Some nitrogen-fixing plants that can be used as companion plants for olive trees include clover, alfalfa, vetch, and beans. These plants can convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that can be used by other plants in the soil, which can help to improve soil fertility and reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers. Peas and Alfalfa

Companion planting can help reduce pest problems by attracting beneficial insects and repelling harmful ones. However, monitoring your plants for signs of pest damage is still crucial. If you notice an infestation, take action by using organic pest control methods, such as introducing beneficial insects, using insecticidal soap, or applying neem oil. Disease PreventionSoil Improvement: Companion plants can also work wonders for your soil. Some plants, like legumes, are excellent nitrogen-fixers, which means they take nitrogen from the air and convert it into a form that plants can use. Other plants have deep roots that break up compacted soil, allowing for better water penetration and aeration. Planting these soil improvers near your olive trees will create a healthier environment for your trees to grow. Our Twisted Olive Tree Gift is particularly ornate. Its twisted stem adds shape, character, and sophistication to any garden. So if you grow your fresh dill, you get another benefit from it since it helps to charm ladybugs or lacewings, which eat aphids. Dill has a grassy look, most commonly used in soups or stews Thyme is a great companion plant for olive trees, repelling pests, attracting pollinators, and enhancing the flavor of your olives. Well, thyme is used for both culinary and decorative uses.

Olives like both acid and alkaline soils with drainage being essential. A loam-based compost such as John Innes No 3 is best, with the addition of a good quantity of grit to ensure the drainage. Although drought tolerant Olives in pots do need to be watered regularly to keep their roots moist. A good idea is to keep the pots on feet to give better drainage and to prevent the roots from freezing. Plant marigolds about 1 to 2 feet (30 to 60 cm) apart from your olive trees in a sunny location. Moderate watering is sufficient for these vibrant flowers. Petunias Another mistake to watch out for in companion planting is selecting incompatible plant pairings. While some plants work wonderfully together, offering mutual benefits and support, others can adversely affect each other, resulting in decreased growth or even harm.Finally, an excellent classic combination for olive trees is Mediterranean herbs, including basil, bay leaf, chervil, chives, cilantro, dill, fennel, fenugreek, lavender, marjoram, mint, oregano, parsley, rosemary, saffron, sage, savory, tarragon, thyme and much more. By carefully selecting compatible plants for your garden, you’ll create a balanced ecosystem that benefits your olive trees and their companions alike. 3. Neglecting Pest Control and Prevention Measures Nothing brings more of a feel of style and sophistication to a garden or patio than evergreen plants that have been trained and clipped into formal architectural specimens. They create instant drama and will provide structure and interest for 12 months of the year, for many years to come! A matching pair either side of a doorway will always create the 'wow!' factor.

Growing and flourishing thyme well under olive trees and other plants is easy. Space thyme about 1 to 2 feet (30 to 60 cm) apart from your olive trees, ensuring both plants have full sun exposure. Like olive trees, thyme requires moderate watering. Thyme is a Mediterranean herb with dietary, medicinal, and ornamental uses. It can be mixed with other plants growing under olive trees. Oregano Yarrow is a medical herb that treats minor wounds, reduces fever, and attracts lacewings and ladybugs, which feed on aphids. Yarrow offers multiple benefits for your olive trees, including improving soil fertility, attracting pollinators, and repelling pests. When planning your garden, take the time to research each plant’s specific needs and adjust your layout accordingly. 2. Incompatible Plant Pairings Planting is best done in late spring, both in the ground and pots as the olive is given time to acclimatise although fleece should be used if there is a cold spell. Pottered Olives can be kept in an unheated greenhouse during the cold months and brought out when the weather warms up. Spring is also a good time to top-dress the Olive with a slow-release fertiliser, together with keeping the surface weed-free to allow the water and feed to flow through.Our pair of olive trees in pots are a pleasure for the senses; they have evergreen leaves year-round, small cream blossoms in the spring and with lots of hot, sunny weather the trees may produce some small olive fruits that will ripen in autumn. Olive trees are low maintenance and slow-growing, ideal for small gardens and busy gardeners. Mutual Benefits: When plants are good companions, they help each other. For example, some plants provide shade or support for their neighbors, while others release substances that stimulate growth. It’s a win-win situation where each plant contributes to the success of the other. To avoid overcrowding, consider the spacing requirements for each plant species. Ensure you provide enough room for your olive trees and companion plants to grow and thrive without competing with each other. Proper spacing also promotes better air circulation, reducing the risk of fungal diseases and creating a more comfortable environment for beneficial insects. Olive trees love deep and infrequent watering – this helps to establish a strong and robust root system. If your tree isn’t receiving enough water, it might struggle to hold onto its fruit. The yellowing leaves could also be a sign of water stress.

When planting or potting your Olive Bush it’s best to choose a south or west facing location as it will flourish better in a sunny sheltered spot. It’s also worth mentioning that Olive trees come in all different shapes and sizes, and because of this you will need to get a pot or urn that can accommodate this. Once you’ve selected a suitable pot or urn and found the perfect patch, we recommend using a mix of John Innes no.3 and agricultural grit for planting or potting. They look so exotic and Mediterranean though, you should grow them anyway. Olives are low maintenance, easy to grow and very slow growing - ideal for small gardens or busy gardeners. Great value and will add a touch of class to your patio. Healthy soil is the foundation of a thriving garden. Regularly test your soil to ensure it has the right pH and nutrient levels for your olive trees and companion plants. Add organic matter, such as compost, to improve soil structure and fertility. Rotate your crops to prevent nutrient depletion and discourage the buildup of pests and diseases. Mulching Creating a harmonious garden with companion plants is an art and a science. Pay attention to your plants’ proper spacing and arrangement to get the most out of your companion planting efforts. Here are some tips to help you succeed: 1. Proper SpacingFor instance, some plants may release chemicals that inhibit the growth of other plants, while others may attract pests that are harmful to their neighbors. To prevent these issues, it’s crucial to understand the unique relationships between your olive trees and their companion plants. We get busy around here so it's always best to make a reservation to avoid disappointment. We also take walk-in's if space is available.