Companion Plants for Peach Trees: Tips and Tricks

Why Growing Companion Plants Is Important for Your Peach Trees?

As a fruit tree grower, you know how important it is to keep your trees healthy and productive. But did you know that planting companion plants around your peach trees can help you achieve these goals? Companion plants are species that have a mutually beneficial relationship with your fruit trees. Here are some of the benefits of growing companion plants:

- Pest control: Certain companion plants can repel or trap harmful insects before they reach your fruit trees.
- Disease prevention: Some plants produce natural compounds that can help prevent or treat diseases that affect your peach trees.
- Soil improvement: Companion plants can fix nitrogen in the soil, improve soil structure and fertility, and reduce erosion.
- Shade and support: Some plants can provide shade and support for young peach trees, helping them grow strong and healthy.

So, if you want to maximize the health and productivity of your peach trees, consider planting some of these companion plants.

The Best Companion Plants for Peach Trees

1. Nasturtium

Nasturtium is a popular companion plant for many fruit trees, including peaches. This plant has a pungent odor that repels aphids, whiteflies, and other pests that can damage your fruit trees. In addition, nasturtiums attract predatory insects like ladybugs, which can help control populations of harmful pests.

Plant nasturtiums around the base of your peach trees, or in pots nearby. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil.

2. Marigold

Marigolds are another great companion plant for peach trees. Their strong scent repels many pests, including nematodes and whiteflies. In addition, marigolds have natural antifungal properties that can help prevent root rot and other diseases.

Plant marigolds around the base of your peach trees, or in pots nearby. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil.

3. Clover

Clover is an excellent cover crop to plant around your peach trees. It fixes nitrogen in the soil, which can help improve soil fertility and reduce the need for chemical fertilizers. Clover also has a deep root system that can help improve soil structure and reduce erosion.

Plant clover as a ground cover around the base of your peach trees, or in between rows if you have a larger orchard. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.

4. Comfrey

Comfrey is a valuable companion plant for fruit trees, including peaches. Its deep roots can help break up hardpan soil and bring up nutrients from deeper layers. Comfrey also accumulates potassium, phosphorus, and other minerals that can benefit your fruit trees.

Plant comfrey around the base of your peach trees, or in pots nearby. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.

5. Chamomile

Chamomile is a beneficial herb that can attract pollinators to your peach trees. It also has natural antifungal properties that can help prevent diseases like powdery mildew and black spot.

Plant chamomile around the base of your peach trees, or in pots nearby. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

6. Sage

Sage is a fragrant herb that can help repel pests like moths, beetles, and cabbage loopers. It also has natural antifungal properties that can help prevent diseases like peach leaf curl and powdery mildew.

Plant sage around the base of your peach trees, or in pots nearby. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

7. Borage

Borage is a beautiful blue-flowered plant that can attract pollinators to your peach trees. It also has natural pest-repellent properties that can help protect your fruit from damage.

Plant borage around the base of your peach trees, or in pots nearby. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

8. Yarrow

Yarrow is a hardy perennial that can help improve soil quality around your peach trees. Its deep roots can break up compacted soil and bring up nutrients from deeper layers. Yarrow also attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, which can help control populations of harmful pests.

Plant yarrow as a ground cover around the base of your peach trees, or in between rows if you have a larger orchard. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

9. Garlic

Garlic is a potent pest repellent that can help keep your peach trees healthy and productive. Its strong smell repels many insects, including aphids, thrips, and spider mites. Garlic can also help prevent diseases like peach leaf curl and powdery mildew.

Plant garlic around the base of your peach trees, or in pots nearby. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

10. Chives

Chives are a delicious herb that can help improve soil quality and repel pests around your peach trees. Their strong scent can deter many insects, including aphids, Japanese beetles, and carrot rust flies. Chives also have natural antifungal properties that can help prevent diseases like root rot and downy mildew.

Plant chives around the base of your peach trees, or in pots nearby. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil.

11. Dill

Dill is a fragrant herb that can attract beneficial insects to your peach trees. Its small white flowers are a favorite of ladybugs and lacewings, which can help control populations of harmful pests. Dill also has natural pest-repellent properties that can help protect your fruit from damage.

Plant dill around the base of your peach trees, or in pots nearby. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

12. Fennel

Fennel is a tall, feathery plant that can provide shade and support for young peach trees. Its strong scent can also help repel many pests, including aphids, slugs, and snails. Fennel is also a favorite food of swallowtail butterflies, which can help pollinate your fruit trees.

Plant fennel as a border around your peach trees, or in pots nearby. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

13. Mint

Mint is a fragrant herb that can help repel pests and improve soil quality around your peach trees. Its strong scent can deter many insects, including ants, aphids, and cabbage loopers. Mint also has natural antifungal properties that can help prevent diseases like powdery mildew and black spot.

Plant mint around the base of your peach trees, or in pots nearby. It prefers partial shade and well-drained soil.

14. Thyme

Thyme is a fragrant herb that can help improve soil quality and repel pests around your peach trees. Its strong scent can deter many insects, including whiteflies, spider mites, and cutworms. Thyme also has natural antifungal properties that can help prevent diseases like root rot and downy mildew.

Plant thyme around the base of your peach trees, or in pots nearby. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

15. Sunflowers

Sunflowers are a beautiful companion plant for peach trees. Their tall, sturdy stems can provide shade and support for young trees. In addition, sunflowers attract beneficial insects like bees and ladybugs, which can help pollinate your fruit trees and control populations of harmful pests.

Plant sunflowers as a border around your peach trees, or in pots nearby. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil.

Frequently Asked Questions About Companion Plants for Peach Trees

Q1. How do companion plants benefit peach trees?

Companion plants can provide many benefits to peach trees, including pest control, disease prevention, soil improvement, and shade and support.

Q2. What are some good companion plants for peach trees?

Some good companion plants for peach trees include nasturtium, marigold, clover, comfrey, chamomile, sage, borage, yarrow, garlic, chives, dill, fennel, mint, thyme, and sunflowers.

Q3. How should I plant companion plants around my peach trees?

You can plant companion plants around the base of your peach trees, or in pots nearby. Some companion plants, like clover and yarrow, can also be used as ground covers in between rows.

Q4. Do I need to fertilize my peach trees if I plant companion plants?

Companion plants can help improve soil fertility and reduce the need for chemical fertilizers. However, you may still need to fertilize your peach trees if they show signs of nutrient deficiency.

Q5. Can companion plants harm my peach trees?

Some companion plants, like mint and fennel, can be invasive and compete with your peach trees for resources. Be sure to choose companion plants that are well-suited to your climate and growing conditions, and monitor them regularly for signs of overgrowth.



Growing companion plants around your peach trees can help improve their health, productivity, and overall resilience. By choosing the right species and planting them strategically, you can create a thriving ecosystem that benefits both your fruit trees and the environment. So why not give it a try?