Are you growing plums in your garden and complaining about poor harvests? The cause does not necessarily have to be the location, poor humidity level or poorly selected soil. The tree often becomes a nuisance due to the so-called “bad neighborhood”.
Few people think about what to plant next to plums in the garden, and as a result there are few fruits, they are tart and worm-infested. Check what company plum likes the most follow the tips and the crops will be healthy, juicy and tasty.
Experienced fruit growers know that Next to the plums, it is best to plant a cherry, an apple tree that blooms at a similar time, or… other plums. The cherry tree should also be an excellent candidate for a neighbor for the plum tree. These species have similar growing requirements and their “flowering schedules” match, so you will probably find them easier to care for.
Not all plum varieties should grow next to each other. So before you start planting, check whether both plum varieties are susceptible the same diseases, because then they can become infected with each other more quickly (they will transmit pathogens to each other).
It is best to choose those that are genetically compatible and bloom in the same month. Then they will be able to pollinate each other. The most universal is said to be the ‘Cacańska Lepotica’ plum, but an experienced gardening store employee should also advise you which trees to choose.
Planting some vegetables next to the plum will reduce its susceptibility to diseases and pest attacks, thanks to which the fruits will have a chance to grow large and healthy.
The best vegetable neighbors for plums are garlic and onion. They have antibacterial and antifungal propertieswhich reduces the chance of infection, and a strong smell that discourages pests.
A good choice is usually to plant horseradish next to the plum, because it repels aphids and ants to a limited extent. In turn, the dandelion attracts pollinators, which later results in better crops. So does thyme.
