Veggie gardening around fruit trees?

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Permalink Reply by Jessica Soulliere on August 8, 2008 at 2:31pm

My first though is that if you plant veggies around the tree, will they get enough light? You need at least 6 hours of full sun or more per day.

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Permalink Reply by Mara Riley on August 10, 2008 at 1:29pm

Well, the two small fruit trees don't shade the beds around them at all; the larger pear tree doesn't shade things that much. The bigger apple tree needs to be pruned back considerably, but that's doable.

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Permalink Reply by Elizabeth A & Michael P. Hofmann on August 8, 2008 at 3:53pm

Hi Mara,

We planted a row of 6 dwarf fruit trees in a row last year, about 10' apart, and placed tomatoes in between--far enough from the trees as to be outside of the drip line, which ought to be the extent of the trees' roots, as well. All did well last year--trees leafed out and put on growth, excellent crop of 'maters. Early this spring we worked the soil between the trees to a depth of at least 18", digging out rocks, adding compost and store bought manure. Have added wood ashes and wood shavings when available, mulched the trees with wood shavings and cedar mulch. This year we have planted brussels sprouts, kale, broccoli and red cabbage between the trees--veggies and all but one of the trees seem very happy, but we did have one apricot tree begin to leaf out and then die.

So, to summarize, seems like a fine idea for plants that like similar soil, keeping the veggies outside of the drip line of the trees.

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Permalink Reply by Jacki on September 12, 2008 at 5:40am

if you are in a hot area lettuce love to grow under trees and also stawberries as they are forest plants

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Permalink Reply by Tamra on September 12, 2008 at 8:06am

I have regular strawberries under my pears and apples. They are both doing great together.

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Permalink Reply by Mara Riley on September 12, 2008 at 12:53pm

I'm probably going to trim back the apple tree a bit, and then plant some alpine strawberries under them, then. Thanks, all, for the feedback!

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Permalink Reply by Nancy on September 19, 2008 at 6:15am

I agree that planting annuals around your fruit trees is not a happy combination - but there are plenty of perennial crops that would share space well with the fruit trees. Strawberries are one good choice. Sorrel and other such perennial greens would be good. Chives, or perennial bunching onions. You'll want crops that stay low enough that you can get in there to tend and harvest the trees, that will tolerate some shade. The Apple trees will probably appreciate it if you don't plant anything within 3 feet or so of the trunk. A drip irrigation system could be helpful in keeping the moisture down at the soil level where it won't contribute to disease problems.

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Permalink Reply by Gillian on April 19, 2009 at 9:20pm

There is a local farm here that grows tropcial fruit trees, and they do not have any grass - the entire area under the trees is covered with pigeon peas which are used as a green manure normally, Evidently that makes the treas healthier and bear more fruit. The peas will grow in shade, and can be eaten. I am in the hot tropics in Australia.
It might be worth looking in your area for a similar plant that will both nourish the roots of the trees and provide some food for you! These plants flourish year round and dont take any care at all.

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Permalink Reply by Mara Riley on April 20, 2009 at 9:58am

Good to know, thanks!

I pruned the fruit trees back more this year, and will be planting veggies in those beds, so we'll see if it works. Fingers crossed...

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