Comments on: What Garden Vegetables Do Well Under A Black Walnut Tree?

By: DR. DIRT

DR. DIRT — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 11:40:26 +0000

That tree, which bears my favoite nut produces massive amounts of tannin on the husk of the nut. That more than likely is affecting the soil, plus the tree acting as shade for your garden.

By: pondlady

pondlady — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 11:11:33 +0000

no vegtable plants will grow and produce under any tree,,,not enough sun light and tree roots will take up all the water,, also walnuts contains an oil that is not good for plants,,,we put the hulls in a crocker sack drag it behind the boat,,to take the oxygen out of ponds so the fish will come to the top,,then we dip em up with a net

By: Senarue

Senarue — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 10:23:26 +0000

I had the same problem that you did. To get around it, I looked in to “Square foot gardening”. I built raised beds, with new their own soil / compost mixture, separate from the soil that the walnut trees grew in, and ended up with a fabulous garden.
Everyone told me it wouldn’t work, being so close to the Walnut trees (about 40 ft) and it probably wouldn’t have, if I hadn’t built raised beds for the veggie garden.
You can get the book “Square Foot Gardening” by Mel Bartholomew at any library or bookstore, that will tell you a lot more about it.
Hope this helps, it worked for me! Good Luck!!

By: gar_fana

gar_fana — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 10:18:09 +0000

No veggies at all!
Walnut Toxicity
Black walnut trees produce a toxic material (juglone) that can injure and kill solanaceous crops (tomatoes, potatoes, peppers and eggplant) and other juglone-sensitive vegetables in the garden. Symptoms of walnut toxicity include stunted growth, yellowing and wilting of foliage, and death of susceptible plants. Juglone is present in all parts of the black walnut tree (fruits, leaves, branches and roots). The sources of juglone in the soil include both living and decaying plant material. Rain droplets leach juglone from the buds, leaves, and twigs. The decomposition of leaves and other plant debris by soil microorganisms also releases juglone. Living roots exude juglone into the surrounding soil. Generally, the greatest concentration of juglone in the soil exists within the dripline of walnut trees. Nothing can be done to save juglone-damaged tomato plants. Simply remove and destroy dead plants. Gardeners who have large walnut trees near their gardens should consider alternate sites. If alternate sites are unavailable, plant tomatoes and other susceptible plants 20 to 25 feet beyond the dripline of walnut trees to minimize walnut toxicity problems. Corn, beans, onions, beets, and carrots are tolerant of juglone and can be planted closer to walnut trees provided the area receives sufficient sunlight. Walnut trees that are 75 to 100 feet from the garden shouldn’t be a big threat to tomatoes and other juglone-sensitive vegetables. (Source: Iowa State University Horticulture and Home Pest News, July 22, 1992)

By: who are you?

who are you? — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 10:05:07 +0000

I don’t think any veggies will grow well there. Check with your local greenhouse though, they will know more.
FYI-most veggies need full sun to grow to their full potential.