The Best Companion Plants for Cannabis | Ozzy Genetics: Cannabis Seeds Australia

When it comes to growing cannabis seeds in Australia, many growers focus solely on the cannabis plant itself, but companion planting can play a crucial role in enhancing plant health, improving yields, and naturally controlling pests. Companion plants are those that thrive alongside cannabis, either providing beneficial nutrients, deterring pests, or improving the overall health of your garden. By selecting the right companion plants, you can create a more resilient, eco-friendly, and productive grow space.

In this post, we’ll explore some of the best companion plants for cannabis, explain why they’re beneficial, and also cover the importance of cover crops in maintaining soil health.

Why Are Companion Plants Important for Cannabis?

Companion planting is an age-old gardening practice that pairs plants together for mutual benefit. When applied to cannabis cultivation, companion plants can help in several ways:

Pest Control: Some plants naturally repel insects and pests that commonly target cannabis plants.
Pollination: Certain flowers and plants attract pollinators like bees, improving the overall biodiversity and health of the grow area.
Soil Improvement: Some plants fix nitrogen in the soil, while others help prevent erosion, ensuring that your cannabis has a healthy growing environment.
Microclimate Creation: Companion plants can create shade or wind protection, helping your cannabis plants thrive in varying climates.
Increased Yields: By using companion plants, you can potentially increase your cannabis yields by promoting healthier plants and reducing stressors.

Best Companion Plants for Cannabis

Here’s a list of some excellent companion plants for cannabis, along with their benefits:

1. Basil

Why it’s great for cannabis: Basil is known to have a strong aroma that can help repel pests such as mosquitoes, aphids, and whiteflies. It also attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and bees, which aid in pollination and pest control. Additionally, basil’s deep green foliage can help provide shade for cannabis plants during the hotter months.

Best for: Pest control, attracting pollinators.

2. Marigold

Why it’s great for cannabis: Marigolds are famous for their ability to deter pests, including aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. Their strong scent confuses insects, preventing them from locating your cannabis plants. Additionally, marigolds add a burst of color to your garden and can attract beneficial insects like predatory beetles.

Best for: Pest control, attracting beneficial insects.

3. Yarrow

Why it’s great for cannabis: Yarrow is an excellent companion plant because it attracts predatory insects like ladybugs and lacewings, which feed on pests that might target your cannabis plants. Yarrow also improves the soil by adding nutrients and enhancing overall soil health, which in turn benefits cannabis growth.

Best for: Pest control, soil health, attracting beneficial insects.

4. Garlic

Why it’s great for cannabis: Garlic’s strong aroma is an excellent natural pest deterrent, especially for aphids and caterpillars. Additionally, garlic is known to repel slugs and snails, which are common pests in gardens. When planted near cannabis, garlic can act as a protective barrier, keeping harmful insects at bay.

Best for: Pest control, especially aphids and caterpillars.

5. Lavender

Why it’s great for cannabis: Lavender’s fragrant flowers are a natural pest repellent, especially for mosquitoes, aphids, and flea beetles. The plant’s tall, bushy structure can also provide shade and wind protection to cannabis plants, helping them thrive in harsher climates. Additionally, lavender can improve the aesthetic appeal of your grow space.

Best for: Pest control, providing shade and protection.

6. Clover

Why it’s great for cannabis: Clover is a fantastic cover crop that helps enrich the soil with nitrogen. It also provides a living mulch, reducing weed growth and preventing soil erosion. The deep roots of clover help break up compacted soil, making it easier for cannabis roots to grow deep and strong.

Best for: Soil improvement, nitrogen fixation, ground cover.

7. Nasturtium

Why it’s great for cannabis: Nasturtiums are both ornamental and practical, as they act as a trap crop for pests like aphids and whiteflies. By planting nasturtiums near cannabis, you encourage pests to feed on them rather than your cannabis plants. The plant’s vibrant flowers and leaves can also attract pollinators to your grow space.

Best for: Pest control, attracting pollinators.

8. Dill

Why it’s great for cannabis: Dill attracts beneficial insects such as ladybugs and hoverflies, which are excellent natural predators of cannabis pests. It also attracts pollinators, which can help increase the overall health and yield of your cannabis plants. Dill is particularly beneficial when grown near cannabis to promote a diverse and thriving ecosystem.

Best for: Pest control, attracting beneficial insects.

The Importance of Cover Crops

Cover crops are plants that are grown specifically to improve soil health, prevent erosion, and support the overall ecosystem. They are typically grown in between growing seasons or as a permanent addition to your garden. For cannabis growers, cover crops can offer a variety of benefits:

Benefits of Cover Crops for Cannabis:

Soil Health: Cover crops like clover and vetch fix nitrogen in the soil, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers. This leads to better soil structure, fertility, and microbial activity, all of which benefit cannabis growth.
Weed Control: A healthy cover crop prevents weeds from taking root by shading the ground and competing for resources.
Water Retention: Cover crops help retain moisture in the soil, reducing the need for frequent watering, especially during hot, dry periods.
Erosion Prevention: Cover crops, such as clover or rye, help prevent soil erosion, which is particularly important for outdoor cannabis cultivation in areas prone to heavy rainfall or wind.
Pest Control: Certain cover crops attract beneficial insects that help control pests, reducing the need for pesticides in your garden.

Best Cover Crops for Cannabis:

Clover: A nitrogen-fixing legume that enriches the soil.
Alfalfa: A deep-rooted plant that helps break up compacted soil and adds organic matter.
Vetch: A great nitrogen-fixing cover crop that also suppresses weed growth.
Mustard: Known for its ability to deter pests and improve soil health.

Final Thoughts on Companion Plants for cannabis seeds Australia

Incorporating companion plants and cover crops into your cannabis garden is a sustainable and effective way to improve plant health, increase yields, and create a thriving, eco-friendly grow space. Whether you’re purchasing cannabis seeds for sale in Australia or planning a full-scale cultivation operation, adding these plants to your garden can help protect your cannabis from pests, boost soil health, and encourage healthy, natural growth.

At Ozzy Genetics, we’re always excited to share tips and resources with Aussie growers, whether you're looking for high-quality cannabis seeds Australia or seeking advice on the best gardening practices for your cannabis crops. Happy growing!