Tamarillo Companion Plants: How to Choose the Right Ones

Oleh Anonymous July 07, 2022 Post a Comment

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Tamarillo, also known as tree tomato, is a fruit-bearing tree that originates from South America. It is a popular crop in many tropical and subtropical regions and is valued for its nutritious fruits, which are rich in vitamins A and C, iron, and potassium. But did you know that tamarillo can benefit from having companion plants in your garden? In this article, we will explore the benefits of tamarillo companion plants and how to choose the right ones.

What are Tamarillo Companion Plants?

Companion planting is the practice of growing different plants together in a way that benefits each other. In the case of tamarillo, companion plants are those that can help improve soil fertility, attract beneficial insects, repel harmful pests, and provide shade or support for the tree.

The Benefits of Tamarillo Companion Plants

There are several benefits to growing companion plants with tamarillo. Here are some of the main advantages:

Improved Soil Fertility: Some companion plants, such as legumes, can fix nitrogen in the soil, making it more available to tamarillo.
Pest Control: Certain plants, such as marigolds and nasturtiums, can repel harmful insects and nematodes that may attack tamarillo.
Pollination: Planting flowers that attract bees and other pollinators can help increase tamarillo fruit yield and quality.
Shade: Companion plants that provide shade or cover can help protect tamarillo from harsh sunlight and wind.

How to Choose the Right Tamarillo Companion Plants

When choosing companion plants for tamarillo, it is important to consider the following factors:

Climate and Soil Conditions

Tamarillo grows best in warm and humid climates with well-draining soil. Some good companion plants for tamarillo in these conditions include:

Banana
Papaya
Mango
Cassava
Sweet potato

Plant Size and Growth Habits

Tamarillo can grow up to 10 meters tall and requires support as it grows. When choosing companion plants, consider their size and growth habits to ensure they do not compete with or shade out tamarillo. Some good companion plants for tamarillo with similar growth habits include:

Passionfruit
Kiwi
Grapes
Blackberries

Pest and Disease Resistance

Choosing companion plants that are resistant to pests and diseases can help protect tamarillo from common problems such as root knot nematodes and fruit flies. Some good options for pest-resistant companion plants include:

Marigolds
Nasturtiums
Garlic
Basil

Companion Planting Tips for Tamarillo

Here are some tips to keep in mind when planting companion plants with tamarillo:

Plant Companions Before Tamarillo

It is best to plant companion plants before tamarillo to allow them to establish and improve soil conditions before the tree is planted.

Rotate Companion Plants

To avoid soil depletion and pest buildup, it is important to rotate companion plants every year or two.

Choose Plants that Benefit Each Other

When choosing companion plants, consider how they can benefit each other as well as tamarillo. For example, planting beans with tamarillo can provide nitrogen for both plants.

In summary, tamarillo can benefit from having companion plants in your garden. Companion plants can help improve soil fertility, attract beneficial insects, repel harmful pests, and provide shade or support for the tree. When choosing companion plants for tamarillo, consider factors such as climate and soil conditions, plant size and growth habits, and pest and disease resistance. By following these tips, you can create a thriving and productive tamarillo garden.

FAQs

1. What is the best time to plant companion plants with tamarillo?

It is best to plant companion plants before tamarillo to allow them to establish and improve soil conditions before the tree is planted.

2. How do I rotate companion plants?

To avoid soil depletion and pest buildup, it is important to rotate companion plants every year or two. This means planting different crops in the same area on a regular basis.

3. Can tamarillo be grown in pots?

Yes, tamarillo can be grown in large pots or containers. However, it may require more frequent watering and fertilization than when grown in the ground.

4. How do I protect tamarillo from fruit flies?

Planting pest-resistant companion plants such as marigolds and nasturtiums can help repel fruit flies. You can also cover the fruit with paper bags or mesh netting to protect them.