Growing cannabis is an activity that requires great care and precision. When done right, it is a rewarding experience. To grow the healthiest cannabis plants, you don't have to put them alone - Enter companion planting!
While the concept of companion planting is not new, modern science has given us greater insights into how certain species are more successful when grown side by side. If you're considering companion plants for your weed seedlings, there are a few things to consider. Join us as we discuss how to choose the best partners for cannabis and what factors to take into account when choosing companions for each strain of cannabis. Let's get started!
What is Companion Planting?
Companion planting is the practice of growing different plant species together with a mutually beneficial relationship. The agricultural practice is typically done to:
- Provide weed plants with an optimal environment.
- Boost yields.
- Protect against pests and diseases. Some companion plants attract beneficial insects, like bees, that facilitate pollination. Other species act as repellents for pests, such as aphids and mites.
- Take advantage of essential nutrients added to the soil by companion plants to boost the overall health of the cannabis. Herbs like borage, parsley, and rosemary enhance soil's mineral balance, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizer. Some plants, such as comfrey, can act as biological compost.
- Enhance the aesthetic effect of having other plants around your cannabis.
Understanding the benefits various species have on cannabis plants is vital to selecting species that coexist peacefully with your cannabis.
How to Choose the Right Companion Plant
Choosing the right companion plants for cannabis seedlings is a beneficial way to improve your garden's overall health and yield. Here are some tips to help you choose the right companion plants:
1. Know Your Plant Families
You must familiarize yourself with plant families for your seedlings and companion plants to grow together harmoniously. Different species have different sun, soil, and water needs, and some groups may not work well together. It will help if you find plants with similar growing requirements to your cannabis plants, so they can all thrive together.
For example, introducing a sun-loving tomato plant next to a cannabis plant that needs shade is asking for trouble. Begin by researching each plant's needs before bringing them into the same growing space. Opt for companion plants that require similar amounts of sunlight, water, and nutrients as your cannabis plants.
2. Consider Pest Control
Pests like mites, caterpillars, and snails cause big problems for young seedlings. That's why choosing companion plants that naturally repel pests is important. This helps keep your cannabis plants healthy without the need for harsh chemicals.
Pest Deterrents
Certain plants produce an aroma or flavor that discourages certain pests from coming near. For instance, planting chives around your cannabis seedlings deters aphids and other small insects who find the smell unbearable. Similarly, strongly scented herbs like mint and thyme help repel grubs and other soil-dwelling bugs.
Beneficial Insects
Some plants attract beneficial insects, including ladybugs, bees, and hoverflies. Insects like predatory wasps act as a natural defense against pests that seek to cause harm. Others promote pollination, which enhances the viability of high-THC seedlings.
3. Maximize Nutrient Uptake From Companion Plants
Did you know that companion plants can help cannabis plants absorb vital nutrients more efficiently? Here's how:
Nutrient Creation
Plant families, like legumes, produce their own nitrogen. They effectively convert atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form that is easily absorbed by nutrient-demanding cannabis seedlings.
The additional nutrition added to the soil helps fertilize the soil, creating an ideal environment for weed growth. This is especially helpful if you want to grow without using outside fertilizers.
Smart Nutrient Distribution
Different plants require different nutrition levels, so by pairing them up, you efficiently distribute the nutrients in the soil around them. Heavy feeders take a lot of nitrogen from the soil, while light feeders don't need as much to thrive. Planting heavier and lighter companions balances out the nutrition demands of all your growing plants.
Certain plants also help regulate the water content in the soil. These include clover, alfalfa, and daisies, among others. Keeping the right amount of water in the soil around cannabis plants provides ideal growth conditions, leading to a higher yield.
By carefully selecting companion plants that benefit each other nutritionally, you ensure your cannabis seedling gets off on the right foot.
Note: Rotate your companion plant selections each season to minimize the risk of pest infestations and disease. It also eliminates the build-up of nutrient deficiencies in the soil and helps ensure that your weed plants have access to the minerals they need.
4. Minimize Competition For Resources
Be mindful of choosing companion plants to intercrop with cannabis strains. Opt for varieties that won't compete for resources with your weed plants. You must be careful not to pick plants that compete for the same nutrients as weed. Also, stay away from plants that require a lot of water if your seedlings are already using a lot of water.
Examples of Good and Bad Companion Plants for Cannabis
Now that you know the ins and outs of companion planting, let's start talking about what plants make for good and bad companions for cannabis seedlings.
Good Companions
Some of the best companion plants for cannabis include oregano, basil, rosemary, thyme, lavender, marigolds, and even chamomile. These plants help with nutrient uptake from the soil and have properties that help with pest management.
Bad Companions
On the flip side, there are some plants that you should avoid when it comes to companion planting with cannabis seedlings. These include:
- Grasses, due to their shallow root systems
- Tobacco which attracts pests
- Cereals as they can easily become weeds
- Onions because they can stunt growth
- Cucumbers as they attract diseases
- Potatoes as they can introduce blight to your crop
Finding the Right Balance
Creating a healthy environment with compatible companion plants around your weed results in bigger yields and better-quality buds. While some plants will make the perfect pair, others will lead to disaster. Before investing money and resources in companion plants, ensure you understand the basics and potential implications for your cannabis seedlings.
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