Apricot Tree Companion Plants That Will Help Your Trees Thrive

Apricot trees are a delicious and beautiful addition to any garden. They are relatively easy to care for, but there are a few things you can do to help them thrive. One of the best ways to do this is to plant companion plants.

Companion planting is the practice of planting different types of plants together that benefit each other. There are many different companion plants that can be beneficial for apricot trees, but some of the best include:

• Herbs: Herbs are a great way to attract pollinators to your apricot tree. They also help to repel pests. Some good herbs to plant near apricot trees include basil, chives, lavender, and mint.
• Vegetables: Vegetables can also be beneficial companion plants for apricot trees. They help to improve the soil quality and can provide a source of food for pollinators. Some good vegetables to plant near apricot trees include asparagus, carrots, onions, and strawberries.
• Shrubs: Shrubs can provide a windbreak for apricot trees and help to protect them from pests. Some good shrubs to plant near apricot trees include lavender, rosemary, and southernwood.

In addition to these specific plants, there are a few general principles of companion planting that you can follow when planting near apricot trees. These include:

• Plant plants with different root systems. This will help to prevent competition for nutrients and water.
• Plant plants with different heights. This will create a layered garden that is more attractive and provides more habitat for wildlife.
• Plant plants with different flowering times. This will help to extend the bloom time of your garden and attract pollinators for a longer period of time.

By following these principles, you can create a companion planting scheme that will help your apricot tree thrive.

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Benefits of Companion Planting

There are many benefits to companion planting. Some of the most important benefits include:

• Improved pollination: Companion plants can help to attract pollinators, such as bees and butterflies. These pollinators are essential for the reproduction of many plants, including apricot trees.
• Reduced pest pressure: Companion plants can help to repel pests, such as aphids, borers, and scale. This can help to protect your apricot tree from damage and disease.
• Improved soil quality: Companion plants can help to improve the soil quality by adding nutrients and organic matter. This can help your apricot tree to grow healthier and more productive.
• Increased biodiversity: Companion planting can help to increase the biodiversity of your garden. This can attract a wider variety of wildlife, such as birds, butterflies, and beneficial insects.

How to Choose Companion Plants

When choosing companion plants for your apricot tree, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you need to consider the needs of your apricot tree. Apricot trees need full sun and well-drained soil. They are also susceptible to pests and diseases. When choosing companion plants, you want to choose plants that will not compete with your apricot tree for resources.

Second, you need to consider the benefits you want to achieve from companion planting. Do you want to attract pollinators? Repel pests? Improve soil quality? Once you know what you want to achieve, you can choose companion plants that will help you achieve those goals.

Finally, you need to consider the aesthetics of your garden. You want to choose companion plants that you like the look of and that will complement the other plants in your garden.

A List of Companion Plants for Apricot Trees

Here is a list of some of the best companion plants for apricot trees:

• Herbs: Basil, chives, lavender, mint, oregano, rosemary, sage
• Vegetables: Asparagus, carrots, onions, strawberries
• Shrubs: Lavender, rosemary, southernwood
• Flowers: Marigolds, nasturtiums, sunflowers

Conclusion

Companion planting is a great way to help your apricot tree thrive. By following the principles of companion planting and choosing the right companion plants, you can create a garden that is both beautiful and productive.

Apricot trees are a delicious and rewarding addition to any garden. But did you know that there are certain plants that can help to improve the health and productivity of your apricot tree? These companion plants can help to attract pollinators, deter pests, and improve the overall health of the soil.

Some of the best companion plants for apricot trees include:

• Strawberries: Strawberries are a great choice for underplanting apricot trees. They help to suppress weeds and improve the drainage around the tree.
• Grape: Grapes are another good choice for companion planting with apricot trees. They help to provide shade and support for the apricot tree, and they also attract pollinators.
• Asparagus: Asparagus is a good companion plant for apricot trees because it helps to improve the nitrogen content of the soil.
• Tansy: Tansy is a fragrant herb that can help to repel pests from apricot trees.
• Comfrey: Comfrey is a nitrogen-fixing plant that can help to improve the health of the soil around an apricot tree.

For more information about companion planting with apricot trees, please visit Gardenia Inspiration.

FAQ of apricot tree companion plants

Question 1: What are the best companion plants for apricot trees?

Answer: Apricot trees benefit from being planted near other fruit trees in the same family, such as plums, peaches, and nectarines. These trees help to attract pollinators and can also help to suppress pests. Other good companion plants for apricot trees include:

• Basil: Basil helps to repel pests such as aphids and mosquitoes.
• Onion: Onions help to repel root-knot nematodes, which can damage apricot tree roots.
• Wormwood: Wormwood helps to repel Japanese beetles and other pests.
• Garlic: Garlic helps to repel pests such as aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies.
• Sunflowers: Sunflowers attract pollinators and can also help to suppress weeds.

Question 2: What should I avoid planting near my apricot tree?

Answer: There are a few plants that you should avoid planting near your apricot tree, as they can be harmful to the tree's health. These plants include:

• Peppers: Peppers are prone to a fungus that can infect apricot trees.
• Chillies: Chilies are also prone to the same fungus that can infect apricot trees.
• Tomatoes: Tomatoes can compete with apricot trees for nutrients and water.
• Potatoes: Potatoes can harbor a fungus that can infect apricot trees.
• Eggplant: Eggplant can compete with apricot trees for nutrients and water.

Question 3: What are the benefits of companion planting with apricot trees?

Answer: There are many benefits to companion planting with apricot trees. Some of these benefits include:

• Attracting pollinators: Companion plants can help to attract pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, which are essential for fruit tree pollination.
• Suppressing pests: Companion plants can help to suppress pests, such as aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies.
• Improving soil health: Companion plants can help to improve soil health by adding nutrients and organic matter.
• Compensating for weaknesses: Companion plants can compensate for weaknesses in apricot trees, such as their susceptibility to certain pests or diseases.

Question 4: How far apart should companion plants be planted from apricot trees?

Answer: The distance between companion plants and apricot trees will vary depending on the size of the plants. However, as a general rule of thumb, companion plants should be planted at least 3 feet away from apricot trees.

Question 5: When should I plant companion plants with my apricot tree?

Answer: Companion plants can be planted in the spring or fall, at the same time as the apricot tree. However, it is important to make sure that the companion plants are compatible with the climate in your area.

Image of apricot tree companion plants

• Sunflowers: Sunflowers are a great companion plant for apricot trees because they attract pollinators, which help to improve the fruit set of the apricots.
• Basil: Basil is another good companion plant for apricot trees, as it helps to repel pests such as aphids and spider mites.
• Onion: Onions help to repel nematodes, which can damage the roots of apricot trees.
• Wormwood: Wormwood is a natural insect repellent that can help to keep pests away from apricot trees.
• Garlic: Garlic is another good insect repellent that can help to protect apricot trees from pests.