Companion planting for apricot tree is an experience-based observation developed over centuries. People have noticed that planting certain plants side by side has a positive effect on each other, increasing the quality and quantity of the harvest.
Companion planting is not set in stone and it is the least you can do for your plants. You can get the right care from the individual plant article. You can see the companion and the enemy plants of apricot tree below.
| Companion plants for apricot tree | Enemy plants of apricot tree |
|---|---|
| Sunflower | Potato |
| Plum tree | Sweet Potato |
| Grape | Eggplant |
| Asparagus | Common sage |
| Comfrey |
Why does companion planting work?
Companion planting works due to several interconnected factors:
Pest Control: Certain plants emit natural chemicals or scents that repel pests, effectively acting as natural pest deterrents for nearby plants. This reduces the need for chemical pesticides and fosters a more balanced ecosystem.
Attracting Beneficial Insects: Some companion plants attract beneficial insects like ladybugs, hoverflies, and predatory wasps, which feed on common garden pests. This creates a natural form of pest control and helps maintain ecological balance.
Soil Improvement: Different plants have varying root structures and nutrient requirements. Companion planting can enhance soil health by reducing soil erosion, suppressing weeds, and improving nutrient uptake. For example, leguminous plants fix nitrogen in the soil, benefiting neighboring plants that require nitrogen for growth.
Competition Reduction: Companion planting can help reduce competition for resources such as water, sunlight, and nutrients by utilizing plants with complementary growth patterns and root structures. This allows for more efficient resource utilization and healthier plant growth.
Biodiversity and Resilience: Planting diverse species together increases biodiversity in the garden, which can enhance ecosystem resilience. A diverse ecosystem is better equipped to withstand pests, diseases, and environmental stresses compared to monocultures.
Maximizing Space: Companion planting allows gardeners to make the most of limited space by intercropping plants with different growth habits and maturity rates. This maximizes yield per square foot and promotes efficient land use.
Overall, companion planting capitalizes on the natural synergies between plant species, creating a thriving and sustainable garden ecosystem.
What are the companion plants of apricot tree?
The following plants have positive effects on the growth of your apricot tree. These plants can repel pests that damage your plants. These plants provide increased nutrition to the soil that your plants can use. Therefore, we recommend planting these plants next to your apricot tree.
Sunflower
Sunflowers thrive in fertile soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.5. Full sunlight and ample space nurture their towering stems and vibrant flowers. Sunflowers provide invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by attracting pollinators, enhancing garden aesthetics, and providing seeds for birds and wildlife. Belonging to the Asteraceae family, alongside esteemed companions like daisies and asters.
Sunflowers attract bees, which are great for pollinating apricot blossoms, helping the tree produce more fruit. Plus, their deep roots help loosen the soil, allowing the apricot tree’s roots to spread and grow more easily.
Plum tree
The Plum Tree flourishes in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 6.5. It prefers partial shade and moderate moisture, boasting lush foliage and bountiful fruit. Beyond its delicious harvest, the Plum Tree enriches soil health, attracts pollinators, and adds a delightful touch to culinary creations.
Plum trees make great companions for apricot trees because they grow in similar conditions. Both trees enjoy plenty of sun and well-drained soil, so they thrive when planted together.
Plum trees also help attract pollinators like bees, which can boost the apricot tree’s pollination and lead to a better fruit harvest. Since plum trees tend to grow at a similar pace, they won’t overshadow the apricot tree or crowd it out, making them good neighbors.
Grape
Grapes thrive in a range of soil compositions, favoring well-drained, loamy soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. They flourish in full sunlight, producing vibrant green foliage and clusters of juicy grapes. Beyond their sweet bounty, grapes contribute to soil health, attract beneficial insects, and offer versatile culinary possibilities, from fresh snacks to fine wines.
Grapes are great companions for apricot trees because they both love sunny spots and well-drained soil, making them a perfect match for the same area. Grapevines grow up, so they won’t take up too much space and can even provide some shade to the apricot tree’s roots during hot weather, helping them stay cool.
