My "orchard" is really only 6 trees right now. And small trees at that - most with a trunk diameter less than 3 inches. I am going to plant some new zealand white clover in a ring around the drip line this year, and I am also thinking of letting some pumpkin and winter squash vines run around the trees. I haven't grown either pumpkin or winter squash in quite a while. Will they root where they touch the ground and therefore compete with the trees? I am hoping that their vigorous vines will help shade the ground for the trees during summer. Kind of like a living mulch but with edible bonuses. I would train the vines away from the trunks so the trees would have at least a 6 to 10 inch "breathing space" around them. Any thoughts or opinions much appreciated.
Pumpkin in the Orchard Question
As long as you keep the vines from climbing into the trees, you should be ok.
As a kid, I remember pumpkins taking over our small suburban back yard. As long as they don't grow as fast as kudzu, I will be able to keep up with them. Lost the kudzu battle in rural TN once... being 10 years ago, I imagine the whole county is now burried deep under kudzu...
Post a Reply to this Thread
More Fruits and Nuts Threads
-
southmoon blueberry
started by chuck505
last post by chuck505Aug 09, 20250Aug 09, 2025 -
Is this terminal?
started by bigdave1
last post by bigdave1Jan 12, 20261Jan 12, 2026 -
Winter kill on blackberries
started by Uncgdc
last post by UncgdcApr 01, 20261Apr 01, 2026