Citrus trees are a popular choice for home gardeners looking to add a little flavor to their landscape. As with any other tree, however, there are certain plants that should not be planted near citrus trees. Knowing which plants should not be planted next to citrus trees is essential for promoting healthy growth and keeping the tree safe from potential harm. In this article, we will explore what not to plant near citrus trees and why it is important to take precautions when considering companion planting.It is important to be aware of the vegetables that should not be planted near citrus trees. These vegetables include potatoes, tomatoes, corn, and eggplants. The reason for this is because these vegetables can contribute to diseases and pests that can affect the health of the citrus tree. Additionally, these vegetables can compete with the citrus tree for nutrients in the soil. Planting these vegetables near a citrus tree can also lead to overcrowding around the root system and reduce air flow and sunlight, which are essential for growth. Therefore, it is best practice to avoid planting these vegetables near citrus trees.
Herbs Not to Plant Near Citrus Trees
It is important to be aware of what herbs and plants should not be planted near citrus trees. Herbs like mint, oregano, sage, and basil are all known to produce volatile oils that can be detrimental to the health of citrus trees. These herbs also attract bees, which can spread diseases and pests. Additionally, these herbs may also compete with the citrus tree for valuable nutrients and water in the soil.
Other herbs such as rosemary, chives, thyme, and tarragon should also not be planted near citrus trees. These herbs can produce strong aromas that can interfere with the flavor of the citrus fruit. Furthermore, these plants are known to attract a variety of insect pests that can damage or kill a citrus tree. It is important to keep these herbs away from your citrus tree in order to ensure its health and longevity.
Finally, it is also important to avoid planting mint or lavender near your citrus tree. Mint has been known to attract aphids and other insects that can attack a citrus tree’s leaves and cause foliage damage. Lavender is known for its strong scent and can overpower the flavor of the fruit from a nearby citrus tree. In order to protect your citrus tree from these potential dangers, it is best to avoid planting these herbs near your trees.
Perennials Not to Plant Near Citrus Trees
It is important to be aware of what perennials should not be planted near citrus trees. These are plants that can interfere with the growth and health of the citrus tree. Some of these perennials include bougainvillea, pampas grass, ivy and lantana. Bougainvillea can compete with citrus trees for water and nutrients, while pampas grass can get too tall and block the light from the citrus tree. Ivy and lantana can also cause problems for the tree as they are known to harbor pests that damage the citrus tree’s bark.
In addition, it is important to avoid planting certain weeds near citrus trees as well. These weeds may have similar characteristics to some perennials and can produce an increase in pests around the area of the tree. Some examples of weeds to avoid planting near a citrus tree include dandelions, nutgrass, crabgrass and Bermuda grass. All of these weeds can interfere with growth and make it difficult for the roots of a citrus tree to get enough water or nutrients.
Finally, when planting perennials or any other type of plant near a citrus tree it is essential to practice good maintenance habits. This includes proper mulching technique as well as consistent watering practices. Keeping these tips in mind will help ensure that the health of your citrus trees are not compromised by any nearby plants or weeds.
Annuals Not to Plant Near Citrus Trees
Citrus trees require certain conditions in order to thrive, and it’s important to ensure that these conditions are met so that the tree can remain healthy. One of the factors to consider is what plants should and should not be planted near a citrus tree. Certain annuals, such as corn, beans, and squash, should not be planted close to citrus trees because they can limit air circulation and may even draw away essential nutrients from the soil. Additionally, these plants have a heavy canopy which may block the sunlight needed for the citrus tree’s growth.
Some annuals are more suitable for planting near citrus trees than others. These include sunflowers, bachelor buttons, marigolds, nasturtiums, and cosmos. These plants can help protect the citrus tree from extreme heat while also providing necessary shade during the summer months. They are also excellent sources of nutrition for beneficial insects such as ladybugs and honeybees which help with pollination and pest control in the garden.
In order to ensure that your citrus tree remains healthy and happy it’s important to allow enough space between your annual plants and your citrus tree. It is also helpful to ensure that your area is well drained so that excess water does not puddle around your trees roots. With proper care and attention, you can enjoy a flourishing citrus tree for many years!
Shrubs Not to Plant Near Citrus Trees
When planting shrubs in close proximity to citrus trees, it is important to choose the right shrubs. Some shrubs can be detrimental to the health of citrus trees, while others can actually help maintain soil pH levels and protect roots from pests and disease. It is best to avoid planting any of the following shrubs near citrus trees:
• Junipers – Junipers are highly invasive, and their roots can compete with citrus trees for moisture and nutrients. In addition, juniper berries may attract rodents or other pests that can damage citrus trees.
• Oleanders – Oleanders are highly toxic plants, and their toxins can leach into soil around citrus trees. This could lead to stunted growth or even death of the tree.
