A Guide to Companion Planting for Cannabis Gardens 

Imagine going through life without your friends — wouldn't that be boring? No more late-night calls for life updates, drinks on the weekend, or a quick brunch before work. But friendship is more than that — your friends support you, help you when you're down, and make you happy. 

Something similar can happen when you take a leaf from permaculture for growing cannabis. We're talking about companion planting, where you grow multiple plants in your garden to help boost your cannabis plant's health or growth. 

In this article, learn all you need to know about companion planting, including its benefits and some of the best companion plants you can grow for your cannabis plant. 

What is Companion Planting? 

Companion plants are specific plants you grow alongside your cannabis to create a healthier, more productive garden. The concept comes from nature itself — plants growing in the wild naturally evolve next to one another, forming symbiotic relationships. 

Companion planting aims to replicate these natural friendships in your garden. So, think of companion plants as the ultimate squad for your cannabis — supportive, protective, and always looking out for its well-being.

Although it might sound like a trendy gardening hack, companion planting is ancient. Indigenous peoples in the Americas used this technique over ten thousand years ago with the “Three Sisters” method — growing squash, maize, and beans together. 

Today, farmers and home gardeners around the world are rediscovering the magic of companion planting, especially when it comes to cannabis. This is why this method has become a cornerstone in permaculture, too!

Benefits of Companion Planting

Companion planting has survived centuries for a reason — it works. Here's what makes it so good for your cannabis gardens:

• Invites Beneficial Insects

Certain companion plants attract predatory insects that prey on pests, keeping your cannabis safe without chemical pesticides. For example, dill and fennel attract ladybird beetles and lacewings, which consume aphids and mites.

In addition, you can use coriander and alyssum as their small flowers attract hoverflies. Their larvae devour aphids, thrips, and more.

• Keeps Pests Away

Some plants, like marigolds or mint, naturally repel pests by releasing strong scents or oils. Adding these to your garden perimeter creates a barrier against unwelcome bugs.

Numerous plants produce substances or scents that repel certain pests. Chemicals like terpenes and alkaloids that cannabis produces tend to confuse or deter attacking insects. For example, marigolds are excellent pest-repellent flowers. Their scent is quite pleasant and will deter nematodes from being able to feast on the plant's roots. You can plant marigold flowers to repel aphids, whiteflies, and even some beetles.

Another such herb is basil, which is a star in many cuisines. Humans love it for its strong scent but that very smell confuses aphids, whiteflies, and mosquitoes, preventing them from finding cannabis. 

Next up is lavender, which will help repel moths and fleas while attracting them. Chives and garlic are great at keeping spider mites, aphids, powdery mildew, and other pests at bay.

Some companion plants lure away pests from cannabis so they can deal with the consequences. For instance, nasturtiums that attract aphids (and similar soft-bodied insects) can repel white flies and squash bugs.

Then, you have sunflowers that can distract caterpillars and beetles from your cannabis plant garden and keep them busy.

• Prevents Diseases

Companion plants can act as a buffer between cannabis plants, preventing the spread of diseases like fungi. These plants often have natural resistances that help protect their neighbors.

• Boosts Soil Health

Companion plants, particularly nitrogen fixers like clover or alfalfa, improve soil quality by enriching it with essential nutrients. Others prevent weeds from taking over, keeping your garden tidy and productive.

That said, soil health is the key to a productive cannabis garden, and you can enhance soil fertility, structure, and nutrient content naturally instead of using synthetic fertilizers by practicing companion planting. 

• Using Nitrogen to Make Soil More Fertile

Cannabis requires nitrogen to grow well with a nice green colour and vigorous growth. But it isn't available through the air. Fortunately, plants like clover and alfalfa solve this problem by forming a symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria (Rhizobia) in their root nodules. These bacteria change nitrogen from the air into a form that plants can easily take up. This helps the soil, allowing cannabis to get a steady supply of nutrients.

