7 Plants to Grow With Peach Trees for Bigger Harvests and Fewer Pests

Comfrey

Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) is an excellent plant to grow beneath peach trees, according to Blake Cothron, owner of Peaceful Heritage Nursery LLC. "Its large leaves and rapid growth can overpower weeds while bioaccumulating nitrogen and minerals with its deep, fleshy roots, which improve soil quality," he says. Cothran also notes that this beneficial plant can be chopped and dropped multiple times each season for a nutrient-rich biomass and mulch. "I recommend using the roots or starts of the perennial 'Bocking 14' variety because it is sterile and does not spread, unlike seedling comfrey. It can be propagated quite easily through root cuttings."

• Zones: 3 to 9
• Size: 3 to 4 feet tall x 4 feet wide
• Care requirements: Full sun to partial shade; well-draining soil rich in organic matter

White Clover

This delightful, low-growing companion plant effectively displaces weeds and prevents erosion. Cothron explains that white clover (Trifolium repens) is a leguminous nitrogen-fixing plant that attracts beneficial pollinators, especially honeybees. It is a popular choice for gardeners seeking to enrich their soil with nitrogen while keeping weeds at bay. However, it’s important to note that red clover can attract stinkbugs, which feed on peach fruit. For this reason, opting for white clover is recommended for companion planting.

• Zones: 1 to 8
• Size: 10 to 14 inches tall x 12 inches wide
• Care requirements: Full sun to partial shade; well-draining soil rich in organic matter

Spearmint

Spearmint (Mentha spicata) is a fast-growing perennial, making it an effective competitor against weeds, according to Cothron. Its dense spike-like blooms attract pollinators and may also help keep aphids and mites away from your peach trees. Additionally, spearmint is very cold-hardy and makes a wonderful ingredient for herbal tea. While spearmint pairs well with peach trees, it spreads aggressively and should be grown in containers to prevent it from overtaking other areas of the garden.

• Zones: 3 to 9
• Size: 1 to 2 feet tall x 1 to 2 feet wide
• Care requirements: Full sun to partial shade; well-draining soil rich in organic matter

Chives

This aromatic herb not only adds delicious flavor to dishes, but it also provides significant benefits for peach trees, says Eric Nieusma, co-owner of Maine Hill Farm. Chives (Allium Schoenoprasum) release sulfur compounds that can repel unwanted pests, including aphids, spider mites, and Japanese beetles, and may even deter deer. When in flower, chives attract beneficial pollinators, which are essential for fruit production. In heavy clay soils, chives can help break up the soil, improving drainage and benefiting the tree’s root system. While chives thrive in full sun, they can tolerate partial shade.

• Zones: 3 to 9
• Size: 10 to 15 inches tall x 8 to 12 inches wide
• Care requirements: Full sun to partial shade; well-draining soil rich in organic matter

Nasturtium

Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum) are a beautiful addition to any garden, featuring bright red and yellow flowers with foliage that resembles lily pads. Nieusma explains that this easy-to-grow annual is an excellent trap crop, as its charming blooms lure harmful pests away from peach trees such as aphids, cucumber beetles, whiteflies, and more. Additionally, nasturtiums attract predator insects that eat harmful pests. As nasturtiums decompose, they enrich the soil by adding nutrients and improving its fertility. Nieusma recommends planting dwarf bush varieties as they are effective ground covers and create borders around fruit trees.

• Zones: 2 to 8
• Size: 12 inches tall x 24 inches wide
• Care requirements: Full sun; well-draining soil rich in organic matter
  

Calendula

Calendula (Calendula Officinalis) is a low-maintenance companion plant that helps with pest control. Its bright and cheerful flowers produce a sap that attracts aphids and whiteflies, drawing their attention away from your peach tree. At the same time, calendula attracts ladybugs and lacewings, which feed on aphids. Nieusma notes that calendula grows low to the ground, forming a ground cover that shades the soil and suppresses weeds. This charming annual can also contribute to healthy soil around your peach tree by improving soil structure and attracting beneficial microorganisms.

• Zones: 3 to 11
• Size: 12 to 12 inches tall x 12 inches wide
• Care requirements: Full sun to partial shade; well-draining soil rich in organic matter

Yarrow

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is known for its delicate clusters of flowers, arranged in a flat-top or dome-shaped head, making it a beautiful addition to any garden. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, yarrow is a powerful companion plant that enhances soil quality and fertility. It breaks down organic matter and releases essential nutrients into the soil, acting as a nitrogen accumulator to address existing nitrogen deficiencies.

Additionally, yarrow's strong scent can deter harmful insects, as well as rabbits and deer, while simultaneously attracting beneficial pollinators, such as bees and butterflies. This fast-growing plant also outcompetes nearby weeds, making it a valuable ally in the garden.

• Zones: 3 to 9
• Mature Size: 1 to 3 feet tall x 2 to 3 feet wide
• Care requirements: Full sun to partial shade; well-draining soil rich in organic matter.