Black walnuts are beautiful trees.
But for gardeners, they can be a curse-black walnuts are highly poisonous to other plants.
Black walnuts release juglone, a toxic substance that can stop the respiratory processes of most plants, into the soil.
The substance is present in all parts of the tree, from the roots to the leaves.
Here are a few tips for dealing with-and gardening harmoniously near-a black walnut tree.
Don't cut it down.
If you cut down the tree, the roots will still be in the soil-and they'll continue to release plant-killing substances for several years.
Choose plants that are not sensitive to juglone.
Not all plants are sensitive to black walnuts.
Choose plants that are known to be less susceptible to the poisons.
Build raised beds.
Juglone might affect your entire garden because of the black walnut's enormous spread, but the poison itself does not move efficiently through soil.
Use containers.
Container gardening is often the best solution for plants that are sensitive to black walnuts, especially if you're planting under or near the tree's drip line.
Promote good drainage.
Make sure your garden beds are well drained; this appears to lessen the effects of juglone.
Don't compost the litter.
Organic gardeners want to compost practically everything.
But black walnut leaves are not ideal candidates for the compost pile.
Walnut trees are difficult to incorporate into a garden, but with careful planning you can lessen the effects of juglone in your soil.
If you do, hopefully you can grow a healthy and prolific garden despite the presence of a black walnut.