What to Plant Under Your Apple Trees-

The Secret Garden Duo That Keeps Pests Away, and Pollinators In!

The Role of Companion Plants in Organic Apple Orchards

Years ago, a Master Gardener friend of mine let me in on a little secret to growing beautiful, scab free, healthy abundant apples, all organically, without chemicals; it's all about what you plant underneath the apple trees. It is so simple, yet so effective.

Companion planting has been around forever, we have all heard stories of 'The Three Sisters" a Native American planting system etc.. (they were incredible gardeners by the way!) but companion planting goes beyond just 'cute' or 'interesting', it's about having success, true success, without the use of chemicals! When it comes to fruit trees, apple trees specifically, you do not want to skip out on this!

Why Organic?

Organic apple orchards benefit from companion plants that act as nature's multitasking helpers. These plants create a balanced ecosystem and reduce pests naturally. While conventional orchards often rely on chemical interventions, it's the organic management, with mutually beneficial companion planting, that will naturally promote healthy fruit production - and the best part is, it virtually costs nothing!

I have two specific plants that I have placed along side and underneath my apple trees. One is for anti fungal, or scab disease prevention. The other is for soil improvement, like a natural fertilizer. Both are pollinator attractors. Both you plant once, and they will reseed year after year. Also, both plants have other uses around the home, either edible, or medicinal.

The Best Pest-Repelling Plant to Grow Near Apple Trees

Some plants naturally guard your apple trees by creating a protective barrier against common pests. These botanical defenders keep your trees healthy without chemicals, thanks to their unique properties.

Chives are excellent companions for apple trees. They help prevent apple scab, a fungal disease that affects many orchards. When I was challenged on this idea by someone once, I pointed them back to a research done through a local University that showed the same fantastic results. Besides, I also am doing this myself with great success, so, "poo- poo" all you want, it's working!

Also, there is many other benefits to planting chives under apple trees. Their strong onion smell keeps away aphids, deer, and rabbits that could damage your trees. You can brew chives into a tea and use it as a foliar spray to enhance their protective qualities. A ring of chives around your tree's trunk creates a natural barrier against pests and diseases.

Plants That Attract Pollinators and Improve Soil Health

Apple orchards need more than just pest control. Plants that bring in helpful insects and boost soil fertility will make orchards thrive. Your homegrown orchard's fruit quality and yield will improve with plants that feed pollinators all year round.

Comfrey is one of the most valuable companions for apple trees. Its deep taproot pulls calcium, potassium, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, and other minerals from deep soil layers where fruit trees can't reach. Apple trees can use these nutrients as the comfrey leaves break down. The beautiful purple flowers on this perennial draw bumblebees and other pollinators. You can cut back each plant 3-5 times per season and get continuous organic matter.

In the fall and winter, I let the comfrey die back and use the leaves as mulch around the base of the trees. All the super mineral rich leaves will decay, and fertilize the fruit trees over the winter. In early spring you will see the comfrey plant grow back and at this point, after it has flowered and attracted the pollinators, you can chop it back to the ground. This is an easy way to manage it.

You can brew the chopped leaves in a large, covered five gallon bucket of water over several weeks and make a fertilizer 'tea' for your garden veggies. The beauty is, comfrey will continue to keep growing back! This is literally a lifelong supply of free fertilizer!

Medicinal Uses

I can't mention comfrey and its benefit to the garden without telling of its wonderful medicinal properties. You can use either fresh or dried chopped comfrey leaves as a medicinal poultice for sprains and bruises, in fact, comfrey's name actually means bone knit!  I keep a jar of dried, dehydrated leaves ready at all times for use in case of ankle sprains.

Click the link below to learn how to make a comfrey poultice for bruised, sprained ankles.

I show the before and after of only one hour. Wow, what an amazing plant comfrey is!

If you don't have a gardener friend to get chive or comfrey plants from, (believe me, they are easily dividable, so don't hesitate to ask), you can always inexpensively grow both comfrey and chives from seed.

Once planted in the orchard, you'll be amazed at how much more healthy and prolific of an apple harvest you'll receive!

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