Companion Planting

As a farmer, you probably appreciate growing and harvesting all types of plants, and not just marijuana. There are other plants, both flowering and medicinal, that can be planted beside or near your ganja that can actually benefit your crop. For those unfamiliar with this concept, it is aptly titled companion planting. Organic farmers, biodynamic farmers, and permacultural gardeners utilize companion planting methods quite often.

Companion planting can be defined as two or more plant species in close proximity that benefit one another (often sharing a symbiotic relationship). Some plants aid another in pest control by repelling unwanted creatures (through stinky resins or essences), or attracting beneficial creatures (with pretty flowers or alluring scents). Another plant may help to increase the yield of its “companion”, for instance by releasing nutrients into the soil. And some plants provide shade, or wind protection for their sensitive neighbors.

Marijuana has a few companions that help to increase yield and protect or attract beneficial creatures. This is mostly applicable to outdoor crops. But it wouldn’t hurt to throw a few marigolds beside your plants indoors, or in your greenhouse.

Below is a list of creatures that can plague an outdoor crop, and some plants that will deter those nuisances:

• Deer: some deer will be repelled by onions, garlic, chives, leeks (Allium family)
• Rats/Mice: spices, mints such as peppermint, spearmint, anise, anything from the Allium family including onions, garlic, chives, leeks, catnip
• Ants: catnip
• Nematodes: scented marigolds (African releases thiopine into soil, could repel nematodes for years), chrysanthemums (these flower in the fall during harvest season perfect decoration for your trim tables), dahlias
• Thrips: scented marigolds, other flowering plants to attract predatory bugs such as ladybugs, basil
• Spider mites: Allium family including, onions, garlic, chives, leeks, French or African marigolds (scented), coriander

Other plants to have hanging around:

• Sweet basil- encourages growth of everything around it and repels flies and mosquitoes
• Chamomile- attracts good insects
• Rue- repels bugs
• Yarrow- boosts vigor in other plants and accumulates phosphorous, calcium, and silica (when composted) into the soil
• Hot peppers- prevent root rot
• Comfrey-  good for the soil
• Good cover crops (for the winter to keep your soil healthy)
  Legumes, rye, oats, sudan grass

So, have a party in your garden! Plant strawberries, melons, squash, and tomatoes. If you have a good drip system established, it won’t be much work. Share the bounty of your garden with your friends. Best of all, if you are an herbalist or have herbalist friends you can make ganja/herbal tinctures:

• Use chamomile with marijuana to create a calming tincture.
• Use mint with marijuana to make an energizing tincture.
• Use calendula (marigold variety) with marijuana to make a healing tincture.

And lastly, only use organic seeds, plants, and fertilizers in your garden! Otherwise, your hard work might be wasted. Enjoy!

Posted Thursday, February 21st, 2008 | In Guerilla Speeks, Technique.
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