Companion planting for plum 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 plum tree below.
| Companion plants for plum tree | Enemy plants of plum tree |
|---|---|
| Chamomile | Tomato |
| Chives | Raspberry |
| Cilantro | |
| Common sage | |
| Rosemary | |
| Dill | |
| Garlic | |
| Lavender | |
| Sunflower |
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 plum tree?
The following plants have positive effects on the growth of your plum 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 plum tree.
Chamomile
Chamomile thrives in diverse growing conditions. Flourishing in well-drained, loamy soil under gentle sunlight, it embodies adaptability and calmness. Consistent moisture and occasional pruning support lush growth and abundant flowering. Chamomile offers general benefits to neighboring plants by attracting beneficial insects, such as pollinators, and enhancing overall biodiversity.
Chamomile is a great companion for plum trees because it helps keep them healthy and strong. Its flowers attract pollinators like bees, which can improve the plum tree’s pollination and lead to better fruit production.
Chamomile also has natural antifungal and antibacterial properties that can help protect the plum tree from diseases. Plus, as it grows, chamomile improves the soil by adding nutrients, which supports the plum tree’s growth.
Chives
Chives thrive in well-drained, fertile soil enriched with compost, they embody adaptability and finesse. Adequate moisture and sunlight support lush growth and abundant foliage. Chives extend general benefits to neighboring plants by repelling pests and attracting beneficial insects, enhancing overall garden biodiversity.
Chives are great companions for plum trees because they help keep pests away. Their strong smell naturally repels insects like aphids, which can damage the plum tree’s leaves and fruit.
Chives also attract pollinators like bees, which help the plum tree produce more fruit. Plus, as they grow, chives improve the soil by adding important nutrients that support the tree’s health.
Cilantro
Coriander thrives in various soil conditions. Flourishing in well-drained, fertile soil enriched with organic matter, it embodies adaptability and aroma. Adequate moisture and sunlight support lush growth and abundant foliage. Coriander extends general benefits to neighboring plants by attracting beneficial insects and enhancing overall garden biodiversity.
Cilantro is a great companion for plum trees because it helps keep pests away. Its strong scent naturally repels harmful insects like aphids and spider mites, which can damage the tree’s leaves and fruit.
Cilantro also attracts helpful pollinators like bees and butterflies, boosting the plum tree’s pollination and leading to a better harvest. As it grows, cilantro improves the soil by adding nutrients that support the tree’s health.
With its pest protection, pollination boost, and soil benefits, cilantro is a useful and easy-to-grow partner for plum trees!
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.
Common sage is a great companion for plum trees because it helps keep pests away. Its strong scent naturally repels harmful insects like aphids and caterpillars, which can damage the tree’s leaves and fruit.
Sage also attracts helpful pollinators like bees, which boost the plum tree’s pollination and lead to better fruit production. Plus, it helps improve the soil by adding nutrients and preventing weed growth around the tree’s base.
Rosemary
Rosemary flourishes in well-drained, sandy soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.0. Full sunlight and moderate moisture nurture its aromatic foliage and robust growth. Rosemary provides invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by repelling pests, attracting beneficial insects, and enhancing overall garden biodiversity.
Rosemary is a great companion for plum trees because it helps keep pests away. Its strong scent naturally repels harmful insects like aphids and beetles, which can damage the tree’s leaves and fruit.
Rosemary also attracts helpful pollinators like bees, which can improve the plum tree’s pollination and lead to a better harvest. Plus, it grows well in the same sunny, well-drained conditions as plum trees without competing for space or nutrients.
Dill
Dill thrives in various soil types. Flourishing in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil under the gentle caress of sunlight, it embodies adaptability and elegance. Consistent moisture and occasional pruning support lush growth and abundant foliage. Dill offers general benefits to neighboring plants by attracting beneficial insects and enhancing overall garden biodiversity.
Dill is a great companion for plum trees because it helps protect them from pests. Its strong scent repels harmful insects like aphids and spider mites, which can damage the tree’s leaves and fruit.
Dill also attracts helpful insects like ladybugs and hoverflies, which eat pests and keep the tree healthy. Plus, it brings in pollinators like bees, helping the plum tree produce more fruit. Since dill grows easily without taking up much space, it won’t compete with the tree for nutrients.
Garlic
Garlic flourishes in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.5, it embodies adaptability and strength. Adequate sunlight and consistent moisture support robust growth and bulb development. Garlic provides invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by deterring pests with its strong aroma and acting as a natural fungicide against soil-borne diseases.
Garlic is a great companion for plum trees because it helps protect them from pests and disease. Its strong smell naturally repels harmful insects like aphids and borers, which can damage the tree’s leaves and fruit.
Garlic also has antifungal properties that help prevent diseases like root rot and mildew, keeping the plum tree healthy. Plus, it grows easily without taking up much space or competing for nutrients, making it a perfect fit under the tree.
Lavender
Lavender thrives in various soil conditions. Flourishing in well-drained, alkaline soil with a pH range between 6.5 and 7.5. Full sunlight and good air circulation nurture its delicate flowers and aromatic foliage. Lavender provides invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by repelling pests, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies, and promoting relaxation and tranquility in the garden environment. Belonging to the Lamiaceae family, alongside esteemed companions like rosemary and mint, lavender symbolizes the natural elegance and serene beauty found within the garden's sanctuary.
Lavender is a great companion for plum trees because it helps keep pests away. Its strong scent naturally repels harmful insects like aphids and moths, which can damage the tree’s leaves and fruit.
Lavender also attracts helpful pollinators like bees and butterflies, boosting the plum tree’s pollination and leading to better fruit production. Plus, it thrives in the same sunny, well-drained conditions as plum trees without competing for nutrients or space.
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’ bright blooms attract bees and other pollinators, boosting the plum tree’s pollination and leading to better fruit production.
Sunflowers also have deep roots that break up compacted soil, improving drainage and making it easier for the plum tree’s roots to grow.
What are the enemy plants of plum tree?
Planting these plants next to plum 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 plum tree. Because of these negative effects, we don’t recomment growing the plants below next to your plum tree.
Tomato
Tomatoes thrive in various soil conditions. Flourishing fertile soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.0. Full sunlight and consistent moisture nurture their sprawling vines and abundant fruiting. Tomatoes provide invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by attracting pollinators, suppressing weed growth with their dense foliage, and adding richness to culinary dishes.
Tomatoes are not good companions for plum trees because they compete for the same nutrients and water, which can leave both plants struggling to grow strong.
Tomatoes are also prone to diseases like blight, which can spread to the plum tree and weaken it. Additionally, tomatoes attract pests like aphids and whiteflies, which can damage the tree’s leaves and fruit.
Raspberry
Raspberries like various soil conditions. Flourishing in well-drained, loamy soil with a pH range between 5.5 and 6.5. Full sunlight and consistent moisture nurture their vigorous canes and abundant fruiting. Raspberries provide invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by attracting pollinators, enhancing garden aesthetics, and contributing to overall biodiversity.
Raspberries are not great companions for plum trees because they compete for water, nutrients, and sunlight. This can limit what both plants need to grow strong and healthy.
Raspberries also have spreading roots that can crowd out the plum tree, limiting its space to grow. They are also prone to attracting pests like aphids, which can spread to the plum tree and damage its leaves and fruit.
