johnnysacoseeds
Active Member
A few weeks ago, I posed the question of what were suitable companion plants for mj. I did not receive any response, so I made it a point to do some research. At that time, I was planning on growing indoors for the first time. That plan has been changed due to circumstances beyond my control, but has motivated me to plant a garden to help conceal the medicinal crop.
I have planted an appx 400s sq ft garden that gets excellent sun from sunrise to about 5 PM. In the garden I have planted mostly herbs to help mask the potential odors of the mj, with several types of basil, sage, mint, rosemary and numerous others. Curry plant is exceptionally strong smelling. Many of these herbs are perennials, so they should provide coverage for years to come. Along with the herbs, I have selected plants that are used by experienced hops growers, due to their close similarities.
"The hop plant (Humulus lupulus) is a vine that was formerly placed in the mulberry family (Moraceae), but because of the remarkable similarity of floral characteristics, it is now placed in the marijuana family (Cannabaceae) along with marijuana or Indian hemp (Cannabis sativa). In fact, these are the only two genera in this family. Both species are dioecious, with separate male and female plants in the population. The females flowers of hop plants are strikingly similar to those of marijuana. Another example of their genetic affinity has been demonstrated by grafting the scion or shoot of a hop plant to the rootstock of marijuana. The purpose of this graft was to produce an unrecognizable hybrid with the appearance of a hop plant but with the THC of marijuana."
The following was taken from jackofallbrews.org
"Anise, Good host for predatory wasps which prey on aphids and it
is also said to repel aphids. Improves the vigor of any plants
growing near it. Good to plant with coriander (cilantro)."
Chives, Keeps aphids away from tomatoes, mums and sunflowers [no
mention of hops, but I wouldn't expect it to]. Chives may drive away
Japanese beetles. A tea of chives may be used on cucumbers and
gooseberries to prevent downy and powdery mildews. See chive tea on
disease page. Hmmm, might be worth a try for mildew on hops, but then
I don't know if applying the tea will affect the flavor and aroma of the
hops.
Coriander (Cilantro), Repels aphids, spider mites. A tea from
this can be used as a spray for spider mites. A partner for anise.
Good to know because spider mites can be a problem for hops.
Yarrow, Yarrow has insect repelling qualities and is an
excellent natural fertilizer. A handful of yarrow leaves added to the
compost pile really speeds things up. Try it! It also attracts predatory
wasps and ladybugs to name just two. It may increase the essential oil
content of herbs when planted among them. Yarrow has so many wonderful
properties to it and is an ingredient in our own Golden Harvest Fertilizer." (Yarrow is also good for preventing powdery mildew)
I am also using trap plants for some of the pests that affect mj. Trap plants are more appealing options to the plants we are trying to protect.
Taken from organicgardeningtx.com;
"Sunflower [any variety-native multi stem sunflower-my favorite] # one trap plant for all sucking rasping insects. Sunflowers [any variety] are irresistible to grasshoppers and leafhoppers. Sunflowers are full of juice and seldom damaged by the pests. You usually have several of the native sunflowers pop up every year throughout the garden-leave one or two that happen to be placed strategically in your beds as the ultimate trap plant. You only need one every 2000 square feet. (Sunflowers are also good for aphids)
Marigold [good summer annual-- my favorite is French marigold ] Spider mite trap. Plant them around your tomatoes or any other problem areas. If they get spider mites so badly that the damage is unsightly, spray them with a teaspoon of dish soap [for the sink ] and a teaspoon of canola oil to a quart of water [shake well]."
Last, I have planted some plants that have foliage resembling that of mj. These include Vitex, also known as Chasteberry, that produces many blue/purple cola-like blooms, and Cleome. I believe the Vitex will be a good cover for Purple Power if i can get some seed stock next year.
Hopefully this info will help any of those interested in doing a garden grow, good luck!
I have planted an appx 400s sq ft garden that gets excellent sun from sunrise to about 5 PM. In the garden I have planted mostly herbs to help mask the potential odors of the mj, with several types of basil, sage, mint, rosemary and numerous others. Curry plant is exceptionally strong smelling. Many of these herbs are perennials, so they should provide coverage for years to come. Along with the herbs, I have selected plants that are used by experienced hops growers, due to their close similarities.
"The hop plant (Humulus lupulus) is a vine that was formerly placed in the mulberry family (Moraceae), but because of the remarkable similarity of floral characteristics, it is now placed in the marijuana family (Cannabaceae) along with marijuana or Indian hemp (Cannabis sativa). In fact, these are the only two genera in this family. Both species are dioecious, with separate male and female plants in the population. The females flowers of hop plants are strikingly similar to those of marijuana. Another example of their genetic affinity has been demonstrated by grafting the scion or shoot of a hop plant to the rootstock of marijuana. The purpose of this graft was to produce an unrecognizable hybrid with the appearance of a hop plant but with the THC of marijuana."
The following was taken from jackofallbrews.org
"Anise, Good host for predatory wasps which prey on aphids and it
is also said to repel aphids. Improves the vigor of any plants
growing near it. Good to plant with coriander (cilantro)."
Chives, Keeps aphids away from tomatoes, mums and sunflowers [no
mention of hops, but I wouldn't expect it to]. Chives may drive away
Japanese beetles. A tea of chives may be used on cucumbers and
gooseberries to prevent downy and powdery mildews. See chive tea on
disease page. Hmmm, might be worth a try for mildew on hops, but then
I don't know if applying the tea will affect the flavor and aroma of the
hops.
Coriander (Cilantro), Repels aphids, spider mites. A tea from
this can be used as a spray for spider mites. A partner for anise.
Good to know because spider mites can be a problem for hops.
Yarrow, Yarrow has insect repelling qualities and is an
excellent natural fertilizer. A handful of yarrow leaves added to the
compost pile really speeds things up. Try it! It also attracts predatory
wasps and ladybugs to name just two. It may increase the essential oil
content of herbs when planted among them. Yarrow has so many wonderful
properties to it and is an ingredient in our own Golden Harvest Fertilizer." (Yarrow is also good for preventing powdery mildew)
I am also using trap plants for some of the pests that affect mj. Trap plants are more appealing options to the plants we are trying to protect.
Taken from organicgardeningtx.com;
"Sunflower [any variety-native multi stem sunflower-my favorite] # one trap plant for all sucking rasping insects. Sunflowers [any variety] are irresistible to grasshoppers and leafhoppers. Sunflowers are full of juice and seldom damaged by the pests. You usually have several of the native sunflowers pop up every year throughout the garden-leave one or two that happen to be placed strategically in your beds as the ultimate trap plant. You only need one every 2000 square feet. (Sunflowers are also good for aphids)
Marigold [good summer annual-- my favorite is French marigold ] Spider mite trap. Plant them around your tomatoes or any other problem areas. If they get spider mites so badly that the damage is unsightly, spray them with a teaspoon of dish soap [for the sink ] and a teaspoon of canola oil to a quart of water [shake well]."
Last, I have planted some plants that have foliage resembling that of mj. These include Vitex, also known as Chasteberry, that produces many blue/purple cola-like blooms, and Cleome. I believe the Vitex will be a good cover for Purple Power if i can get some seed stock next year.
Hopefully this info will help any of those interested in doing a garden grow, good luck!
as for the properties of Yarrow, Bio-dynamics uses it to great effect in composting preps 
