What to Plant with Ferns: The Best Companion Plants for a Lush, Green Garden

What to Plant With Ferns

Ferns are a diverse group of plants that come in all shapes and sizes. They can be found in a variety of habitats, from tropical rainforests to temperate woodlands. Ferns are also popular ornamental plants, and they can be grown in a variety of settings, from gardens to indoor pots.

When planting ferns, it’s important to consider the type of fern you’re planting and the conditions it needs to thrive. Most ferns prefer moist, shady areas, but there are some ferns that can tolerate drier conditions. It’s also important to make sure that the soil is well-drained, as ferns don’t like to sit in waterlogged soil.

In addition to choosing the right location and soil, it’s also important to consider what to plant with ferns. Some plants can help to improve the conditions for ferns, while others can compete with them for resources.

In this article, we’ll discuss the best plants to grow with ferns, as well as some tips for planting and caring for ferns. We’ll also cover some common problems that can affect ferns, and how to solve them.

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Fern	What to Plant With It	Benefits
Ostrich Fern	Hostas, azaleas, rhododendrons, and other shade-loving plants	Provides ground cover and helps to retain moisture in the soil
Lady Fern	Coral bells, astilbe, and other woodland plants	Attracts butterflies and other pollinators
Sword Fern	Heuchera, ferns, and other shade-loving plants	Creates a lush, green landscape

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Companion Plants for Ferns

What are companion plants?

Companion plants are plants that are grown together for the mutual benefit of each other. They can provide a variety of benefits, such as improved growth, pest control, and disease resistance.

What are the benefits of planting companion plants with ferns?

There are many benefits to planting companion plants with ferns, including:

• Improved growth: Companion plants can help to improve the growth of ferns by providing them with nutrients, water, and shelter from the sun.
• Pest control: Companion plants can help to deter pests from ferns by releasing chemicals that repel them. They can also attract beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and lacewings, which help to control pests.
• Disease resistance: Companion plants can help to protect ferns from diseases by providing them with a barrier against infection. They can also help to improve the health of the soil, which can make ferns less susceptible to disease.

Choosing companion plants for ferns

When choosing companion plants for ferns, it is important to consider the following factors:

• The size of the fern: Companion plants should be the same size or smaller than the fern so that they do not compete for resources.
• The light requirements of the fern: Companion plants should have similar light requirements to the fern so that they can both thrive in the same conditions.
• The water requirements of the fern: Companion plants should have similar water requirements to the fern so that they can both be watered at the same frequency.
• The soil conditions of the fern: Companion plants should be able to tolerate the same soil conditions as the fern.
• The pest and disease resistance of the companion plants: Companion plants should be resistant to the same pests and diseases as the fern.

Some good companion plants for ferns include:

• Astilbe: Astilbe is a shade-loving perennial that provides a splash of color to the garden. It helps to improve the drainage of the soil and attracts beneficial insects.
• Hostas: Hostas are another shade-loving perennial that come in a variety of colors and leaf shapes. They help to improve the soil structure and provide shelter from the sun.
• Heucheras: Heucheras are brightly colored perennials that are tolerant of a wide range of conditions. They help to improve the drainage of the soil and attract beneficial insects.
• Vinca minor: Vinca minor is a groundcover that is tolerant of shade and drought. It helps to prevent erosion and provides a barrier against pests.
• Geranium macrorrhizum: Geranium macrorrhizum is a low-growing perennial that is tolerant of shade and drought. It helps to improve the drainage of the soil and attracts beneficial insects.

Planting companion plants with ferns

When planting companion plants with ferns, it is important to follow these steps:

1. Choose the right companion plants for the fern.
2. Prepare the soil by amending it with compost or organic matter.
3. Dig a hole that is twice the size of the fern’s root ball.
4. Place the fern in the hole and fill it with soil.
5. Water the fern well.
6. Mulch around the fern to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Growing Conditions for Ferns

What are the ideal growing conditions for ferns?

Ferns are relatively easy to grow, but they do have some specific requirements in order to thrive.

• Light: Most ferns prefer partial shade, but some species can tolerate full sun.
• Water: Ferns need regular watering, but they should not be allowed to sit in waterlogged soil.
• Soil: Ferns prefer well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.
• Fertilizer: Ferns do not need a lot of fertilizer, but they can benefit from a light application of compost or organic fertilizer once a year.
• Temperature: Most ferns are hardy in USDA zones 3-9, but some species can tolerate colder or warmer temperatures.
• Humidity: Ferns prefer high humidity, but they can tolerate dry conditions if they are watered regularly.

Ferns are beautiful and versatile plants that can add a touch of elegance to any garden. By planting them with the right companion plants, you can help them to thrive and create a beautiful and healthy landscape.

3. Pests and Diseases of Ferns

Ferns are susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases, but most can be prevented or treated with proper care.

Common Pests

• Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of ferns. They can cause leaves to wilt and turn yellow. Aphids can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
• Scale insects are small, round insects that attach themselves to the leaves and stems of ferns. They suck sap from the plant, causing leaves to yellow and drop. Scale insects can be controlled with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap.
• Mealybugs are small, white insects that feed on the leaves of ferns. They secrete a sticky substance that can lead to the growth of mold. Mealybugs can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
• Thrips are small, winged insects that feed on the leaves of ferns. They can cause leaves to become stippled or discolored. Thrips can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
• Spider mites are tiny, eight-legged arachnids that feed on the leaves of ferns. They can cause leaves to become yellow, brown, or spotted. Spider mites can be controlled with a miticide.

