Top 6 Apricot Companion Plants & 4 to Avoid

In the lush tapestry of my urban garden, the apricot tree stands as a testament to nature’s bounty and beauty. As an advocate for sustainable gardening, I’ve learned that the right companion plants can make all the difference. Apricot companion plants not only support the health and productivity of the apricot trees but also add diversity and resilience to my garden ecosystem. Let’s explore the six best companions to grow alongside your apricot trees and four plants you should consider avoiding.

Suitable Apricot Companion Plants

Basil

Basil‘s aromatic leaves are not just for culinary delight; they also repel harmful insects that might otherwise be attracted to your apricot trees. This herb can enhance the overall health of your garden by attracting beneficial pollinators.

To plant basil around apricot trees:

1. Plant basil in early spring, once the risk of frost has passed.
2. Space basil plants about 18 inches apart from the base of the apricot tree.
3. Ensure regular watering, especially during hot, dry periods, to keep both the basil and apricot tree well-hydrated.

Explore more about basil companion planting in our extensive guide.

Garlic

Garlic offers dual benefits as a companion to apricot trees: its strong scent deters pests, and it can improve soil health. Garlic is particularly effective against borers and aphids.

For successful garlic planting:

1. Plant garlic cloves in the fall around the drip line of your apricot tree.
2. Space cloves 6 inches apart and 2 inches deep in well-draining soil.
3. Water garlic sparingly, as both garlic and apricot trees prefer not to sit in overly moist soil.

Lavender

The soothing fragrance of lavender not only adds a touch of serenity to your garden but also acts as a natural insect repellent, protecting apricot trees from harmful pests.

Planting lavender near apricot trees:

1. Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil.
2. Space lavender plants about 2 feet apart from the apricot tree to ensure ample growth space.
3. Water the lavender moderately; these plants, like apricot trees, tolerate drought well once established.

Find out more about planting lavender here.

Marigolds

Marigolds are not only a vibrant addition to any garden but also a powerful ally for apricot trees. Their ability to repel nematodes and other pests makes them an ideal companion.

To utilize marigolds effectively:

1. Plant marigold seeds or seedlings in spring around your apricot tree.
2. Space them about 12 inches apart to create a protective barrier.
3. Keep the soil moist, especially when plants are young and establishing.

Chives

Chives offer a practical and aesthetic benefit as a companion plant. Their onion-like scent deters pests, and their purple blooms attract pollinators, enhancing the apricot tree’s productivity.

Integrating chives into your apricot orchard:

1. Plant chives in early spring, spacing them around the base of the apricot tree.
2. Ensure they have full sun to partial shade and regular watering.
3. Harvest chives regularly to encourage continuous growth and prevent overcrowding.

Comfrey

Comfrey is a dynamic accumulator, drawing up deep soil nutrients that benefit the apricot tree. Its large leaves can also be used as mulch to enrich the soil and retain moisture.

To plant comfrey near apricot trees:

1. Plant comfrey on the outer edge of the apricot tree’s root zone to avoid competition.
2. Water well until established; comfrey is drought-resistant once mature.
3. Use comfrey leaves as mulch or compost material to benefit your apricot trees and garden soil.

Plants to Avoid Near Apricot Trees

Black Walnut

Black walnut trees produce juglone, a substance harmful to many plants, including apricots. Avoid planting apricots near black walnuts to prevent juglone toxicity. Juglone, present in various parts of the black walnut tree, including its roots, leaves, and nuts, inhibits the growth of sensitive plants by disrupting their respiration process. Apricots, along with several other fruit trees and ornamental plants, are particularly susceptible to juglone toxicity. Symptoms of juglone poisoning in apricot trees may include yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and eventual death. To safeguard the health of apricot trees and ensure successful growth, it’s essential to maintain a safe distance from black walnut trees.

Potatoes

Potatoes can attract blight and other diseases that may also affect apricot trees. Keeping them separate minimizes the risk of disease spread. Late blight, early blight, and other fungal diseases commonly affect potatoes and can spread rapidly under favorable environmental conditions. These diseases can also affect fruit trees like apricots, causing leaf spots, fruit rot, and overall decline in tree health. Planting potatoes away from apricot trees reduces the likelihood of disease transmission, helping to maintain the vigor and productivity of both crops. Implementing good cultural practices, such as crop rotation and proper sanitation, further reduces the risk of disease outbreaks in the garden.

Tomatoes

Like potatoes, tomatoes can harbor diseases like blight that could spread to apricot trees. It’s best to plant them in separate areas of the garden. Tomato plants are susceptible to various diseases, including early blight, late blight, and bacterial spot, which can affect the foliage, stems, and fruits. These diseases not only compromise tomato yield and quality but can also pose a risk to nearby fruit trees like apricots. Airborne spores and contaminated soil can facilitate the spread of pathogens between tomatoes and apricots, leading to reduced fruit production and overall tree health. To mitigate disease transmission, maintain adequate spacing between tomato and apricot plants and practice good garden hygiene, such as removing infected plant debris and sanitizing gardening tools.

Raspberries

Raspberries can compete with apricot trees for nutrients and water and may share common pests and diseases, making them less-than-ideal companions. Both raspberries and apricot trees require adequate water and nutrients to thrive, and their proximity can lead to intense competition for these essential resources. Additionally, they may attract similar pests and diseases, such as aphids, spider mites, and fungal infections, which can spread easily between neighboring plants. To minimize competition and disease pressure, consider spacing raspberries and apricot trees sufficiently apart and implementing pest and disease management strategies, such as regular monitoring, pruning, and applying organic controls when necessary.

Companion Planting Chart for Apricot Trees

Here’s a quick reference chart to guide you in choosing the best companion plants for your apricot trees and those to avoid for a thriving orchard:

Good Companions	Benefits
Basil	Repels pests, attracts pollinators
Garlic	Deters pests, improves soil health
Lavender	Repels insects, adds beauty
Marigolds	Nematode control, pest deterrence
Chives	Pest deterrent, attracts pollinators
Comfrey	Soil enrichment, mulching

Plants to Avoid	Reason
Black Walnut	Juglone toxicity
Potatoes	Disease risk
Raspberries	Competition, shared pests/diseases
Tomatoes	Disease risk