What Not to Plant Near a Black Walnut Tree
Planting a walnut garden can be easy and rewarding. While it takes several years for established trees to produce their first crop, grafted cultivars often start producing nuts in their fifth year. If you plan to plant seedlings, it’s best to plant them at least a couple of inches deep in the soil and tamp them down. Space them about 12 feet apart. Water them well after planting, and make sure they stay moist.
The most important thing to remember when planting walnuts is to keep a close eye on them. Their seeds can be very toxic, and even if you do not eat them, they may rot the roots of your plants. However, if you have a small tree, you may not need to worry about this. It won’t kill your plants. The juglone-producing seeds can be harmful to other plants and trees, but they can be harmless for other plants.
While it can be difficult to prevent black walnut from killing your plants, there are ways to minimize its negative effects. The first thing you should do is make sure that your soil is rich in organic matter. Increasing the amount of organic matter in your garden can help walnut trees grow and develop. It’s also a good idea to keep the wood chips away from sensitive plants, such as roses and tulips. This way, you’ll avoid a potentially harmful reaction to juglone.
Once your tree has established a good root system, you can begin planting your nuts. They will grow in bare-root form or containerized. When you purchase your walnuts, make sure the roots have not been dried out and are well-drained. The soil should be at least five feet deep. It should allow for root expansion, and it needs to be moist. Early frosts can destroy the flowers, so choose cultivars that bloom late. The following are some common diseases and pests that can affect walnuts.
The black walnut tree needs a sheltered, sunny location. It prefers a pH of six or less, and it can tolerate a pH range of four to eight. It’s best to plant one tree per square foot in a sunny spot, and then plant the rest in the shade. A few other species are compatible with black walnuts, but they do not require a lot of space. If space is limited, make sure to choose plants that grow well in it.
The black walnut tree produces a chemical known as juglone. This compound causes certain plants to wilt or die, but they don’t die. Unlike oaks, walnuts are hardy. It isn’t necessary to prune them every year to prevent them from becoming too large. You should prune them periodically to ensure healthy growth. If your trees are too big, don’t use a spray to keep them healthy.