Introduction
Companion plants. You might have heard of it; some plants are just made for each other. Take basil and tomatoes for example. Not only do pairings like tomato and basil taste better together, but when planted together, the basil will also help protect the tomatoes from insects.
Using companion plants can have some major advantages. For example, some plants help to keep pests away, while other plants keep the soil in optimal condition.
Companion plants that have a positive effect on cannabis plants.
There are many ways in which companion plants can help with growing top-quality cannabis. Cannabis companion planting can be used both indoors and outdoors. Companion planting creates an optimal growing environment. Let’s discuss some advantages of companion planting.
Insect Control
Yes, it isn’t just in the case of basil and tomatoes… When it comes to farming or cultivating anything, insects are your worst nightmare. In the blink of an eye, they can damage or even destroy your plants. This is precisely why we as growers do everything we can to keep them as far away from our plants as possible.
There are many different chemical insect repellents on the market. I don’t recommend any of these. Why would you choose to spray your plants with chemicals, chemicals you will ultimately be ingesting? Companion planting is also a cheap, natural solution. Go figure!
Companion planting works in different ways. Some companion plants have a smell that keeps annoying insects away. While other plants will attract animals that pray off the insects.
Suitable Companion Plants:
- Garlic – To keep snails and maggots away and acts as a natural fungicide. Also, let’s be honest, garlic goes down with every munchie chow…
- Dill or Fennel, Cumin, and Anise – Known to be very effective at repelling spider mites, aphids by attracting insect-eaters like bees and wasps.
- Basil – As mention in the case of tomatoes, repels aphids, mosquitoes, and whiteflies.
- Marigold – Repels whiteflies and other insects through a chemical released directly in the soil and eventually, into neighboring plants, making them repellent to pests.
Companion planting and Nutrient Intake
So not only do companion plants assist with insect and pest problems, they can give nutrients to your cannabis plants too. Some add nitrogen to the soil while others make minerals more readily available for absorption.
If companion planting can’t be done, you can also trim certain plants and leave the trim to get absorbed by the soil. This will provide extra nutrients for your cannabis plants.
Suitable Cannabis Companion Plants:
- Alfalfa – This amazing micro herb can be grown in-between your plants. It produces nitrogen, and the deep roots allow for better water absorption. Alfalfa is a fast-growing when trimmed it will provide extra food for your cannabis plants too.
- Red & white clover – These also produce nitrogen. Your cannabis plants will be able to feed themselves with the decomposing clovers.
- Chamomile – Gathers calcium, potassium, and sulfur. When the plant dies, these nutrients get absorbed by the soil. Chamomile also enhances oil production in the surrounding plants.
- Oregano – Increases the yield of nearby plants. It also attracts beneficial insects. Yet another great-tasting herb that’s easy to grow.
Companion planting for Better Yields
Yip, it’s true. Cannabis companion plants can even improve your cannabis yield. There are several plants (just like chamomile) that stimulate oil production in your plants. Ultimately resulting in denser buds.
Suitable plants such as:
- Marigold – Which stimulates the growth of surrounding plants. This as well as repelling insects.
- Yarrow – Not only does it prevent soil erosion, but it also increases oil production in surrounding plants.
Stinging nettle – So this weed might be an annoying little plant to some, however, your weed plants will beg to differ! Stinging nettle also stimulates oil production in surrounding plants. Stinging nettle has been used for hundreds of years to treat painful muscles and joints, eczema, arthritis, and even gout.
Growing cannabis in particular, as opposed to other plants, can also imply certain things, such as the need for an inconspicuous installation. Especially if you benefit from an outdoor grow space, several options exist that can help to keep your cannabis plants safe.
In the same manner, the number of plants, herbs, and flowers that can help you hide the heady scent of your ladies is endless: lavender, basil, jasmine, and mint.
So, there are many reasons to add some companion plants to the mix. Are you using them?
