What can you plant under an apple tree in the shade: 5 reasons to use the tree trunk circle

Almost all gardeners strive to make the most productive use of their garden space. Furthermore, planting other plants under apple trees benefits the fruit trees themselves. When choosing such neighbors, it's important to consider their compatibility and a number of other factors.

Peculiarities of growing plants under an apple tree

The selection of plants for planting under an apple tree should be carried out taking into account several recommendations:

1. Fill the near-trunk space only with specimens with a shallow root system.
2. Avoid planting stone fruit crops nearby, as they do not get along with pome fruits.
3. Since treating plants to protect against diseases and pests involves the use of chemicals, it's important to plan ahead. Otherwise, spraying your neighbors could harm your apple trees, and vice versa.
4. Do not dig deeper than ½ a spade's depth around the apple tree roots. Use a pitchfork when possible.
5. In the tree trunk circle the area is from root collar must be free within a radius of at least 20 cm, and if the crop is grafted onto a dwarf rootstock - at least 1 m.
6. The cover of plants growing under the apple tree should provide protection for the fruit when it falls and at the same time not interfere with its collection.
7. Remove non-fruit-bearing tree branches so that they do not interfere with the development of crops growing below.

Before planting neighboring trees, the apple tree must be vaccinated in the resulting gap or behind the bark; this will prevent the tree from becoming infected and subsequently spreading the disease to nearby crops.

We select plants for different purposes

Plants planted under trees can be used as an extension of a vegetable garden, a lawn, or a flower bed. Each option will not only suppress weeds but also serve several other useful functions.

Close the land

A beautiful green meadow created under an apple tree will not only beautify the garden but also serve a number of other important purposes. Growing herbaceous plants contributes to:

• improving the quality of the soil and increasing its air permeability;
• providing the root system with protection from mechanical damage;
• moisture retention;
• removal of excess salts from the soil.

Planting white clover under an apple tree is an excellent solution: not only is it low-maintenance, but it also boasts a number of positive qualities. When the plot is dug, it will act as a green manure, and during the flowering period, it will act as a honey plant. Creeping bentgrass is also a good choice for planting under fruit crops.

Decorate

Flowers planted under apple trees will enhance the area. However, not every flowering plant will thrive in permanent shade. However, some plants not only thrive but also perform a variety of useful functions. For example, planting nasturtiums under apple trees is an excellent choice. This beautiful flower offers several significant advantages:

• repels some harmful insects, eliminating the need for pesticide treatment;
• It retains moisture well, which is why the apple tree does not dry out even in conditions of severe drought.

The following flowers are also suitable for planting under fruit trees:

• bells;
• tulips;
• daffodils;
• irises;
• calendula;
• marigold;
• asters;
• crocuses, etc.

Protect the apple tree

Grassing is a common method that not only improves the space under growing apple trees but also protects them from diseases and pests. For this purpose, it is recommended to sow grasses such as:

• white clover;
• fescue (paniculate, glaucous, amethyst, red, sheep);
• perennial ryegrass;
• meadow bluegrass;
• creeping bentgrass.

All of them are easy to care for and undemanding to soil.

Use the space for a vegetable garden

In small garden plots, it's best to grow vegetable crops under apple trees. The choice of crops is based on the depth of the tree's root system. Onions, radishes, and cucumbers are ideal. Garlic, sorrel, herbs, basil, dill, and lettuce can also be successfully grown in the tree's trunk circle. The following crops are considered undesirable:

• carrot;
• pumpkin;
• white cabbage;
• parsley;
• legumes;
• tomatoes;
• sage;
• mint.

These plants have a depressing effect on apple trees, robbing them of vitamins and nutrients. Fruit bushes and berries that are good for planting include:

• raspberry;
• black currant;
• gooseberry;
• wild strawberry;
• strawberry.

Pollinate

In addition to clover, the following plants supply bees with pollen and participate in the pollination of apple trees:

• kulbaba;
• Echinacea purpurea;
• sage;
• lavender.

All these flowers are unpretentious and do not require care.

Tips for planting plants under an apple tree

When growing flowers, shrubs and vegetable crops under fruit trees, it is necessary to follow several rules:

• When planting, use the principle of a raised bed;
• provide plants with timely watering and if necessary top dressing, without exceeding the recommended dosage;
• Use only harmless preparations (organic solutions) to treat crops;
• Activities related to grafting should be carried out before planting other plants in the tree trunk circle.

By utilizing the area under apple trees wisely, you can gain up to 30% of the available space, which is especially important for areas with limited space. With the right approach, even a small orchard can be transformed into a spectacular flowerbed, a full-fledged vegetable garden, or a relaxing spot.