommended to plant winter garlic in the fall, since in this way you can protect the tree from rodent attacks in the cold season. The partial shade of an apple tree will fit well into the successful growth of garlic, since you will get not only rich greens, but also large heads of garlic.
2. Planting climbing beans and peas under the apple tree. Growing legumes near a fruit tree will be no less successful. Simply install the trellis, securing it to the lower branches of the tree, and the legumes will begin to develop perfectly without interfering with the apple tree.
3. Planting greens: spinach, lettuce and sorrel under the apple tree. Partial shade near a tree is an excellent place for greenery to grow, so lettuce, spinach and sorrel grow to impressive sizes, delighting not only with large, but also juicy foliage. For successful growing of greenery, nutritious soil and systematic moisture are needed.
4. Planting cucumbers under an apple tree. More and more often we hear positive reviews about growing cucumbers under a tree. The condition for planting is not to approach the trunk less than a meter. In order for cucumbers to grow successfully, they must be sown in a nutrient medium, which should be fertilized with humus in advance. You should not let the cucumbers trail along the ground, because you can easily tie the garter to the lower shoots of the tree, since the load is small and the cultivation is complete. Experts say that thanks to the apple tree and its protection, cucumbers are significantly less susceptible to illness, especially from powdery mildew.
5. Planting a tomato under an apple tree. The apple tree will accept such a neighbor without any problems, since tomato tops are an excellent way to combat the codling moth. The quality of the harvest directly depends on weather conditions, as well as disease attacks. Often tomatoes suffer from late blight, but exceptions are possible.
6. Planting zucchini and pumpkin under an apple tree. These crops will grow successfully near an apple tree if the crown is not too thick and the plants have enough lighting. Before planting, the soil must be well fertilized with organic matter. After planting and germination of zucchini, it is necessary to mulch the base generously. Remember, under one apple tree there can be either a pumpkin or a zucchini; you should not plant two representatives side by side.
7. Planting strawberries under an apple tree. Alternatively, you can plant garden strawberries, or strawberries directly under the tree. So that your berry bushes can successfully smell and not suffer from possible pests of the apple tree, you should plant several heads of garlic, then there will be no danger.

The apple tree is a universal tree that can successfully grow in the garden, provide a rich harvest, and also become a comfortable neighbor for many ornamental flowering, wild, vegetable and berry crops. Feel free to plant a variety of plants near the apple tree, this way you will save space on your plot and have a unique opportunity to get a harvest of not only apples, but also other crops.

Principles for selecting partners

For planting a young apple tree in the garden, a sunny area protected from strong winds, away from buildings and old trees, is suitable. The soil is preferably loose, fertile, neutral or slightly acidic.

When planning plantings, it is necessary to pay attention to the following characteristics of plants:

• Depth of the root system. The roots of neighboring crops must be located in different soil horizons, otherwise competition for moisture and nutrition is inevitable.
• Presence of common diseases and pests. As a rule, a plant affected by a disease or parasites willingly “shares” its problems with neighboring crops.
• Nutritional requirements. Absorbing the same substances, crops growing on the site quickly deplete the soil, and then suffer from a deficiency of macro- and microelements.
• Allelopathy. Exudations from some plants can be toxic to nearby crops.
• Crown volume. Low-growing plants in the shade of spreading neighbors wither, unable to withstand competition in the struggle for sunlight.

Flower garden

An interesting option for decorating the trunk circle of an apple tree is to plant it with flowers in a flower bed. Choose unpretentious flowers for planting so that you don’t have to spend extra effort on caring. Common flowers for planting under a fruit tree:

1. Marigold. They are classified in the Aster family. The homeland of marigolds is America, where these flowers were used in Indian rituals. The plant is unpretentious; even a beginner who has never gardened can grow it. Marigolds prefer to grow in sunny places or in clearings immersed in light shade, then they grow brighter and more lush. They germinate on any soil and do not need frequent fertilizers; it is recommended to feed them no more than once a month. The main care activity is watering: the soil should be sufficiently moist during the period of growth and flowering. Watering is moderate, stagnation of moisture should be avoided, as this causes the flowers to tragically die and wither. It is worth regularly loosening the soil and weeding the weeds - marigolds treat this work favorably and grow better. To form bushes, pruning is carried out, cutting off faded inflorescences. The smell of marigolds and the secretions of their roots protect flowers and plants growing nearby, including fruit trees, from fungal diseases and fusarium. Diseases that flowers can contract are associated with excess dampness or drying out.
2. Nasturtium is a flower whose popularity is due to its beauty and ability to grow in poor soils.
   The stems grow from 2 to 25 cm depending on the variety, with a flower size of 5 cm in diameter. Nasturtium loves sunlight and warmth and does not tolerate drafts. It prefers moderately fertile soil, fertilizing is rare, and the main thing is that it is not organic, but mineral. Watering is moderate; over time, as the plant grows, it is advisable to reduce the amount of watering. During flowering, nasturtium is watered only during dry periods. Abundant and regular watering is risky because it can lead to rotting of flowers. Another important aspect of plant care is pruning weak branches and buds. Together, pruning and proper watering prolong flowering.
3. Hosta. The flowers of this plant look modest and even unsightly, but the main thing, the aesthetic advantage lies not in them, but in the beautiful leaves, the color of which varies from rich green and golden to white and bluish. Being of Asian origin, hosta loves warmth and moisture. The planting location depends on the hosta variety; green beauties prefer to grow in the shade, while variegated ones thrive in the sun. Hosta grows in light, well-drained soils, and the level of acidity and alkali is almost irrelevant. Care: regular but not excessive watering; feeding; loosening, but careful - the roots of the hosta develop close to the surface. It is better to prefer mulching with a caustic material to loosening; the latter protects the flower from slugs.

Hosta has beautiful leaves that provide aesthetic pleasure