Companion Planting Fruit Trees: A Beginner’s Guide to Permaculture Guilds

Are you dreaming of a lush, self-sustaining backyard orchard or food forest? You’re not alone—and you’re on the right track.

Recently, I sat down with Ryan Blosser, permaculture educator, co-founder of the Shenandoah Permaculture Institute, and co-author of Mulberries in the Rain: Growing Permaculture Plants for Food and Friendship.

We explored the power of companion planting and fruit trees, why stories matter in permaculture, and how beginners can use these principles to build resilient ecosystems at home.

Why Stories Matter in Permaculture Design

Ryan believes stories connect us on a deep level. They make complex permaculture ideas easier to understand and remember.

“Through storytelling, we don’t just learn facts—we engage emotionally and create shared experiences.”

This approach helps bring concepts like fruit tree guilds to life, encouraging more people to take action and form stronger connections with the land.

What Is Companion Planting for Fruit Trees?

Companion planting involves grouping plants together so they support one another—much like a healthy community. In permaculture, this means designing fruit tree guilds:

• Each plant plays a functional role
• The goal is to mimic natural ecosystems
• The result is greater productivity and resilience

“A resilient ecosystem is a diverse ecosystem,” Ryan shared. “But it’s not just about having lots of plants. It’s about having the right plants in the right roles.”

How to Start Companion Planting Fruit Trees (Beginner Permaculture Tips)

You don’t need a certificate to begin practicing permaculture. Ryan recommends starting small:

“Take it plant by plant, and learn the plants.”

Here’s a simple structure for building a fruit tree guild:

🌳 Anchor Plant: The Fruit Tree

Start with your core species—apple, plum, peach, or mulberry. This is the centerpiece of your guild.

Ryan even suggests willow as an unconventional anchor that offers multiple functions and yields.
→ Listen to our podcast: Willow Mulch for Fruit Trees with Dr. Glynn Percival

🌱 Dynamic Accumulators

Deep-rooted plants like comfrey and rhubarb draw nutrients from subsoil and bring them to the surface.

→ These plants thrive with a “chop and drop” technique that builds fertility.

🌸 Pollinator Attractors

Add flowering herbs like:

• Borage
• Mountain mint
• Bronze fennel

These attract beneficial insects and improve pollination.

🛡️ Pest Barriers & Weed Suppressors

Use strongly scented plants like:

• Garlic
• Chives
• Onions

To shade out weeds, try:

• Sweet potato
• Rhubarb
• Moat-style rings of bulbs or large-leafed plants

🌿 Nitrogen Fixers

Essential for long-term soil health, nitrogen-fixing plants include:

• Goumi
• False indigo

These species work with soil microbes to naturally fertilize your orchard.

“A plant that works well in one context may not in another. Observe and adapt.” — Ryan

→ Want better soil? Read: Bringing Life to Your Soil: How to Improve Soil Quality Naturally

Designing for People Too: Practical Permaculture Layouts

Good companion planting supports the gardener as much as the plants.

“Design it so people can move through it easily—keyhole paths, mulched walkways—those little things make a big difference.”

Whether working solo or with a team, your layout should:

• Be easy to access and maintain
• Encourage participation
• Fit the scale of your space

→ Learn more: Three Steps to Turning Your Backyard into a Food Forest

Human Relationships in Permaculture Projects

One of Ryan’s key insights? Many permaculture failures aren’t about plants—they’re about people.

“A lot of projects fall apart not because the design failed, but because the human relationships weren’t tended to.”

To grow a healthy human guild:

• Set clear roles
• Communicate regularly
• Create shared goals and responsibilities

In my own experience, strong relationships lead to better harvests and deeper community connection.

→ See how it’s done: Inspiring Community Fruit Tree Projects Bloom Worldwide

6 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Companion Planting Fruit Trees

Even with the best intentions, avoid these pitfalls:

1. Random Plant Pairings
   – Choose companions with clear functions, not just to fill space.
2. Overlapping Roles
   – Diversity means functional variety, not just species count.
3. Overcrowding Roots
   – Allow space for airflow and root development.
4. Skipping Observation
   – Watch, learn, and adjust based on what your ecosystem tells you.
5. Poor Accessibility
   – If it’s hard to reach, it’ll be hard to maintain.
6. Neglecting the Human Element
   – Your orchard is only as strong as your people and communication.

Final Thoughts: Start Small, Stay Curious

Building a thriving orchard through companion planting is both a science and an art. Whether you’re growing mulberries or managing a community food forest, beginner permaculture principles can guide you toward abundance, resilience, and connection.

🎧 Ready to Dig Deeper? Check Out the Full Podcast Episode!

Want to hear more stories, insights, and practical tips for companion planting fruit trees and beginner permaculture from Ryan Blosser? Tune into the full episode of our podcast where we explore these themes in more depth.

👉 Listen Now

🎧 Watch Now on YouTube

Or check out Ryan’s book, Mulberries in the Rain: Growing Permaculture Plants for Food and Friendship (affiliate link), for more inspiration on how plants and people can grow together.

Happy planting! Whether you're tending one fruit tree or a whole orchard, remember: it's all about relationships.