Companion planting is a traditional gardening practice that involves cultivating different plant species in close proximity to create a mutually beneficial environment. Some plants can help improve soil health, attract beneficial insects, repel pests, or provide shade and support for other plants.
Benefits of Companion Planting for Cannabis
Companion planting offers several benefits for cannabis cultivation, including:
- Pest control: Some companion plants attract beneficial insects that prey on common cannabis pests, reducing the need for chemical interventions.
- Pollination: Certain companion plants attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, enhancing the pollination process for cannabis flowers.
- Nutrient cycling: Companion plants with deep roots can help break up compacted soil, improve drainage, and accumulate nutrients that benefit cannabis plants.
- Biodiversity: Growing a variety of plants creates a more diverse and balanced ecosystem, promoting overall garden health and resilience.
- Weed suppression: Ground cover plants can help suppress weed growth, reducing competition for resources and minimizing the need for manual weed control.
Companion Plants for Cannabis
Here are some beneficial companion plants to consider for your cannabis garden:
Beneficial Insect Attractors
- Marigolds: These vibrant flowers attract beneficial insects like ladybugs, lacewings, and hoverflies that feed on aphids and other cannabis pests.
- Calendula: Also known as pot marigold, calendula attracts pollinators and can deter pests like aphids and nematodes.
- Borage: This herb produces attractive blue flowers that attract bees and other pollinators while repelling tomato hornworms and cabbage worms.
Pest Repellent Plants
- Lavender: The aromatic scent of lavender repels pests like moths, fleas, and flies, keeping them away from your cannabis plants.
- Rosemary: This fragrant herb repels pests like mosquitoes, carrot flies, and cabbage moths, making it an excellent companion for cannabis.
- Mint: The strong scent of mint acts as a natural deterrent for pests like ants, aphids, and flea beetles.
Nutrient Accumulators
- Clover: Clover is a nitrogen-fixing plant that enriches the soil with nitrogen, an essential nutrient for cannabis growth.
- Comfrey: Comfrey's deep roots mine nutrients from the soil and store them in their leaves, which can be used as a nutrient-rich mulch or compost.
Ground Cover Plants
- Creeping Thyme: This low-growing herb forms a dense mat that suppresses weeds, conserves soil moisture, and adds aesthetic appeal to the garden.
- Strawberry: Strawberries make excellent ground cover plants, protecting the soil from erosion and producing tasty fruits.
Tips for Successful Companion Planting
- Consider the specific needs and growth habits of both cannabis and companion plants to ensure compatibility.
- Provide adequate spacing to allow each plant to thrive without competing for resources.
- Regularly monitor the garden for pest and disease issues, and take appropriate action if necessary.
- Rotate companion plants each season to prevent the buildup of pests or diseases.
- Experiment and observe how different companion plants interact with your cannabis crop to find the most beneficial combinations.
Companion planting is a valuable technique that can greatly enhance the growth and well-being of cannabis plants. By selecting the right companion plants that attract beneficial insects, repel pests, improve soil health, or act as ground cover, you can create a more vibrant, biodiverse, and resilient garden ecosystem.
