The Anatomy of a Fruit Tree Guild

 

Plants, though rooted in place, are constantly interacting and responding to their surroundings. They can warn each other of a threat through chemical release; they can alter their growth patterns because of available resources; they can ward off pests by emitting odors – their capabilities are endless.

And with these endless capabilities come endless possibilities. We can curate plant combinations, plant them together in a community, and let them inherently benefit from each other. This is a practice called “guild” planting. Guild planting is experimental. You can mix and match and find what’s right for your environment and your taste buds. Whatever you choose, you’ll want to select a species that can fulfill a particular role or roles. So, what are those roles?

 

 

WEED SUPPRESSION AND SOIL PROTECTION

There’s a couple of ways to go about this. Firstly, you should be encouraged to include some of your favorite annuals in your guilds because these plants will eventually die off and offer worthwhile mulch to protect your soil. Go for whatever annuals you love most and think about companion combos like tomato and trailing nasturtium. As they die off, let them incorporate themselves back into the soil. You can also incorporate perennial “living mulch” with groundcover plants that will suppress weeds and invasive species that compete for resources. We like creeping thyme and strawberry to add a perennial and edible aspect to your guild. The nice thing about a spreading groundcover is that you can let them go wild and then transplant them somewhere new. Don’t be concerned about takeover, there is almost always somewhere new that can use some weed suppression and soil protection.

 

SOIL FERTILITY AND NITROGEN FIXING

You’ll want to include some plants that will naturally enrich the soil. Comfrey, for example, will pull nutrients from WAY deep in the ground and draw them upward. Some of its roots will tap several feet into the ground (a lot deeper than even some trees will venture) and de-compact the soil along the way. Other plants nitrogen fix or form a symbiotic relationship with bacteria that convert atmospheric nitrogen into a usable nutrient, benefiting not only the host plant but also the surrounding plants. Clover does this AND also mats the ground as a weed suppressor.

 

PEST DETERRENTS

Many pests are always searching for a specific scent, so when some plants emit a strong and volatile smell that dominates the air space, there’s less chance the pest will come adventuring into that area. We mentioned nasturtiums and creeping thyme; consider rosemary, lavender, marigold, mint, garlic, chives, catnip to also deter pests from getting after your fruits and veggies. Do some research on which pest-repelling plants will best serve your selected fruiting plants in the guild.

 

POLLINATOR ATTRACTORS

There’s a common denominator with all those fruiting plants you enjoy and that’s pollination! Research has found that pollinator-friendly flowers adjacent to a growing space can significantly increase crop yield. Take this idea into your guild planting! Attract butterflies, bees, flies, and moths and get extra insurance that your fruiting plants will be pollinated. Pick your favorite flowers but keep in mind that some have dual purpose like beebalm (also a pest repellent) and yarrow (also a nutrient accumulator).

 

We encourage you to do some research on guilds and companion plants and find options that will thrive in your local ecosystem. Whether it's in your yard, community garden, school, church, or local park, you'll be doing your part to encourage biodiversity and feed your community!