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nafex - Re: [NAFEX] daffodils and fruit trees

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  • From: list@ginda.us
  • To: North American Fruit Explorers <nafex@lists.ibiblio.org>
  • Subject: Re: [NAFEX] daffodils and fruit trees
  • Date: Wed, 12 Apr 2006 08:13:27 -0400


On Apr 12, 2006, at 7:41 AM, Thomas Olenio wrote:


Are you talking about a mulched flower bed beneath a tree?


Well, the area is already mulched, so there wouldn't be any added benefit to the tree from that.


On Apr 12, 2006, at 7:57 AM, Matt Demmon wrote:
I have not actually done this, but from my observations and readings,
it seems like a good idea, actually. Bulbs are one of the things that
various permaculture people advise planting in an orchard, for the
precise reason that they do not compete with the trees, and assist in
keeping out things that do. Most bulbs are completely dormant by the
time the tree would be fruiting and under the highest heat and water
stress. It seems like in my area, you often see areas in peoples lawns
under trees where certain bulbs have naturalized around the trunk, and
the grass is unable to grow in that location. Also some bulbs would
provide nectar for early bees, feeding them before the fruit trees are
in bloom.

Thanks. Yes, they are completely dormant by the summer drought. The possible competition would be in the spring, when the tree is putting out its initial growth for the year. But you are right, they might discourage weeds and grass from growing in the spring, and those weeds compete with the tree much longer into the season.

I think this fall when I divide my daffodils a few will be going under the tree.

Thanks,
Ginda




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