Grapes also attract pollinators like bees, which can help the apricot tree’s flowers get pollinated, leading to a better fruit harvest. Plus, grapevines can act as a natural windbreak, protecting the apricot tree from strong winds.
Asparagus
Asparagus, revered for its tender spears and nutritional prowess, stands as a stalwart sentinel in the realm of companion gardening. With a penchant for well-drained, sandy soil and ample sunlight, this perennial delight thrives in environments where winters are cold and summers are warm. As a symbol of grace and gastronomy, asparagus enriches both the palate and the garden landscape, embodying the essence of verdant vitality.
Asparagus grows well in the same sunny, well-drained soil that apricots love. Asparagus plants are low-growing, so they won’t take up much space or compete with the apricot tree for light.
Asparagus also helps keep the soil healthy. Its roots can break up compacted soil, allowing better water flow and helping the apricot tree’s roots grow more easily. Plus, asparagus has a long growing season, which can keep weeds down around the apricot tree, giving it a cleaner and healthier space to grow.
Comfrey
Comfrey thrives in a variety of soil conditions. Flourishing in well-drained, fertile soil enriched with organic matter, it embodies adaptability and strength. Consistent moisture and sunlight support vigorous growth and abundant foliage. Comfrey provides general benefits to neighboring plants by enriching the soil with nutrients and enhancing overall soil health.
Comfrey is a great companion for apricot trees because it helps improve soil health. Its deep roots bring up nutrients from deeper in the soil, making them available for the apricot tree. This can help the tree grow stronger and produce better fruit.
Comfrey also acts as a natural mulch. Its large leaves can be chopped and laid around the base of the apricot tree, helping to keep the soil moist and prevent weeds from growing. Plus, comfrey attracts pollinators like bees, which can help with the apricot tree’s pollination.
What are the enemy plants of apricot tree?
Planting these plants next to apricot tree has a huge negative effect on the development of your plant. Growing enemy plants can appeal detrimental insects, change the taste of the grown plant and even consuming all of the nutrients and water from your apricot tree. Because of these negative effects, we don’t recomment growing the plants below next to your apricot tree.
Potato
Potatoes grows in loose soil with a pH range between 5.0 and 7.0. Full sunlight and consistent moisture nurture their lush foliage and tuber development. Potatoes provide invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by improving soil structure, suppressing weed growth, and adding nutrients to the soil when left to decompose.
Potatoes are not great companions for apricot trees because they compete for water and nutrients, which can stunt the growth of both plants. They are also susceptible to diseases that can affect apricots. Additionally, potatoes attract pests like aphids and beetles, which can harm both the apricot tree and nearby plants.
Sweet Potato
Sweet potatoes grow in sandy or loamy soil with a pH range between 5.8 and 6.5. Full sunlight and consistent moisture nurture their sprawling vines and prolific root development. Sweet potatoes provide invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by improving soil structure, suppressing weed growth, and adding nutrients to the soil when left to decompose.
Sweet potatoes are also not the best companions for apricot trees. They compete for water and nutrients, which can limit the growth of both plants. Sweet potatoes spread out along the ground, which can block sunlight from reaching the apricot tree. They also attract pests and are vulnerable to diseases that can affect apricots.
Eggplant
Eggplant thrives in well-drained, loamy soil under the nurturing warmth of sunlight. Flourishing in fertile earth enriched with organic matter, it embodies resilience and grandeur. Consistent moisture and adequate spacing support robust growth and prolific fruiting. Eggplant provides general benefits to neighboring plants by shading the soil, reducing weed growth, and promoting overall garden health.
Eggplants compete for the same resources as Apricot trees. Both plants need plenty of nutrients and water to grow well, and sharing can limit what each one gets.
Eggplants also attract pests like aphids and beetles, which can spread to the apricot tree and cause damage.
Common sage
Common Sage grows in diverse soil conditions. Flourishing in well-drained, sandy or loamy soil. Full sunlight and moderate moisture nurture its aromatic foliage and sturdy growth. Common Sage provides invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by repelling pests, attracting beneficial insects, and adding culinary richness to the garden.