Common Diseases

• Fungus gnats are small, flying insects that feed on the roots of ferns. They can cause the roots to rot, which can lead to the death of the plant. Fungus gnats can be controlled with a systemic insecticide.
• Downy mildew is a fungal disease that causes leaves to become covered in a white, powdery growth. Downy mildew can be prevented by providing good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering. Downy mildew can be treated with a fungicide.
• Rust is a fungal disease that causes leaves to develop orange or brown spots. Rust can be prevented by avoiding overhead watering and providing good air circulation. Rust can be treated with a fungicide.
• Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes leaves to develop brown or black spots. Leaf spot can be prevented by providing good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering. Leaf spot can be treated with a fungicide.

Preventing and Treating Pests and Diseases

The best way to prevent pests and diseases is to provide good care for your ferns. This includes:

• Growing ferns in a location with good air circulation.
• Watering ferns from the bottom to avoid wetting the leaves.
• Fertilizing ferns with a balanced fertilizer according to the package directions.
• Pruning ferns to remove dead or diseased leaves.
• Inspecting ferns regularly for signs of pests and diseases.

If you do find pests or diseases on your ferns, you can treat them with the following methods:

• Insecticidal soap is a mild soap that can be used to kill aphids, scale insects, mealybugs, thrips, and spider mites. Insecticidal soap is available at most garden centers.
• Neem oil is a natural insecticide that can be used to kill aphids, scale insects, mealybugs, thrips, and spider mites. Neem oil is available at most garden centers.
• Horticultural oil is a type of oil that can be used to kill aphids, scale insects, mealybugs, thrips, and spider mites. Horticultural oil is available at most garden centers.
• Fungicides are chemicals that can be used to kill fungus gnats, downy mildew, rust, and leaf spot. Fungicides are available at most garden centers.

Ferns are beautiful and easy-to-grow plants, but they can be susceptible to pests and diseases. By following the tips in this article, you can help prevent pests and diseases from damaging your ferns.

What to Plant With Ferns?

Ferns are a diverse group of plants that can be found in a variety of habitats, from tropical rainforests to temperate woodlands. As a result, there are many different plants that can be successfully grown alongside ferns. However, there are a few general principles that can help you choose the best plants to companion with your ferns.

• Consider the light conditions. Ferns are generally shade-tolerant plants, so it is important to choose companion plants that will not outcompete them for light. Some good options for shady areas include hostas, astilbes, and impatiens.
• Consider the moisture levels. Ferns prefer moist soil, so it is important to choose companion plants that have similar water requirements. Some good options for moist areas include ferns, mosses, and liverworts.
• Consider the growth habit. Ferns come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so it is important to choose companion plants that will complement their growth habit. Some good options for contrasting growth habits include upright plants like spirea, spreading plants like creeping thyme, and groundcovers like pachysandra.

Here are some specific examples of plants that can be successfully grown with ferns:

• For shady areas:
• Hostas
• Astilbes
• Impatiens
• Ferns
• Mosses
• Liverworts
• For moist areas:
• Ferns
• Mosses
• Liverworts
• Azaleas
• Rhododendrons
• Hydrangeas
• For contrasting growth habits:
• Spirea
• Creeping thyme
• Pachysandra
• Heuchera
• Bergenia
• Epimedium

By following these tips, you can create a beautiful and harmonious garden that features a variety of ferns and other plants.

How to Plant Ferns?

Ferns are relatively easy to plant, but there are a few things you can do to ensure that they get off to a good start.

• Choose the right location. Ferns prefer a shady spot with moist, well-drained soil. Avoid planting them in full sun, as this can scorch their leaves.
• Prepare the soil. Before planting, loosen the soil in the planting area and add some compost or other organic matter. This will help to improve drainage and provide the ferns with the nutrients they need.
• Plant the ferns. Dig a hole that is slightly larger than the root ball of the fern. Place the fern in the hole so that the crown is level with the soil surface. Backfill the hole with soil and water thoroughly.
• Water the ferns regularly. Ferns need moist soil to thrive, so water them regularly, especially during dry spells.
• Fertilize the ferns in spring. Apply a slow-release fertilizer to the ferns in spring to help them get off to a good start.

By following these tips, you can easily grow healthy and beautiful ferns in your garden.

How to Care for Ferns?

Ferns are relatively low-maintenance plants, but there are a few things you can do to help them thrive.

• Water the ferns regularly. Ferns need moist soil to thrive, so water them regularly, especially during dry spells.
• Fertilize the ferns in spring. Apply a slow-release fertilizer to the ferns in spring to help them get off to a good start.
• Prune the ferns as needed. Ferns can be pruned to remove dead or damaged fronds. This will help to keep them looking their best.
• Protect the ferns from pests and diseases. Ferns can be susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases, so it is important to take steps to protect them. Some common pests and diseases include aphids, mites, scale, and powdery mildew.

By following these tips, you can help your ferns to thrive and enjoy their beauty for years to come.

What are some common mistakes people make when growing ferns?

There are a few common mistakes that people make when growing ferns. These mistakes can lead to problems such as stunted growth, browning fronds, and pest infestations.

• Planting ferns in full sun. Ferns prefer a shady spot with moist, well-drained soil. Avoid planting them in full sun, as this can scorch their leaves.
• Not watering ferns regularly. Ferns need moist soil to thrive, so water them regularly, especially during dry spells.

* **Fertilizing ferns too much

there are many different plants that can be planted with ferns. The best plants to pair with ferns will depend on the specific type of fern you are growing, as well as the climate and soil conditions in your area. By taking the time to consider these factors, you can create a beautiful and harmonious landscape that features ferns and other plants that will thrive together.

Here are a few key takeaways to remember when planting ferns:

• Choose plants that have similar water and light requirements.
• Plant ferns in well-drained soil.
• Mulch around ferns to help retain moisture and keep the roots cool.
• Fertilize ferns according to the package directions.
• Divide and replant ferns every few years to keep them healthy.

By following these tips, you can enjoy the beauty and benefits of ferns for many years to come.