• Eucalyptus – The roots of eucalyptus trees spread rapidly and compete with citrus tree roots for water and nutrients. In addition, eucalyptus oil has been found to be toxic to many types of citrus trees.
• Acacias – Acacias are a common choice for hedges because they grow quickly. However, their roots may spread too close to the root zone of a citrus tree, causing root damage or competition for water and nutrients.
When planting near a citrus tree, it is best to choose shrubs that will not compete for resources or cause root damage. Some good choices include flowering perennials such as daisies or lavender; evergreen shrubs such as boxwoods; and ground covers such as Ajuga or ivy.
Bulbs Not to Plant Near Citrus Trees
When planting near citrus trees, it is important to choose the right bulbs for the job. Planting bulbs too close to citrus trees can cause them to compete for nutrients and water, resulting in stunted growth and poor yields. Some of the bulbs that should be avoided when planting near citrus trees include: tulips, hyacinths, daffodils, crocus, and lilies. These bulbs tend to be more aggressive in their growth habits and can quickly out-compete citrus trees for resources.
In addition to avoiding these specific bulb varieties, it is also important to avoid planting any large-scale bulb plantings too close together. These plantings can quickly overwhelm smaller citrus trees and lead to decreased yields or even death of the tree. Bulbs should be planted no closer than four feet from a small citrus tree and no closer than eight feet from a larger one. This will give the tree enough room to grow without competition from nearby bulbs.
Finally, it is important to consider other factors when choosing which bulbs to plant near citrus trees. For example, some types of bulbs need more moisture than others while some require full sun while others prefer a shadier location. Choosing the right type of bulb for your area and planting it at an appropriate distance from your citrus tree will help ensure the best possible results.
Grasses Not to Plant Near Citrus Trees
It is important to be aware of what types of grasses should not be planted near citrus trees. Some grasses can be invasive and compete with the citrus trees for nutrients, water and sunlight. Some grasses can also host pests that may attack the citrus trees. The following are some of the grasses that should not be planted near citrus trees:
Bermuda grass – This is a warm season grass that spreads rapidly and aggressively through rhizomes and stolons. It is a shallow rooted grass that can out-compete citrus trees for food and water, leading to their decline in health.
Johnson Grass – This is a warm season, perennial bunchgrass that spreads rapidly through rhizomes. It has an extensive root system which will out-compete citrus trees for resources.
Tall Fescue – This is a cool season bunchgrass that will grow in most soils, including clay soils. Its deep roots allow it to out-compete shallow rooted plants like citrus trees for moisture and nutrients.
Sorghum – This is a warm season annual or perennial grass that spreads rapidly by seed production. Its shallow root system will compete with citrus trees for resources.
St Augustine Grass – This is a warm season perennial turfgrass with aggressive runners (stolons) which spread rapidly above ground. These runners can take over lawns as well as compete with citrus trees for food and water.
These are just some of the grasses that should not be planted near citrus trees due to their aggressive growth habits, competition for resources, or potential pest problems they may cause. It’s important to know what types of grasses should not be planted near your citrus tree in order to protect its health and ensure it grows strong and produces lots of delicious fruit!
Ground Covers Not to Plant Near Citrus Trees
When it comes to cultivating citrus trees, there are certain ground covers that should be avoided in order to ensure the health of the tree. These ground covers can include varieties of grasses, weeds, and other types of plants. Grass is especially important to avoid as it will compete with the citrus tree for water and nutrients. Weeds can also take away from the health of the tree by invading its root zone and stealing resources from the roots. Other plants, such as legumes and perennial flowers, can also potentially impact the growth of a citrus tree by competing for resources such as sunlight and moisture. It is important to keep these types of plants away from a citrus tree in order to promote healthy growth.
When selecting a ground cover for near a citrus tree it is best to opt for non-invasive varieties that will not compete with the tree for resources. Examples include low-growing shrubs, annual flowers, and some types of turf grasses such as Bermuda or Zoysia grass. It is also important to keep any ground cover near a citrus tree well-maintained so that it does not become overgrown and start competing with the tree for resources. By avoiding certain ground covers near a citrus tree you can help ensure that your citrus trees remain healthy and thrive.
Conclusion
It is important to be aware of the different plants that should not be planted near citrus trees in order to ensure that the tree’s health is not compromised. Plants such as tomatoes, eggplants, peppers, and potatoes should be kept away from citrus trees as they can spread diseases and pest infestations. In addition, other plants that may attract insects and pests to citrus trees should also be avoided. The best way to ensure a healthy citrus tree is by planting plants that are beneficial for its growth and well-being. With careful consideration and planning, it is possible to create a garden where both citrus trees and other plants can thrive.
Ultimately, when planting near a citrus tree it is important to do your research beforehand so that you can make sure you are making the right decision for your garden. By avoiding the wrong plants, you can keep your citrus tree healthy and avoid any potential problems in the future.