Companion planting is more than just placing plants side by side; its about creating a harmonious garden ecosystem. Heres a quick dive into the basics and why it matters.
Remember, while companion planting charts offer a starting point, theyre not set in stone. Observe and adapt to what works best in your unique garden space.
Lavender isnt just a feast for the eyes; its a stalwart guardian for your Meyer Lemon Trees. Its fragrant flowers are magnets for pollinators like bees and butterflies, which are essential for fruit production. Also, the smell of lavender naturally keeps bugs like mosquitoes and ants away, keeping your citrus haven peaceful and free of disturbance.
Marigolds are more than a splash of color in your garden; theyre a subterranean superhero. Their roots produce substances that are nematode kryptonite, safeguarding the roots of your Meyer Lemon Trees. Above ground, their vibrant blooms attract good bugs that help keep the bad ones in check.
Basil is like an alert guardian in the garden. Its strong smell keeps many kinds of bugs away in a natural way. Heres how basil serves as a pest-repellent ally:
Chives bring a dual benefit to the garden, merging their pest management role with their culinary appeal:
Meyer lemon trees are a popular variety of citrus prized for their sweet, juicy fruit. Like all citrus, they thrive in warm climates and require full sun. With their glossy green leaves and brightly colored lemons, Meyer lemon trees make a beautiful addition to any landscape.
But did you know strategically planting companion plants around your Meyer lemon can make for an even more fruitful garden? Selecting the right companion plants delivers benefits beyond just looks – they can attract pollinators, deter pests, improve soil health, and more.
Follow these tips on the best Meyer lemon tree companion plants for a thriving and eco-friendly garden
Why Companion Planting is Beneficial
Companion planting is the process of planting different plant species together so they can help each other out This practice provides multiple advantages
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Attracts pollinators – Bees butterflies, and birds are drawn to the nectar and pollen of flowering companion plants. This increases pollination rates for fruit and vegetable plants.
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Deters pests – Strong scents from herbs like basil and flowers like marigolds can repel insects.
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Enhances flavor – Chemicals released by some plants actually boost the taste of fruits and veggies growing nearby.
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Improves soil – Legumes add nitrogen, fungi boost nutrients, and dynamic root systems aerate soil.
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Weed suppression – Dense companions prevent weeds from establishing and robbing nutrients.
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Natural pest control – Beneficial insects that prey on pests are invited in.
Best Companion Plants for Meyer Lemon Trees
When selecting companion plants, choose species with similar sunlight and soil preferences to Meyer lemons. Here are some excellent options:
Herbs
Herbs thrive alongside Meyer lemon trees. Many provide pest protection and attract pollinators. Popular choices include:
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Basil – Deters aphids, whiteflies, and other pests.
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Cilantro – Repels spider mites.
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Dill – Invites beneficial insects.
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Mint – Masks scent from pests, spreads as groundcover.
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Oregano – Flowers attract pollinators.
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Rosemary – Flowers aid pollination, deters pests.
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Thyme – Flowers attract bees, strong scent repels insects.
Flowers
Bright blooms give a pop of color and bring in pollinating bees and butterflies. Some top picks:
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Calendula – Yellow flowers deter pests like aphids.
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Marigolds – Repels nematodes and other garden pests.
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Nasturtiums – Rapid spread prevents weeds.
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Sunflowers – Invite pollinators and beneficial insects.
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Zinnias – Attract butterflies and repel whiteflies.
Vegetables & Fruits
Edibles like tomatoes and peppers make great companions:
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Bell peppers – Repel aphids.
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Bush beans – Add nitrogen to soil.
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Radishes – Deter cucumber beetles.
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Tomatoes – Their scent repels pests.
Groundcovers
Groundcover plants suppress weeds and some deter pests:
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Creeping thyme – Flowers attract pollinators.
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Lemon balm – Spreads rapidly to choke out weeds.
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Strawberries – Shallow roots don’t compete for nutrients.
Companion Planting Tips
Follow these tips for successful companion planting with your Meyer lemon tree:
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Select companions with similar sunlight, water, and soil needs.
