Is it possible that a Eucalyptus Tree growing in very close proximity to the vegetable garden, could effect the growth of the plants ? The produce over the past few years has deteriorated - to virtually nothing last year.

Any tree will take its fair share from the soil and all the nutrients you have in the vegetable patch are probably fair game for this hungry, fast growing tree. I am certain this is the reason for your poor yield. I don't think the leaf fall is the problem. They aren't as hungry as a Leylandii which can cause all sorts of nutrient starved areas in gardens, but Eucalyptus is problematic, you may want to consider moving it to a different area where the nutrients aren't as important in the soils as they are in a vegetable patch.

I can't remember when or where I read something about roots of some Eucalyptus being toxic to nearby plants. Perhaps some of our mates down under can help. Quite a few plants I've tried don't like being near a Eucalyptus Gunnii.

The Eucalyptus is doing what is called 'allelopathy'. This means that toxic chemicals (to other plants) are being released from the leaf litter and restricting growth of nearby plants. Oh dear, I think you have made a mistake planting this near your veg. Some of the plants that do this are used in the manufacture of herbicides.

I wonder how large your eucalyptus is now? Apart from nutrients it will be sucking the water out of the surroundings. Since it can grow to 25 or more metres do you really want it near your veg patch?

i think most trees would not be good next to a veg patch though some are obviously worse than others.as a rule of thumb however big all the branches are the roots are about as big beneath the ground sucking up all the goodness water and light.not saying you cant grow veg under some trees but i would try not to.eucalyptus grow realy big relitavly quckly to.thanx celandine i would never of bean able to spell eucalytus lol

It is recommended here that when planting one of these trees the distance from your house to the tree should be equal to the height of the mature tree.

If the tree is very large and close to the house removing it may cause problems to the house footings because of subsoil moisture imbalance - this happens to some houses in Adelaide.

thanx for that little tip jeremy it makes sense

PS.

Some of these trees have a habit of dropping branches, so at least the branches won't fall on the roof !!

nice one thanx