Companion planting is a gardening approach where different plant species are grown in close proximity to one another for mutual benefit. This practice aims to create a more resilient and productive garden ecosystem. Applying this technique to fig trees can enhance their health and yield, fostering a balanced environment around these popular fruit-bearing plants.
Benefits of Companion Planting for Fig Trees
Companion planting offers several advantages for fig trees by creating a more robust growing environment. Certain companion plants can deter common fig pests, safeguarding the tree’s foliage and fruit. This includes repelling insects like aphids, whiteflies, and nematodes, which can otherwise damage fig trees.
Beyond pest control, companion plants can attract beneficial insects to the area. These helpful insects include pollinators, which can improve fruit production, and predators like ladybugs and lacewings that feed on harmful pests. Companion plants can also improve soil health and nutrient availability. Deep-rooted plants, for instance, can draw up nutrients from deeper soil layers, making them accessible to the fig tree’s shallower root system. Furthermore, some plants contribute to weed suppression by acting as a living mulch, reducing competition for water and nutrients. This groundcover also helps retain soil moisture, which is especially beneficial for fig trees that thrive in warm, relatively dry conditions. Some companion plants can even offer shade or wind protection, particularly for young fig trees.
Best Companion Plants for Fig Trees
Choosing the right companion plants can significantly support the health and productivity of your fig tree. These plants offer specific benefits, from deterring pests to enriching the soil.
Herbs
Herbs are excellent companions for fig trees, particularly those from Mediterranean climates that share similar growing preferences. Comfrey’s deep taproot draws nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium from lower soil levels, making them available to the fig’s roots. Its leaves can also be used as a nutrient-rich mulch or added to compost.
Borage attracts pollinators and beneficial insects, contributing to soil health. Marigolds (Tagetes genus) repel root-knot nematodes, microscopic worms that can harm fig tree roots, and deter harmful beetles. Rosemary deters pests through its strong scent and thrives in conditions similar to figs. Basil helps repel various unwanted insects, including flies and mosquitoes, and is believed to enhance soil conditions.
Flowers
Flowering plants not only add aesthetic appeal but also provide practical benefits to fig trees. Nasturtiums serve as a trap crop, drawing aphids and other pests away from the fig tree. They also act as a groundcover, shading the soil and retaining moisture.
Calendula attracts beneficial insects that prey on pests and deters garden nuisances. Sunflowers, when strategically placed, offer temporary shade for young fig trees and attract birds that help control insect populations.
Vegetables and Groundcovers
Certain vegetables and groundcovers make suitable companions for fig trees, enhancing soil fertility and suppressing weeds. Legumes, such as beans and peas, fix nitrogen in the soil, providing an essential nutrient for the fig tree’s growth.
Strawberries, particularly alpine or woodland varieties, are effective groundcovers that suppress weeds and retain soil moisture, thriving in the dappled shade under a fig tree. Chives and garlic deter pests with their strong odors and act as natural fungicides. Other low-growing groundcovers like clover or creeping thyme form dense mats that prevent weed germination and contribute to soil moisture retention.
Plants to Avoid Near Fig Trees
Some plants can have a detrimental effect on fig trees and should be avoided. Plants with aggressive root systems, such as certain turf grasses, compete directly with fig trees for water and nutrients, potentially hindering growth. Similarly, deep-rooted vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and beets interfere with the fig tree’s root zone and compete for resources.
Certain plants release allelochemicals, natural compounds that inhibit the growth of nearby plants. Black walnut trees, for instance, produce juglone, which can be toxic to many plants, including fig trees. Eucalyptus trees are also strong competitors for water and nutrients and are known for their allelopathic properties. Avoid planting members of the nightshade family, such as tomatoes, potatoes, and eggplants, near fig trees, as they attract common garden pests and are prone to diseases that could spread. Overly dense or tall plants that cast excessive shade are also problematic, as fig trees require ample sunlight for optimal fruit production.
Implementing Companion Planting for Your Fig Tree
Implementing companion planting around your fig tree involves careful planning and ongoing care. Consider the specific needs of both your fig tree and chosen companion plants. Ensure they have similar sunlight and soil requirements to the fig, which prefers full sun and well-draining soil.
When planting, consider the mature size of both the fig tree and its companions to prevent overcrowding and ensure adequate air circulation. Low-growing varieties are suitable beneath the fig canopy, while taller plants should be positioned where they will not cast excessive shade. Proper spacing minimizes competition for resources.
After planting, maintain both the fig tree and its companions with appropriate watering and fertilization. While companion plants improve soil health, they still require sufficient moisture and nutrients to thrive without negatively impacting the fig. Regular observation is important to assess the strategy’s effectiveness. Monitor for pest reduction, improved fig tree vigor, or unexpected competition, and make adjustments as needed.