8 Almond Tree Companion Plants and 3 to Avoid

Today, I’ll share insights on the almond tree, a beautiful and valuable addition to any garden, focusing on its companion plants. We’ll explore 8 beneficial companions and 3 plants to avoid, ensuring your almond tree thrives.

Good Companion Plants for Almond Trees

Rosemary

Rosemary is an excellent companion for almond trees, thanks to its ability to repel a variety of pests and insects, including the beetles that sometimes plague almond trees. Its strong scent acts as a natural deterrent, keeping the almond tree healthier and more productive. Rosemary also attracts beneficial insects that pollinate almond flowers.

To plant rosemary near your almond tree, follow these steps:

1. Choose a location with full sun, as rosemary thrives in bright conditions.
2. Ensure the soil is well-draining; rosemary prefers it slightly dry.
3. Plant rosemary bushes about 2 feet apart from each other to allow for their full growth spread.
4. Water sparingly; rosemary is drought-tolerant and does not like wet roots.

For more details on rosemary and its companion planting benefits, visit our article here.

Nasturtium

Nasturtiums are excellent companions for almond trees due to their ability to repel harmful pests, such as aphids, which are attracted to almond trees. These vibrant flowers bring a pop of color to your garden while serving a practical purpose. Nasturtiums are easy to grow and can help to create a healthier environment for your almond trees.

To plant nasturtiums with your almond tree, follow these steps:

1. Choose a site that receives full sun, as nasturtiums thrive in bright light.
2. Plant nasturtium seeds directly in the soil about 10 to 12 inches apart to ensure adequate space for growth.
3. Water regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.
4. As they grow, nasturtiums will naturally spread out and can be guided to cover the ground around almond trees, providing beauty and protection.

For more insights on companion planting with nasturtiums, read the full post here.

Lavender

Lavender is not only known for its soothing fragrance but also for its ability to attract pollinators like bees to the almond tree, which is crucial for nut production. Additionally, lavender’s strong scent can help deter deer and rabbits from nibbling on your almond tree.

To plant lavender with your almond tree, consider these guidelines:

1. Select a location that receives full sun, as lavender thrives in bright, open areas.
2. Ensure the soil is well-drained; lavender prefers dry conditions over wet feet.
3. Space lavender plants approximately 18 inches apart to provide ample airflow and reduce the risk of mold or mildew.
4. Water the lavender sparingly; this plant is drought-tolerant and overwatering can lead to root rot.

Discover more about the benefits of planting lavender with almond trees by reading the complete article here.

Marigolds

Marigolds are a gardener’s best friend, especially when it comes to companion planting with almond trees. These bright, cheerful flowers are known for their pest-repellent properties, especially against nematodes in the soil that can harm almond tree roots.

For planting marigolds near your almond tree, follow these steps:

1. Choose a sunny spot as marigolds love the sun.
2. Plant marigold seeds or seedlings around the base of the almond tree, spacing them about 8-10 inches apart.
3. Water regularly, but be careful not to overwater as marigolds are drought-resistant.
4. Keep the area around the marigolds weed-free to prevent competition for nutrients.

Interested in learning more about marigolds as companion plants? Click here for detailed information.

Garlic

Garlic acts as a powerful companion for almond trees by deterring aphids and other pests with its strong scent. Moreover, garlic has the added benefit of improving the soil quality around the almond tree, making it a dual-purpose companion plant.

Planting garlic around your almond tree involves:

1. Choosing a spot with good sunlight and well-draining soil.
2. Planting garlic cloves pointy-end up, about 4 inches apart and 2 inches deep, in the fall for a spring harvest.
3. Watering the cloves lightly; garlic does not require much water.
4. Mulching around the garlic can help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

To delve deeper into garlic as a companion plant, click here.

Basil

Basil not only improves the flavor of almonds when planted nearby but also repels harmful insects and pests, including thrips, which can affect almond trees. Its strong aroma masks the scent of the almond tree, protecting it from being detected by pests.

For successful basil planting:

1. Pick a sunny spot with rich, moist, well-draining soil.
2. Plant basil seeds or seedlings about 10-12 inches apart to give them room to bush out.
3. Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
4. Harvest basil leaves regularly to encourage more growth and prevent the plant from going to seed.

Learn more about the advantages of basil as a companion plant here.

Bee Balm

Bee balm is beneficial for almond trees as it attracts bees and other pollinators essential for almond tree pollination. Its vibrant flowers and pleasant scent make it an attractive addition to any garden, enhancing biodiversity and pollinator activity.

To plant bee balm alongside your almond tree:

1. Choose a sunny or partially shaded spot with rich, well-draining soil.
2. Space bee balm plants about 18-24 inches apart to ensure they have room to spread.
3. Water regularly, especially during dry periods, to keep the soil consistently moist.
4. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms and attract pollinators throughout the season.

For further reading on bee balm and its benefits, check out our post here.

Chamomile

Chamomile is another excellent companion for almond trees, known for its ability to improve plant health and vigor. Chamomile attracts beneficial insects and can enhance the growth and flavor of nearby plants, including almonds.

Planting chamomile around your almond tree involves:

1. Selecting a sunny location with well-draining soil.
2. Sowing chamomile seeds directly into the ground or starting them indoors and transplanting them later.
3. Spacing chamomile plants about 8 inches apart to allow for their sprawling habit.
4. Watering regularly to keep the soil moist, especially during germination and early growth stages.

Explore the full benefits of chamomile in companion planting by visiting here.

Bad Almond Tree Companion Plants

Black Walnut

Black walnut trees are known to release juglone, a chemical that can inhibit the growth of many plants, including almond trees. The presence of black walnut can lead to stunted growth or even death of almond trees due to juglone’s toxic effects.

Potatoes

Potatoes should not be planted near almond trees as they can attract blight and other diseases that could also affect the almond tree. The high water needs of potatoes can also lead to competition for resources, potentially stressing the almond tree.

To maintain a healthy almond tree, keep potatoes at a distance. Learn more about the risks of planting potatoes near certain plants here.

Cabbage

Cabbage and other brassicas tend to attract pests that could also harm almond trees, such as aphids and cabbage worms. Additionally, the dense foliage of cabbage can compete with almond trees for sunlight and nutrients.

For the well-being of your almond tree, it’s best to plant cabbage and other brassicas in a separate area of the garden. Detailed insights on cabbage and its companion planting can be found here.