Plant Companions: Garlic and Fruit Trees

The idea behind companion planting is that some plants protect and enhance the performance of other plants when grown together.

Two such "garden friends" are garlic and fruit trees. Underplanting fruit trees with garlic helps the tree repel pests such as fruit tree bore, aphids and mites. It is also thought that the tree roots absorb sulfur produced by the garlic, making the tree more resistant to fungus, mould and black spot.

Consider planting garlic under your fruit tree this fall. If garlic is not a favourite or you prefer a perennial, try onion or garlic chives, which are in the same family and offer similar benefits.

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