Spacing for Understory Plants

General Fruit Growing
1

Hello,

I’m wondering how close people plant their understory plants next to their fruit trees. I’m asking this specifically because I have some gooseberry plants spaced 5’ apart and I’m looking to plant an apricot tree in that area. I’m wondering if I can get away with plunking in between two gooseberry bushes, leaving the tree 2.5’ away from each plant. I plan on pruning the tree Ann Ralph-style to keep it no larger than 6-8’ tall, so I don’t need the tree to grow with full vigor, I’m hoping the close spacing will help keep its growth in check.

Thanks!

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2

that spacing would work but keep in mind that you need to adapt your spray schedule so you arent spraying the tree when the gooseberries are in bloom or you will kill off your pollinators.

3

also consider that gooseberry are like. super spikey and if you need to get in there to prune a bunch that might be challenging.

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