The Art of Companion Planting: How to Grow Mulberries with Companions

Oleh Anonymous June 07, 2021 Post a Comment

Table of Contents

Mulberry Companion Plants:

Mulberries are one of the most beloved fruits worldwide. They are sweet, juicy, and packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. However, growing mulberries can be quite challenging, especially when it comes to pests and diseases. That's where companion planting comes in. Companion planting is the practice of growing different plant species together for mutual benefit. In this article, we will explore the best mulberry companion plants and how to grow them effectively.

The Benefits of Companion Planting for Mulberries

Companion planting offers several benefits for mulberries, including:

Better Pest Control

Growing mulberries with specific companions can help deter pests that would otherwise damage or destroy your mulberry trees. For example, planting garlic, onions, or chives around your mulberry trees can repel aphids, mites, and other harmful insects.

Improved Soil Health

Companion plants can also improve soil health by fixing nitrogen, increasing organic matter, and enhancing soil structure. This, in turn, promotes healthy root growth and nutrient uptake in mulberry trees.

Increased Yield and Quality

Certain companion plants can also increase the yield and quality of mulberries. For instance, planting strawberries, blackberries, or blueberries near your mulberry trees can attract pollinators like bees, which can significantly boost fruit production.

15 Best Companion Plants for Mulberries

Here are the 15 best companion plants for mulberries, along with their benefits and growing tips:

1. Garlic

Garlic is a natural insect repellent that can keep aphids, spider mites, and other pests away from your mulberry trees. Plant garlic bulbs in the fall or early spring, six inches apart, and one to two inches deep.

2. Onions

Onions are another excellent insect repellent that can help protect your mulberry trees from pests. Plant onion sets in the early spring, about four inches apart, and one inch deep.

3. Chives

Chives can deter aphids, Japanese beetles, and other pests. They also attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and hoverflies, which can eat harmful insects. Plant chive seeds or seedlings in the early spring, about 12 inches apart, and one inch deep.

4. Marigolds

Marigolds are known for their pest-repelling properties and can keep nematodes, whiteflies, and other insects at bay. They also add color and texture to your garden. Plant marigold seeds or seedlings in the spring, about six inches apart, and one inch deep.

5. Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are edible flowers that can repel aphids, whiteflies, and other pests. They also attract pollinators and beneficial insects. Plant nasturtium seeds or seedlings in the spring, about eight inches apart, and one inch deep.

6. Strawberries

Strawberries can attract bees and other pollinators, which can increase fruit production in mulberries. They also add a sweet, juicy flavor to your garden. Plant strawberry runners in the early spring, about 18 inches apart, and one inch deep.

7. Blackberries

Blackberries are another excellent pollinator attractant that can help improve fruit production in mulberries. They also add a delicious, tangy flavor to your garden. Plant blackberry canes in the early spring, about three feet apart, and two inches deep.

8. Blueberries

Blueberries can attract bees and other pollinators while adding a sweet, juicy flavor to your garden. They also thrive in acidic soil, which is ideal for growing mulberries. Plant blueberry bushes in the early spring, about five feet apart, and two inches deep.

9. Comfrey

Comfrey is a nutrient-rich herb that can improve soil health by increasing organic matter and fixing nitrogen. It also has medicinal properties and can be used as a natural fertilizer. Plant comfrey seeds or root cuttings in the early spring, about 24 inches apart, and one inch deep.

10. Dill

Dill is an aromatic herb that can attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings. It also repels aphids, spider mites, and other pests. Plant dill seeds or seedlings in the early spring, about 12 inches apart, and one inch deep.

11. Fennel

Fennel is a flavorful herb that can attract beneficial insects like parasitic wasps and hoverflies. It also repels slugs, snails, and other pests. Plant fennel seeds or seedlings in the early spring, about 18 inches apart, and one inch deep.

12. Lavender

Lavender is a fragrant herb that can attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. It also repels moths, fleas, and other pests. Plant lavender seeds or seedlings in the spring, about 12 inches apart, and one inch deep.

13. Mint

Mint is an aromatic herb that can repel ants, aphids, and other pests. It also attracts beneficial insects like predatory wasps and hoverflies. Plant mint seeds or seedlings in the spring, about 12 inches apart, and one inch deep.

14. Rosemary

Rosemary is a versatile herb that can attract beneficial insects while deterring pests like cabbage moths and carrot flies. It also has medicinal properties and can be used as a natural pesticide. Plant rosemary seeds or seedlings in the early spring, about 18 inches apart, and one inch deep.

15. Sage

Sage is a flavorful herb that can attract pollinators while repelling pests like slugs and snails. It also has medicinal properties and can be used as a natural insecticide. Plant sage seeds or seedlings in the early spring, about 24 inches apart, and one inch deep.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Mulberry Companion Plants

1. What are mulberry companion plants?

Mulberry companion plants are plant species that are grown alongside mulberries for mutual benefit. They can help improve soil health, deter pests, and increase yield and quality.

2. What are the benefits of companion planting for mulberries?

Companion planting offers several benefits for mulberries, including better pest control, improved soil health, and increased yield and quality.

3. What are the best companion plants for mulberries?

The best companion plants for mulberries include garlic, onions, chives, marigolds, nasturtiums, strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, comfrey, dill, fennel, lavender, mint, rosemary, and sage.

4. How do I plant mulberry companion plants?

Plant mulberry companion plants in the early spring or fall, depending on the species. Follow the planting instructions for each plant, including spacing and depth.

5. What should I avoid planting with mulberries?

Avoid planting plants that are susceptible to the same pests and diseases as mulberries, such as raspberries and currants. Also, avoid planting plants that have allelopathic properties, such as walnut trees and black locusts, which can release chemicals that inhibit the growth of other plants.

Companion planting is a great way to improve your mulberry harvest while promoting soil health and reducing pest damage. By selecting the right companion plants and following proper planting techniques, you can enjoy a bountiful mulberry harvest year after year.