SLU Dietetic Interns
Culinary Camp 2015
Week 7 - Culinary Camp
Permaculture: Orchard Design, Row 7
July 20, 2015
Sara Eash, Lizzie Kuckuk, Jenni Leslie, Maria Anderson, Lorraine Lorenz, Aubrey Golbek, Megan
Favia
The Saint Louis University orchard, which contains plum, peach, apricot, cherry, apple and
hazelnut trees was planned and established using a sustainable, organic approach to gardening.
By implementing natural, chemical-free solutions, and using practices that attract pollinators,
the fruit trees benefit by producing more fruit and reduce the workload in order to maintain
the orchard.
One of the natural techniques used in the orchard to reduce pests and increase pollinators is
called Permaculture, which is a closed-system approach to designing the garden by using
planting techniques that have a purpose, such as finding plants with practical benefits, such as
attracting pollinators or providing shade to benefit other plants in the garden, similar to the same
type of relationships found in nature. All plants in nature grow with other species in nature, so by
mimicking these same sort of relationships we can reap the benefits of the garden with less
work, less pests and therefore, less chemical use.
One of the most commonly used approaches in creating these beneficial relationships between
the fruit trees, pollinators and the humans (by reducing our workload) is establishing a “guild” using companion planting. Companion planting is a natural agricultural method to enhance a
plant’s environment. Plant’s can have a symbiotic or antagonistic relationship with one another.
Some companion plants attract beneficial insects while others may attract predators of
undesirable pests to repel harmful insects with potent odors. Companion plants may also add
beneficial nutrients to the soil, which can enhance the growth of nearby plants.
Orchard Row 7 - Plum Trees and Pests
Plum curculio is a major pest of the plum tree. Plum curculios emerges in May and moves into
orchards where they mate. After bloom, adult curculios begin to lay eggs in the flesh of the
developing plum fruits causing a characteristic crescent-shaped scar. Egg-laying continues for
six to eight weeks, until mid July. Larvae feed inside the fruit and tunnel toward the center,
causing infested fruit to drop in early summer. Plum curculios will also feed on young fruit
causing a tiny hollowed out cavity. Plum curculio larvae move from fallen apples into soil, where
they pupate and emerge as next generation adults from late July into September.
SLU Dietetic Interns
Culinary Camp 2015
Plum curculio
One way to control pests such as plum curculio is to implement companion planting techniques
in the orchard. The following paragraphs describe the different types of companion plants
planted to reduce workload, pests and/or increase pollinators in the garden:
Suppressors: Bulb plants are characterized by short stems and fleshy leaves with their
underground bulb acting as an energy store for when the plant is dormant. Their shallow roots
help to suppress grass and other unwanted foliage around the plum trees, competing for
nutrients. The bulbed plants also go dormant in the summer, which helps avoid competition
with the plum tree for water and nutrients. Chives, leeks, and garlic are good examples.
Attractors: Attracting a variety of insects helps to pollinate the fruits trees and prevents one
species from becoming overpopulated. Dill, fennel, and coriander are all effective at attracting
insects to the guild. White clover attracts ground beetles, which can help control plum curculio
in the orchard.
Repellers: These plants repel potentially damaging insects. Catnip repels aphids and Japanese
Beetles, both of which are predators of the plum tree.
Mulchers: Plants that naturally provide mulch to the orchard, leaving the foliage of these plants
on the ground to decompose into the topsoil, saves time and energy. The soil retains its
structure while having nutrients added to it as well. Comfrey, artichokes, and rhubarb are all
potential mulches in the orchard.
Fixers: Adding plants to the orchard will increase the amount of nitrogen in the soil, a crucial
element for plants as it is essential for energy production. Leguminous plants form a symbiotic
relationship with soil microorganisms to allow for high levels of nitrogen in the soil. Clover,
vetch, peas, beans, and alfalfa are appropriate choices.
Recommendations:
SLU Dietetic Interns
Culinary Camp 2015
Recommended Companion Plants
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a. garlic b. catnip c. dill d. native spicebush e. parsley f. fennel g. Comfrey h. marigolds
i. tulips
Design Plan for implementing both permaculture in Row 7 of SLU garden Orchard.
SLU Dietetic Interns
Culinary Camp 2015
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References
1.Companions For A Fruitful Garden:
http://www.bowoodfarms.com/_ccLib/downloads/Companions_-_Fruit10.pdf
2. Companion Plants For Stone Fruits:
http://homeguides.sfgate.com/companion-plants-stone-fruit-64459.html
3. Growing Fruit Trees In Maine:
http://umaine.edu/fruit/growing-fruit-trees-in-maine/insect-pests/
4. Permaculture Principles:
http://permacultureprinciples.com/
5. State By State Gardening: Midwest Edition
http://statebystategardening.com/state.php/il/newsletter-stories/fruittree_friends/
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