Companion planting in Garden
Companion planting is a key organic gardening technique. It involves sowing certain plants together to benefit from their natural interactions.
Citrus trees, like lemon trees, benefit from companion planting. It can create healthy soil, repel pests, and boost fruit production.
In this article, I will explore the top companion plants for lemon trees and how to care for them.
Choosing the Best Companion Plants for Lemon Trees
A few plants are special. They are good companions for lemon trees. This is due to their pest-repelling and soil-enhancing properties.
Let’s explore the top five in more detail.
Marigolds
Marigolds are one of the most common companion plants for lemon trees, thanks to their strong pest-repelling abilities. The scent of marigold foliage helps ward off harmful insects like aphids and spider mites that may attack citrus trees.
Marigolds also make allelopathic chemicals in their roots. These chemicals improve soil health and suppress diseases nearby.
For every lemon tree, 3–5 marigold plants spaced 30 centimeters apart form an effective deterrent barrier.
Mint
With its sweet fragrance and furry leaves, peppermint is another great companion plant for lemon trees. Mint naturally repels many pest insects as well as predatory insects that may eat pollinators.
Bees, wasps and other pollinators are attracted to mint’s nectar, so planting some mint at the base of lemon trees can boost cross-pollination and fruit production. The menthol compounds in mint also help inhibit plant fungal diseases.
Basil
Like mint, basil’s aroma helps repel soft-bodied insects that plague citrus, like aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies.
Planting basil among companion plants for lemon trees introduces beneficial insects and predatory mites that feed on the pests without harming the tree.
Another bonus is that basil adds nutrients to the soil as its leaves decompose. For these reasons, basil is an excellent partner for pest management when growing lemon trees.
Garlic
Garlic has a strong smell and taste. Many praise it for its ability to control pests in the garden. As a companion plant for lemon trees, garlic deters many different insects and nematodes from damaging the root system.
Its allicin compounds are released into the soil. They create an unappealing environment for underground citrus pests.
Hungry deer and rabbits also tend to avoid areas planted with garlic. For every 10 square feet around a lemon tree, 3-5 garlic bulbs should be planted in the fall.
Nasturtiums
With their bright flowers, nasturtiums add visual appeal among companion plants for lemon trees. More importantly, nasturtiums attract predatory insects like parasitic wasps that control aphid populations.
At the same time, nasturtium foliage and flowers contain chemical compounds that repel spider mites and whiteflies on contact.
Plant groups of 3 nasturtiums every 2 feet around citrus to benefit from their dual pest-fighting abilities.
Planting and Caring for Companion Plants
Now that you’ve selected some good companion plants, it’s important to properly plant and care for lemon trees so they can provide optimal benefits for your trees.
Preparing the Soil
Before planting any companions, make sure to incorporate several inches of compost or worm castings into the top layer of existing soil.
This helps loosen heavy clay soils and provides a natural source of nutrients for both the companions and the lemon tree.
Planting Companions
The best time to plant most companion plants for lemon trees is in early spring or fall, when temperatures are mild. Space plants as described earlier and dig holes twice as wide as the root ball. Place the plant in the hole at the same level where it was growing, and backfill with native soil. Water well after planting.
Ongoing Care
Water new plantings regularly until established, and provide around 1 inch of water per week during hot spells. Feed in spring and fall with a balanced organic fertilizer.
Control pests promptly according to their type. By winter, companions should be self-sufficient and complement your lemon tree’s health.
Potential Issues and What to Watch Out For
Companion planting has many benefits. But growing companion plants for lemon trees has some downsides to keep in mind.
Pest or Disease Pressure
In rare cases, too many companion plants close together can concentrate pests or give diseases to other hosts. This makes things worse, not better, for the lemon tree. It’s important not to crowd plants.
Moisture Competition
During drought periods, certain high-water-use companions like mint may end up competing with the lemon tree for water instead of conserving it. Choosing xeric (low-water) plants is safer.
Allelopathic Effects
Some species, like eucalyptus, release chemicals that suppress other plants via allelopathy. Don’t use highly allelopathic companions that could potentially harm the lemon tree’s growth.
Problems with Specific Combos
For example, citrus and tomatoes are generally not recommended as companions as they are susceptible to different soilborne diseases. It’s best to research plant compatibilities.
Watching for early signs of stress, like leaf drop or wilting, and adjusting the planting plan is key to addressing any issues that arise with your chosen companion plants for lemon fruit trees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to introduce pollinators if using companion plants?
While plants like mint and basil attract pollinators and beneficial insects, it doesn’t hurt to occasionally hand-pollinate lemon blossoms too. Shake tree branches gently in the early morning to transfer pollen.
When will my lemon tree start producing fruit?
It usually takes 2–3 years after planting for a young tree to fruit. Mature varieties can yield 50–100 lemons per year, depending on care and climate.
How do I attract more bees to my garden?
Bees love bright colors, so plant flowers like lavender. Provide a calm water source too. Leave patches of untouched ground for ground-nesting native bees to live on.
What can I grow under the lemon tree canopy?
Great understory plants include thyme, clover, lettuce or other greens. Their low profiles don’t compete for light but help cover soil and fix nitrogen.
How do I know if my soil needs amendments?
Test the pH and have the soil analyzed by your county extension. Citrus prefers a slightly acidic pH of 6-7. Address any nutrient deficiencies and add organic matter regularly.
Conclusion
Companion planting is a simple but effective way to care for lemon trees organically. By selecting the right mix of flowering, aromatic and pest-deterring plants as companion plants for lemon trees, a gardener can create healthy soil conditions and an imbalance of beneficial insects that protect citrus from common threats.
Regular planting and maintenance of marigolds, mint, basil, garlic and nasturtiums provide lemon trees with the ideal environment for stress-free growth and abundant harvests.
With time and experience, companion planting teaches us to work with nature’s systems. It shows us not to work against them for thriving crops.
I hope these tips help you start an inspiring companion garden to nourish both your lemon trees and yourself for many seasons to come.