Growing cannabis seeds with companion p
Humanoid home growers and interdimensional aliens like me have one thing in common—we both have green thumbs! Combine some know-how with those green thumbs to make companion plants for cannabis dramatically revolutionize your indoor grow, greenhouse cannabis garden, or outdoor living soil bed.
Home cannabis growers should utilize companion plants for cannabis pest control to confront pest issues organically and efficiently. This time-tested growing trick has numerous advantages that result in an enhanced ecosystem that minimizes mold, maximizes soil quality and health (nitrogen), promotes pollination, and—as discussed here—keeps those annoying cannabis garden pests away! [1][2]
When it comes to cannabis and companion planting, humanoid researchers have slacked hard in the areas of studies and research. Hard, factual evidence is mostly observational and has been passed down from early ancestors, along with their successes using companion plants for other traditional crops.
Though there are many proven varieties to pair with your cannabis seeds, it still requires some trial and error to get them to interact and produce just the way you want.
Terpenes are a natural way for many plant species to fight pests in cannabis grows [3]. They can also be X factors because many companion plants have their own terpene profiles which can also affect the terps, aroma, and flavor of your final cannabis yield.
For example, be aware that cultivating companion plants like onion and garlic in the same cannabis grow bed with your OG Kush may help keep away pests; however, it just might also turn your prized OG Kush into something more like Onion Garlic Kush! I’ll be sure to mention which ones have been shown to affect the terpenes of cohabiting cannabis plants when possible.
Companion planting with cannabis can be used indoors, outdoors, or in a big, beautiful greenhouse cannabis grow. As mentioned, if you want the most organic and efficient way to fight common cannabis pests, then get a few new green friends growing close to your weed. A good rule of thumb (green or otherwise) is to start your companions once the cannabis seedling develops its first true leaves. That way the fresh cannabis seedling doesn’t have to compete for nutrients.
Indoor Companion Plants
Along with thinking about how much space you have to grow at your disposal, using companion plants for indoor cannabis grows must also consider other environmental concerns. Before we discuss which to use, here are a few tips:
A strong-scented herb that repels aphids, beetles, thrips, houseflies, and spider mites. Also boosts limonene and pinene-heavy strains.
Repels moths, fleas, and whiteflies; attracts pollinators outdoors. Excellent for enhancing linalool-rich cannabis strains.
Menthol-heavy herbs that repel ants, aphids, and beetles. Grow in separate containers to contain spread.
Repels spider mites, aphids, and mold. Enhances caryophyllene or pinene profiles.
Greenhouse & Outdoor Companion Plants
Many of the varieties already mentioned above are great for indoor companion planting, and as a bonus, also work well in a greenhouse cannabis grow or outdoor cannabis garden. Just be sure to account for differences in temperature, humidity, available light, and even the size of the pests (deer and rabbits).
Growing cannabis in a greenhouse provides the best of both worlds—indoor and outdoor cannabis cultivation—all in one! Take advantage of the improved space and flexibility that a greenhouse grow provides courtesy of several tips:
When cultivating cannabis outdoors, you are, of course, exposed to environmental factors, and therefore trying to maintain a solid balance to your ecosystem in response. Here are some additional tips for any of my humanoid growmies looking to do so:
Best Outdoor Companion Plants For Cannabis
Repels aphids, nematodes, whiteflies, and rabbits.
Repels root nematodes and spider mites.
Repels mosquitoes, attracts pollinators, and boosts limonene strains.
Act as aphid magnets and wind barriers.
Repels caterpillars and attracts parasitic wasps.
Attracts ladybugs and repels aphids.
Repels spider mites and beetles; boosts terpene profiles.
Hot peppers deter pests with capsaicin and even repel deer.
Choosing which companion plants for cannabis cultivation doesn’t have to be a long, drawn-out decision. Many perform the same functions while ridding your cannabis grow area of pests. However, some may work better in your particular environment—it’s just a matter of trial and error.
Consider growing a companion plant that supports terpene production, or that you can use after harvest as well. Herbs and plants like basil, lavender, rosemary, mint, peppers, onions, and garlic can be repurposed for food, topicals, or even herbal teas and tinctures. You may also want to choose companion plants based on how they can affect the final aroma and flavor of your cannabis strains. No matter what you choose, give yourself—and your faithful cannabis plants—a new friend that you can rely on!
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