Fig trees are a beloved addition to many home gardens, prized for their sweet and nutritious fruit. We have been growing them for quite sometime and we’re enjoying their super delicious fruit. As for the trees, although they are relatively low-maintenance, companion planting can further enhance their growth, protect them from pests, and improve soil health.
By strategically choosing plants to grow alongside fig trees, fellow gardeners can create a thriving ecosystem that benefits all plants involved. This guide will explore the benefits of companion planting for fig trees, the best and worst companion plants, and essential tips for success.
Why You Should Consider Companion Planting for Fig Trees

Companion planting is a gardening technique that involves growing different plants together to create mutually beneficial relationships. When properly implemented, companion planting around fig trees can:
1. Improve Soil Health
Fig trees thrive in well-draining soil with adequate nutrients. Companion plants like nitrogen-fixing legumes help enrich the soil by adding essential nutrients, such as nitrogen, that benefit fig trees. Other plants, like deep-rooted herbs, can draw nutrients from deeper layers of the soil, making them available to the fig tree’s roots.
2. Enhance Pest Control
Certain companion plants repel pests that might otherwise attack fig trees. For example, marigolds and nasturtiums deter aphids and nematodes, while garlic and onions can keep away harmful insects and rodents.
3. Attract Pollinators and Beneficial Insects
Many fig tree varieties require pollination to produce fruit. Planting flowers like lavender, borage, and daisies near fig trees can attract bees and other beneficial insects, improving pollination and fruit yield.
4. Provide Natural Mulch and Weed Suppression
Low-growing companion plants such as clover and creeping thyme help retain soil moisture, prevent weed growth, and create a natural mulch around the fig tree’s roots. This helps reduce competition for nutrients and keeps the soil cool.
5. Increase Overall Yield and Garden Productivity
By maximizing space and utilizing companion planting principles, gardeners can increase overall productivity in their gardens. Instead of leaving the area around a fig tree bare, planting beneficial companions ensures that every inch of the soil is used efficiently.
Best Companion Plants for Fig Trees
Selecting the right plants to grow alongside fig trees can make a significant difference in their health and productivity. Here are some of the best companion plants for fig trees:
1. Herbs
- Lavender: Attracts pollinators and deters pests.
- Basil: Repels insects like mosquitoes and enhances soil health.
- Thyme: Acts as a ground cover to suppress weeds and retain moisture.
- Comfrey: Deep roots bring nutrients to the surface, benefiting fig trees.
2. Flowers
- Marigolds: Deter nematodes and other soil-borne pests.
- Nasturtiums: Attract aphids away from fig trees and improve soil health.
- Sunflowers: Provide shade and attract beneficial insects.
3. Vegetables and Cover Crops
- Beans and Peas: Fix nitrogen in the soil, providing essential nutrients for fig trees.
- Clover: Suppresses weeds, adds nitrogen, and acts as a living mulch.
- Garlic and Onions: Repel harmful pests and improve soil health.
4. Shrubs and Small Fruit Plants
- Blueberries: Thrive in similar soil conditions and attract pollinators.
- Raspberries: Offer partial shade and attract beneficial insects.
- Honeyberries: It also attracts beneficial insects.
By incorporating these companion plants, gardeners can create a balanced and biodiverse environment that supports the overall health of fig trees.
Plants to Avoid Planting Near Fig Trees

While many plants can coexist harmoniously with fig trees, some may compete for nutrients, attract unwanted pests, or create unfavorable growing conditions. Here are plants to avoid planting near fig trees:
1. Deep-Rooted Trees and Large Shrubs
- Walnut Trees: Release juglone, a chemical that can inhibit fig tree growth.
- Eucalyptus Trees: Compete aggressively for water and nutrients.
- Oak Trees: Cast too much shade and may alter soil composition.
2. High-Nutrient-Consuming Plants
- Corn: Requires large amounts of nutrients and competes with fig trees.
- Tomatoes and Peppers: Belong to the nightshade family, which can attract pests that also affect fig trees.
3. Moisture-Loving Plants
- Ferns: Prefer consistently moist conditions, which may not suit the well-draining needs of fig trees.
- Rice and Watercress: Require too much water and can create overly damp conditions for fig trees.
Avoiding these plants can prevent competition and ensure that fig trees receive the necessary resources for optimal growth and fruit production.
Tips for Growing Companion Plants with Fig Trees

Companion planting requires some planning and maintenance to ensure all plants thrive together. Here are some essential tips for successfully growing companion plants with fig trees:
1. Consider Spacing and Sunlight
Fig trees need plenty of sunlight to produce fruit. When selecting companion plants, choose low-growing varieties that won’t compete for sunlight. Taller plants should be placed strategically to provide shade without blocking too much light.
2. Use Mulching Techniques
Organic mulch, such as straw, wood chips, or clover, can help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. Many companion plants, such as thyme and creeping chamomile, can act as living mulch to protect the soil around fig trees.
3. Rotate Crops and Change Companions
If planting vegetables or annuals around fig trees, consider rotating them each season to prevent soil depletion and pest buildup.
4. Water Wisely
Fig trees prefer well-draining soil, so be mindful of the water requirements of companion plants. Drought-tolerant plants like lavender and rosemary work well in fig tree gardens because they require similar watering conditions.
5. Observe and Adjust
Regularly monitor the health of your fig tree and its companions. If a plant seems to be struggling or attracting pests, consider replacing it with a more suitable option.
Conclusion
Companion planting for fig trees is an effective way to improve soil health, increase yield, and enhance pest control while creating a diverse and resilient garden. By selecting beneficial plants like herbs, flowers, and nitrogen-fixing crops, gardeners can provide natural support to their fig trees and encourage healthy fruit production.
Avoiding competitive or moisture-demanding plants ensures that fig trees receive the nutrients they need. With proper planning and care, a well-designed companion planting strategy can lead to a thriving and productive fig orchard.
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