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Check that mature sizes won’t result in overcrowding or too much shade.
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Include flowering plants to attract pollinators for better fruit yields.
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Use mint, lemon balm, or strawberries as living mulch around the tree’s base.
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Interplant herbs, flowers, and vegetables in sections underneath the tree’s canopy.
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Rotate annual companions each year to prevent soil nutrient depletion.
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Use trellises and cages to contain vining crops like beans and tomatoes.
Companion Plants to Avoid
Some plants make poor companions and should not be planted near Meyer lemon trees:
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Invasive species like mint can take over. Plant in containers to control.
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Large trees compete for water, sun, and nutrients. Avoid planting near lemon trees.
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Heavy feeders deplete soil nutrients rapidly. Don’t plant near lemons.
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Vegetables from the cabbage family inhibit fruit growth. Keep away from citrus trees.
Enjoy the Benefits of Companion Planting
By leveraging the strategic pairing of compatible plants, companion planting unlocks multiple benefits beyond aesthetics. Follow the recommendations for the best Meyer lemon tree companion plants, and you’ll be rewarded with improved pollination, natural pest control, better soil health, and increased yields. A thoughtfully designed garden ecosystem brings beauty, productivity, and sustainability.
Aesthetic and Culinary Enhancements
Nasturtiums are more than just a splash of color in your Meyer Lemon Tree garden.
- Aphids are attracted to their bright blooms, which not only looks nice but also keeps them away from your citrus trees.
- You can eat the leaves and flowers, which give salads and pestos a peppery kick and make your cooking experience better with their strong flavor.
- Nasturtiums also bring in pollinators like bees, which are necessary for your Meyer Lemon Trees to bear fruit.
Rosemarys needle-like foliage and delicate flowers offer a striking contrast to the lush greenery of Meyer Lemon Trees.
- This hardy herb keeps many kinds of pests away, helping to keep the garden pest-free without using chemicals.
- The strong flavor of rosemary leaves makes dishes taste better in the kitchen, and they go well with the citrus notes of Meyer Lemons.
- Also, rosemary is hardy and doesn’t need much water, which makes it a great plant to have in the garden because it needs little care but gives you a lot of benefits.
Certain plants can be detrimental to the health of your Meyer Lemon Tree. Recognizing these incompatible neighbors is crucial for a thriving garden.
- You should stay away from plants that fight hard for water and nutrients. Large trees and shrubs with deep roots that could block or slow the growth of your Meyer Lemon Tree are included in this group.
- Biochemicals that allelopathic plants put into the soil can stop seeds from germinating and plants from growing. Fennel and walnut trees, for example, give off chemicals that can make your Meyer Lemon Tree grow slowly or not at all.
Knowing these forces helps keep resources from being competed for and keeps your Meyer Lemon Tree safe from the chemical war going on below the ground.
Grow a healthy Meyer Lemon Tree garden by sharing your knowledge with Greg’s community and using personalized care alerts for each plant.
Soil and Health Boosters
- Thyme does well in harsh conditions like cold and drought, which makes it a strong plant to grow with Meyer Lemon Trees.
- Its presence in the garden is good for the soil because: It keeps pests like cabbage worms and tomato hornworms away with its fragrant oils Increasing the taste of nearby plants, like strawberries, when they are planted close together Getting good bugs like bees and ladybugs to visit, which help with pollination and getting rid of aphids
- Oregano, which is related to thyme, is an herb that tastes great and is good for your garden.
- Because of its strong smell, it helps Meyer Lemon Trees by: bringing in many helpful bugs that can help keep pest populations in check; Giving predatory insects, like parasitic wasps, a place to live can help keep the garden free of many types of pests. Adding to the overall strength of the garden ecosystem and improving the mutually beneficial relationships needed for a diverse and successful garden
Potting up a Lemon Tree with Strawberries and Marigolds
FAQ
What not to plant next to a lemon tree?
Where should I plant a Meyer lemon tree in my yard?
Do lemon trees grow better in pots or ground?