planting near fruit trees

[Normans Mum]

Hi all,
Advice needed. I have a small amount of empty space on our allotment, where we have fruit trees growing. It has sun for most of the day, but also some shady spots. I have planted some Aquilegia and some Lily of the Valley, mainly in these areas. Peat planted in holes and watered in well... what sort of results can I expect ? Not planted too near to trees, although fairly rooty on digging !
Cheers
Normans Mum

[alldigging]

I've read about planting comfrey near fruit trees.

If it has a really long tap root then it'll bring up nutrients the tree wouldn't be getting anyway...


why permaculture folks love comfrey - YouTube
Says on the description there about it.

and there
the value of comfrey (plants forum at permies)

[rustylady]

For decorative value round your fruit trees you can't beat spring bulbs. Snowdrops, mini daffs and crocus.

[rustylady]

I've read about planting comfrey near fruit trees.

If it has a really long tap root then it'll bring up nutrients the tree wouldn't be getting anyway...


why permaculture folks love comfrey - YouTube
Says on the description there about it.

and there
the value of comfrey (plants forum at permies)

But comfrey plants get really huge

[Normans Mum]

Thanks for your advice, guys. I've thought about planting spring bulbs RL, is there still time? I don't want to plant anything that will compromise roots on my trees, that's all. Plus.. trying to create a nicer place to sit on the bench whilst having a brew.

[veggiechicken]

It may depend on how old your fruit trees are. Young trees may not appreciate too much competition. Instead of digging holes, why not sow bee-attractive flowers to help pollination of your fruit trees?

[Normans Mum]

I tried that last year, VC. Didn't do right well, unfortunately and the only seeds that did grow were love-in-a-mist. The trees are probably about 20 years old, I reckon. May have another trip to Wilkies and see if they have any bulbs left....

[veggiechicken]

At 20 years old they should be fine - I thought they might have been just a couple of years old. Now's the time to buy cheap leftover bulbs - I like miniature daffs. The small cyclamen are good too - for autumn flowering.