Gardeners often face the question: what is the best thing to plant next to a cherry tree to achieve a bountiful harvest and healthy tree growth?
The correct choice of neighbors for cherries plays a key role in improving its productivity and preventing diseases.
Understanding the principles of plant compatibility will help create a harmonious and fertile garden, noted the expert of the online publication BelNovosti, agronomist, landscape designer Anastasia Kovrizhnykh .
The influence of neighboring plants on cherry
The choice of plants for planting next to a cherry tree should be based on their ability to positively influence the tree.
Some plants can improve the soil, repel pests, or promote pollination. Such neighbors will help the cherry tree grow faster and bear fruit more abundantly.
Best Grass for Cherries
One of the best neighbors for cherries is clover. This grass enriches the soil with nitrogen, which promotes healthy tree growth.
Clover also helps retain moisture in the soil and prevents erosion.
As a result, the cherry tree receives optimal conditions for development.
Useful flowers
Flowers such as calendula and nasturtium are excellent companions for cherries. They attract beneficial insects that will help control pests.
In addition, flowers improve the aesthetic appearance of the garden, creating a colorful and attractive landscape.
Vegetables and greens
Some vegetables and greens can grow successfully next to cherries without competing with them for nutrients.
Onions and garlic, for example, repel many pests, which has a beneficial effect on the health of cherries.
You can also plant spinach and lettuce next to the cherry tree, which not only take up little space, but also improve the structure of the soil.
Useful shrubs
Shrubs such as currants and gooseberries can be good neighbors for cherries.
They occupy the lower tier of the garden, without competing for light, and at the same time protect the soil from drying out.
These shrubs can also create a microclimate that is conducive to cherry growth.
Fruit trees
The selection of fruit trees for neighboring cherries should be done carefully.
Apple and pear trees can be good companions if they are spaced far enough apart to avoid competition for nutrients.
It is also important to consider that some fruit trees may be susceptible to the same diseases as cherries, so resistant varieties should be chosen.
Unsuitable neighbors for cherries
Some plants can negatively affect the cherry tree, inhibiting its growth and development.
For example, nuts release substances that can inhibit the root system of cherries.
It is also not recommended to plant large bushes, such as raspberries, next to cherries, which can compete for moisture and nutrients.
Tips for caring for neighboring plants
When creating a garden with cherry trees and their neighbors, it is important to consider the needs of all plants.
Regular watering, fertilizing and pruning will help keep all plants healthy and productive.
Gardeners must also monitor the condition of the soil to avoid depletion and ensure optimal growing conditions.
Creating a harmonious garden
Creating a harmonious garden with cherry trees and their neighbors requires a careful approach and knowledge of plant compatibility.
The right combination of herbs, flowers, vegetables and shrubs will help create favorable conditions for cherries and other plants, which will lead to a bountiful harvest and a healthy garden.
Earlier we told you what to do if moss and lichens appear on a tree.