The pear is a tricky but oh-so-valuable crop that requires a little extra TLC to cultivate. Summer growers often have to deal with some challenges when it comes to their fruit. These can include issues with quality, disease, and sometimes, unfortunate proximity to other plants.
However, choosing the right ‘companion plant’ can be the key to a bountiful and regular harvest. This article looks at which trees and crops are best planted alongside pear trees for mutual benefits.
Firstly, trees of the same species make excellent neighbours for pears. They enrich each other with nutrients and promote better pollination. Gardeners recommend growing pear trees in pairs, leaving at least 6 metres between them. It is important that the varieties have the same flowering period.
Secondly, apple trees are also good partners for pears, as they are related. This proximity helps to increase the yield of both plants.
Thirdly, berry bushes – raspberries, currants and grapes – make great neighbours. They repel weeds, which can irritate pears, and enrich the soil with nitrogen. Pears, on the other hand, protect berries from rotting, but it’s important to make sure they don’t shade the bushes too much.
Fourthly, if the pear suffers from frequent disease and pests, you can plant flowers such as marigolds, bells and daisies underneath for a healing effect.
Fifthly, maple trees can become good neighbours for pears that suffer from moths, the main pests of this crop. Maples repel insects and protect trees.
- When designing planting schemes, it is important to take into account the plants’ needs for light, moisture and nutrients to avoid unwanted competition. At the same time, regular monitoring of planting conditions and timely adjustments will create ideal conditions for pears and their companions to thrive.
- Remember that the right choice of companion plants is the key to the health and high productivity of the right pears. Use the recommendations given, experiment and carefully observe crop interactions – and your efforts will be rewarded with a bountiful harvest of juicy and aromatic fruit!
