I DO believe in companion planting. I am trying to shift from vegetable beds to permaculture, and am putting in blueberries in raised beds around an area. My question is what to plant around them. I'm thinking garlic would not be good somehow, but what about oregano? Or basil? Any experience, suggestions, etc.? I need to get out my Riotte books, I guess, but Dave's usually has someone with some wisdom...
Thanks!
Companion planting question
Because blueberries have special growth requirements, you will need to find herbs or vegetables that can live within similar boundaries.
Acidic soil, well draining and yet they will need adequate moisture when they are producing fruit.
Blueberries also have shallow roots so definitely don't underplant.
The BB blooms require pollinators so I would suggest try surrounding with a mint family herb or perhaps an early bloomer like echinacea that will bloom in spring to attract bees and other pollinators. IME the problem will be finding what will bloom at the same time.
I bordered my blueberry bed with echinacea and planted Roselle which I hoped would shade it through summer. I know I lost one BB so will have to see what the year end result is. Of course this has been an unusual year too.
Please let us know what you try and also how it does for you. I have been reading, experimenting and learning permaculture. And I agree with you, there is evidence that companion planting does work. Kristi
Only thing that spring to mind is back in the day a lot of Commercial BB growers Planted Hydrangas wih the BB as a way of monitoring the Ph. of the soil without having to do a lot of time consuming Ph. test,but I think the best bet would be Louise Riotte books as you mentioned