Companion planting involves growing different plant species near each other to create a mutually beneficial environment. This practice enhances plant growth, deters pests, attracts beneficial insects, and improves soil health. It also helps maximize garden space, as different plants can utilize resources at varying depths and times.
For pomegranate trees, companion planting offers several advantages. Aromatic herbs and flowers can repel common pests like aphids and whiteflies. Attracting more pollinators such as bees and butterflies can increase fruit yield. Additionally, certain companion plants can improve soil fertility by fixing nitrogen or by acting as a living mulch, suppressing weeds and conserving moisture around the pomegranate’s roots.
Beneficial Companion Plants
Aromatic herbs like basil, lavender, rosemary, thyme, and dill are excellent choices due to their pest-repelling properties. Basil deters aphids and spider mites, and some believe it may even improve the flavor of pomegranate fruit. Lavender’s strong scent repels aphids and whiteflies, attracts pollinators, and thrives in the same dry, sunny conditions as pomegranates.
Flowers like marigolds, sunflowers, cosmos, and zinnias attract pollinators such as bees and beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, which prey on aphids. Marigolds are particularly effective, emitting a strong scent that repels a variety of harmful insects, including aphids, nematodes, and whiteflies. Sunflowers also attract pollinators and provide visual appeal.
Legumes, such as clover, are beneficial ground cover plants. Clover fixes nitrogen in the soil, enriching it with a vital nutrient for pomegranates, and its dense growth suppresses weeds and retains soil moisture. Garlic and onions also act as natural pest deterrents due to their strong odor, repelling aphids and mealybugs. These low-maintenance plants grow well in similar well-drained, sun-soaked conditions favored by pomegranates.
Plants to Avoid
Plants in the cabbage family, including broccoli, cauliflower, and kale, are not suitable companions. They can attract pests like aphids and caterpillars that might also target pomegranate trees. These brassicas can also compete for soil nutrients, potentially reducing resources available to the pomegranate.
Nightshade plants, such as tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants, should be kept away from pomegranates. These plants are susceptible to diseases like blight and fusarium, which can easily spread to the pomegranate tree. Nightshades also have deep root systems that can compete with the pomegranate’s roots for water and nutrients. Fennel is another plant to avoid, as it releases chemicals into the soil that can inhibit the growth of nearby plants, including pomegranates.
Mint is highly invasive and can quickly spread, competing aggressively with pomegranate trees for water and nutrients. If desired, grow mint in a contained area, such as a pot or raised bed. Turf grasses can also compete with fruit trees for water and nutrients if allowed to grow too close to the trunk, making it advisable to maintain a mulched area around the pomegranate’s base.
Tips for Successful Companion Planting
Pomegranates thrive in full sun, needing at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily for robust growth and fruit production. When selecting companion plants, choose those that tolerate similar light conditions or position them so they do not shade the pomegranate tree.
Soil compatibility is important, as pomegranates prefer well-drained soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.2. Companion plants should also prefer or tolerate these soil conditions. While pomegranates are drought-tolerant once established, consistent moisture is important, especially during the fruiting season. Companion plants should have similar water needs or be managed with specific irrigation to prevent over or under-watering.
Proper spacing is crucial to prevent competition for resources. Position companion plants to complement rather than compete with the pomegranate’s root system. Regularly observe the health of both the pomegranate and its companion plants, adjusting care as needed. Mulching around the base of the pomegranate tree helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and contribute to overall soil health.