6 Best Apple Tree Companion Plants & 4 to Avoid

Choosing the right apple tree companion plants will significantly change your gardens health and productivity. Let’s explore the six best companions for your apple trees and identify four plants that could hinder their growth.

Good Companion Plants for Apple Trees

Marigolds

Marigolds are more than just a splash of color in the garden; they are guardian plants. Their ability to deter pests, such as aphids and beetles, makes them invaluable allies for apple trees. The strong fragrance of marigolds can mask the scent of your apple trees, keeping pests at bay.

Planting marigolds around apple trees:

1. Plant marigold seeds directly in the soil around the drip line of your apple tree in early spring.
2. Space them about 8-12 inches apart to allow for full growth and optimal pest deterrence.
3. Water regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged, to promote healthy growth.

Garlic

Garlic’s pungent aroma is not only perfect for the kitchen but also acts as a natural repellent against pests like borers and aphids, which can plague apple trees. Garlic also has the added benefit of deterring deer and rabbits, who might be tempted by your apple trees.

To plant garlic around apple trees:

1. Plant garlic cloves in fall, positioning them around the apple tree’s base but not too close to the trunk.
2. Space the cloves about 6 inches apart in well-draining soil.
3. Water the cloves after planting and keep the soil lightly moist through the growing season.

Discover more about garlic as a companion plant in our detailed guide.

Comfrey

Comfrey is a dynamic accumulator, meaning it draws up nutrients from deep within the soil and makes them available to nearby plants. This property can be especially beneficial for apple trees, providing them with essential nutrients through comfrey’s decomposing leaves.

Integrating comfrey into your apple orchard:

1. Plant comfrey on the outskirts of your apple tree’s root zone to avoid competition for nutrients.
2. Water regularly until established; comfrey is drought-tolerant once it takes root.
3. Chop and drop comfrey leaves around the base of your apple trees in the spring to act as a nutrient-rich mulch.

Daffodils

Daffodils are not just early spring bloomers; they also serve as a natural barrier against rodents, which may gnaw on apple tree roots and bark. Their bright flowers can mark the start of the growing season and add beauty to your orchard.

Planting daffodils around apple trees:

1. Plant daffodil bulbs in the fall, about 12-18 inches away from the apple tree’s trunk.
2. Space bulbs 4-6 inches apart in well-draining soil to create a dense barrier.
3. Water thoroughly after planting and allow the foliage to die back naturally to feed the bulbs for next year’s bloom.

Chives

Chives, with their mild onion scent, can help deter pests from your apple trees. Additionally, their purple flowers add a pop of color and attract pollinators, which are essential for apple tree pollination and fruit set.

To plant chives under apple trees:

1. Plant chive starts or seeds in early spring, spacing them about 8-12 inches apart around the tree’s base.
2. Ensure they receive full sun to partial shade and regular watering, especially during dry periods.
3. Cut back chives after flowering to prevent self-sowing and to encourage a bushier growth habit.

Basil

Basil’s aromatic leaves can help repel pests like aphids and flies, making it a great companion for apple trees. Plus, basil attracts beneficial insects, such as ladybugs, that prey on common orchard pests.

Planting basil around apple trees:

1. Plant basil seeds or starts after the last frost, when the soil has warmed.
2. Space basil plants about 12 inches apart in full sun, near the base of the apple tree.
3. Water regularly, keeping the soil moist to promote lush, fragrant leaves.

Plants to Avoid Near Apple Trees

Walnut Trees

Walnut trees, including black walnuts, release juglone, a chemical that can inhibit the growth of apple trees and other plants sensitive to this compound.

Potatoes

Potatoes can attract blight, a disease that can also affect apple trees. Planting them too close can increase the risk of disease transmission.

Tomatoes

Like potatoes, tomatoes can harbor blight, posing a risk to apple trees if planted in close proximity.

Raspberries

Raspberries can compete with apple trees for nutrients and water. They also share common pests and diseases, which can spread more easily when planted together.

Companion Planting Chart for Apple Trees

Here’s a quick reference chart to help you remember the best companions for your apple trees and those to avoid:

Good Companions	Benefits
Marigolds	Pest deterrence, adds beauty
Garlic	Repels pests, deters wildlife
Comfrey	Nutrient accumulation, mulching
Daffodils	Rodent barrier, adds spring color
Chives	Pest deterrence, attracts pollinators
Basil	Repels pests, attracts beneficial insects

Plants to Avoid	Reason
Walnut Trees	Releases growth-inhibiting juglone
Potatoes	Can attract blight
Tomatoes	Risk of blight transmission
Raspberries	Compete for resources, share pests/diseases