What can be planted under a walnut tree
Some gardeners have a strong opinion that nothing can be planted under a walnut. A walnut tree takes up a lot of space, but nothing grows near or under it. Skillful, caring gardeners prove the opposite with their experience. They give advice, tell you what can be planted under a walnut.
What plants can grow under a walnut
Walnut is a large plant with a wide spreading crown. It has tasty and healthy fruits. Healing not only nuts, but also leaves. As the walnut tree grows, the lack of space, especially on 6 acres, becomes noticeable. The question of the possibility of planting something near him is important.
Skillful gardeners claim that many plants are planted under the nut crown, which grow and bloom without problems.
Shrubs
Gooseberry, black currant, blackberry bushes feel comfortable under young walnuts. It grows slowly, and until the crown becomes too wide, spreading, berry bushes are planted, which will have time to live their life until the walnut tree grows:
- Black currant is a modest plant, undemanding to cultivation, takes root easily, bears fruit in any conditions.
- Although currants are light-loving shrubs, they perfectly tolerate shade. In shaded areas, black currant berries are larger than in the open sun. Although the taste is sour than the fruit ripened in the sun.
- The walnut protects the currants from the wind. The currant bush does not tolerate strong winds.
- It's not bad if you plant more than one variety of black berries nearby. Cross-pollination increases the growth of the ovaries, the fruits will become larger.
Some gardeners believe that no insects fly under the walnut tree. Other gardeners claim that bees fly and pollinate flowers. The main thing is not to be afraid to experiment.
Walnut leaves that have fallen and overwintered under a tree are a useful fertilizer for berry bushes.
Growing raspberries near a nut is also possible. She calmly tolerates shading, while wild raspberries grow in the forest. Gardeners talk on forums about the success of growing remontant raspberries, about abundant harvests of large berries.The nut emits phytoncidal substances that repel insect pests, protect plants from diseases and parasites.
Spices
To save space in the garden, not to be left without spicy greenery, use the land under the walnut. Medicinal herbs are planted under it:
- mint;
- lemon balm;
- tansy;
- celandine.
Seasoning herbs will live peacefully with a nut plant:
- basil;
- tarragon;
- marjoram;
- parsley.
All spicy crops are shade-tolerant. Celery is planted around the trunk; some gardeners plant garlic. While the walnut foliage turns green, the garlic will have time to rise. Then the lush crown will protect the garlic from direct sunlight.
Flowerbed under walnut
If it is scary to plant garden crops, you do not want to risk the harvest, a flower bed is arranged under the nut. Flowers will delight the eye, decorate the garden, filling with wonderful aromas.
Since the crown of the tree is lush, unpretentious plants are planted, easily tolerating shade and lack of moisture. There are many shade-tolerant flowers and shrubs. They are planted separately or create flower beds.
Early spring flowers are suitable for growing:
- lilies of the valley;
- primrose;
- crocuses;
- irises;
- tulips;
- daffodils.
Flowering shade-tolerant shrubs:
- viburnum buldenezh;
- hydrangea.
Perennials with beautiful flowers:
- daylilies;
- astilba;
- cyanosis is blue;
- lungwort;
- loosestrife.
According to gardeners, fern, hosts, azalea grow well under a walnut tree. Experienced gardeners grow bulbous plants in spring and creeping ground cover plants in summer.
Features of planting plants under a tree
Plants should be picky, as they experience partial shade under the spreading crown. Also, plantings must be resistant to drying out of the soil.
It is very convenient to plant flowers in flowerpots, for example, ever-flowering begonia:
- To make the flowers easier to tolerate partial shade, they are planted on the east or south side of the walnut plant.
- Hosta is grown at a distance of at least one and a half meters from the trunk.
- Celery is planted around the trunk. Also close to the trunk grow well, develop, bloom Darwin tulips.
Chrysanthemums are placed closer to the border of the tree crown.
Further care of crops
Caring for horticultural crops under walnuts is no different from caring for plants growing in the usual place:
- In order for the plants to be healthy, to develop well, it is advisable for the nut to thin out the crown more often. The procedure will be useful not only for plants, but also for the walnut tree itself.
- Gardeners advise cutting the lower branches, collecting fallen leaves. There is no consensus among gardeners about leaves. Some argue that foliage harms the plants under the tree, while others believe it is good for them as mulch and fertilizer.
- Plants under a walnut tree need to be watered more often as they lack moisture.
The substance released by the nut - juglone, destroys harmful insects, pathogenic microbes and bacteria. Weeding, loosening, fertilizing are the standard care needed by crops.
Useful Tips
It takes a lot of space to grow walnuts. He has a highly developed root system, powerful roots grow up to several meters. A dense crown creates shade over a large area.
Before planting a walnut tree on a site, especially a small one, you need to think carefully about all the points. It is more convenient to plant a walnut near your home. But in this case, when planting, it is necessary to take into account the distance to the house, since the roots of the tree can damage the foundation.
If a walnut has already been planted, it gives useful fruits, then it is advisable to use the land under it with benefit. Many plants are planted under the walnut tree. Gardeners successfully grow tomatoes, eggplants, and zucchini under it. We must try and not be afraid.
