European Plum and Garlic

Garlic planted beneath or around European plum trees serves two practical purposes: it discourages plum curculio through sulfur compounds in its foliage and roots, and its antifungal properties may reduce surface fungal pressure in the soil immediately below the canopy.

Plant garlic cloves in fall, 3 to 6 inches deep, in a ring starting about 18 inches from the trunk and extending outward to the drip line. Avoid planting directly against the trunk, where competing root pressure and excess moisture retention can cause problems. Garlic tolerates the partial shade cast by an established plum canopy reasonably well, though yields will be lower than in full sun.

This pairing is most useful in regions with confirmed plum curculio pressure, particularly east of the Rockies. It is not a substitute for dormant oil sprays or kaolin clay applications in high-pressure years. Garlic does not persist as a perennial in zones below 4, so replanting each fall is standard practice in most stone-fruit growing regions.