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Planting vegetables near trees

by geraldine
(Nova Scotia Canada)

My friend’s community garden bed is close to trees and the plants seem to wilt very fast. He has peppers and broccoli planted. The broccoli that was taken from this bed had no roots when taken out of the ground, but there was no sign of bugs.
There are 6 other people in the garden and they do not seem to have this problem as of yet. Could it be that he's putting on too much fertilizer or getting it on the plants?

Comments for
Planting vegetables near trees

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Aug 09, 2009
 so many people planting near trees
by: bill t

Geraldine, your friend should not be planting anywhere near trees.Your vegetables are trying to compete with a plant which is already established,therefor apart from its sheer size compared to your seeds or seedlings its roots are just awaiting any menu your friend dishes up.The plants will also be denied sun light which they need for a minimum 6 hrs.Get as far away from the trees as possible if you can.
Cheers Bill T.
Aug 05, 2009
 I should have added....
by: Les Boucher

I should have added to my last post that, "the further away that you plant your vegie garden from trees the better.
As I said, otherwise every time that you water or feed your vegie patch the tree thinks it is its birthday ;-)
Aug 04, 2009
 planting vegies under trees
by: bill t

Vegetables are a very fast growing species. they should be grown in their own patch well away from other competitors for food such as lawn,shrubs, TREES especially. They should be planted around 20cm to 30cm apart (10 to12 inches apart) for optimum results.
Cheers Bill T :)
Jul 04, 2009
 Trees and Vegies
by: Les Boucher

I agree with the trees taking the largest portion of the food and water. While in some cases a particular type of tree may stop or slow the growing of "any thing" under their canopy (I'm thinking of pines here) the majority of the problem comes from the tree thinking that you are having a party every time that you feed or water it and that it is the trees birthday. They are VERY thirsty beasties and will suck an area dry if water and food isnt kept up to the area in question. I hope that this helps a little.
Les

PS: the security word that I have to type to enter this is "STRIFE" ....I couldnt think of a better explanation in a word....LOL
Jun 10, 2009
 Tree roots fight for nutrition
by: Anonymous

I have planted a lot of tropical flowers underneath a lychee tree. Did a lot of research first and discovered that the roots will intermingle with the tree roots, but that the tree will take up water and nutrients first, and the other plants will just get what is left over. To deal with this problem I have been foliar feeding the plants under the tree, and it seems to have worked well.

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