Underplanting a walnut tree is not a simple matter. In fact, the walnut does not get along well with other plants nearby. The victims are usually these other plants. In our guide, we explain why the walnut tree is reluctant to tolerate foreign plants. We also have a few tips for you on how you can still see beautiful plants thriving under the walnut tree.

The walnut tree is better off alone

Causes of intolerance to other plants

The main problem is that the leaves of the walnut excrete juglone. This is a germ-inhibiting substance. This is washed out by the rain and gets into the ground. There it behaves like a weed killer.

In addition, the roots of the walnut also secrete specific inhibitors. These slow down the growth of the plants under the walnut tree.

Aside from these basic causes, there are two potential obstacles:

  • The roots of the walnut tree sometimes suck up all the water.
  • The dense canopy provides a lot of shade - lack of light is counterproductive.

What else speaks against underplanting

Of course, it's no fun operating out the falling walnut tree fall foliage from a planting every year.

And even when harvesting the fruit, no one wants to dig through other plants.

These two aspects clearly speak against trying to underplant. But…

How to succeed in underplanting walnuts

In practice, there are several cases in which other plants thrive quite well under a walnut tree - even if perhaps not quite optimally.

It is important to pay more attention to underplanting. From the choice to the care of the plants, there is a lot to plan carefully and implement sensibly.

Characteristics of suitable plants for the walnut

Underplanting a walnut

  • has to cope with tanning agents and inhibitors,
  • must not be too high and
  • should love semi-shady to shady locations.

The following are therefore suitable, among others:

  • Wood anemone (flowers in spring before the walnut casts too much shade)
  • Bergenia (very salt tolerant)
  • Ferns (preferably hardy varieties such as male fern or ostrich fern)
  • Hostas (shade-loving, but definitely plant in pots to keep inhibitors away)
  • Evergreen (hardy and ground covering)

Important care measures

It is crucial to choose plants that do not interfere with the characteristics of the walnut (see examples above). In addition, you should always remove falling leaves immediately so that the germ-inhibiting substances cannot spread. And: Make sure that the underplanting can always absorb enough water and nutrients.

tips

With an older walnut tree, there is a better chance that other plants will grow and thrive well.

Category:

Vegetable garden