• Help to Aerate the Soil

Plants that break up compacted layers in the soil include comfrey and daikon radish. These roots make pathways that make sure that the cannabis roots get enough oxygen. They also take nutrients like phosphorus, potassium, and other trace minerals from deep layers and bring them to the surface. 

In addition, companion plants increase the nutrient composition and structure of the soil, as they grow and decompose. For example, buckwheat breaks down quickly when tilled into the soil so it is high in organic matter.

Another plant called comfrey is also called a “dynamic accumulator” because it pulls nutrients — calcium, magnesium, potassium, and others — from the soil and releases them at the moment its leaves compost.

• Stops Soil Erosion and Compression

Plants such as vetch, chickweed, and white clover act as a living mulch that protects soil from wind and water erosion. The thick growth of cover crops prevents soil compaction, ensuring a loose medium for cannabis roots.

• Balancing Soil Microbial Life

Companion planting will also help promote a rich soil ecosystem. For instance, plants like yarrow and chamomile produce exudates to nourish helpful microbes in the soil. Consequently, this will also enhance nutrient cycling and disease suppression in the soil. 

• Is Totally Eco-Friendly 

Growing companion plants that are rich in nutrients helps you to lessen the use of chemical fertilizers and any other soil conditioners. By going this route, you not only save money but also won't have to deal with any chemicals in your weed. Also, since you no longer need to rely on artificial fertilizers and pesticides, companion planting makes your garden more sustainable. It's better for the environment — and your peace of mind.

• Improves Your Cannabis Flavor

Certain companion plants can encourage your cannabis to produce more aromatic oils, which means more flavorful and fragrant buds for you. The best part? This happens naturally, without any risk of contamination.

• Keeps Your Plant Hidden

If you're looking to keep your cannabis garden low-key, companion plants can help. Tall plants like sunflowers provide cover, while strongly scented ones like lavender masks that skunky cannabis smell.

Best Companion Plants for Your Cannabis Garden

Companion plants are like teammates for your cannabis — each one offers unique benefits to help your garden thrive. From pest control to soil enrichment, these plants work their magic in different ways. So, let's look at some of the best companion plants you can grow.

1. Cover Plants

Think of cover crops as your soil's protective blanket. These plants improve soil texture, retain moisture, and shield beneficial microbes, ensuring nutrients are readily available when your cannabis needs them most. Here are a few advantages they provide:

• Soil Protection

Cover plants shield the soil from wind and water erosion. They ensure that nutrients and organic matter in the topsoil stay in place so that cannabis roots can absorb them.

• Moisture Retention

These plants act as mulch by covering the ground to prevent moisture loss from the soil, which is very helpful when you're growing plants outdoors in dry weather. 

• Weed Suppression

Cover crops that grow fast will provide a dense blanket that does not allow weed seeds to germinate and compete for nutrients and water with cannabis.

• Microbial Health

Cover crops present a friendly habitat for helpful microbes which are very important to mineral cycling and disease prevention. Microbial populations lead to healthier cannabis plants.

• Soil Structure Improvement.

Roots of lots of cover crops help to aerate the soil and improve its texture. Cannabis roots find it easier to penetrate and access water and nutrients.

Here are a few useful cover plants:

1. Cerastium 

This fast-growing cover crop spreads across the soil's surface, locking in moisture and preserving microbial life. Plus, its quick coverage keeps weeds at bay.

It spreads quickly to form a dense mat that covers the soil, locking in moisture and preventing beneficial soil microbes from being damaged by the sun. It also suppresses weed because of its ability to establish quickly.

Cerastium is pleasing to the eye with its soft foliage and adds character to the area while improving soil quality.

2. Alfalfa 

Alfalfa is a great cover crop that partners with soil bacteria to pull nitrogen from the air. It boosts your cannabis' vegetative growth and uses its deep roots to improve water penetration, keeping your cannabis roots hydrated.

This is a superstar in the cover crop world. Alfalfa can work with bacteria that fix nitrogen to take nitrogen from the air and put it into the soil. Cannabis plants can absorb the nitrogen to grow more in the vegetative growth phase.

Alfalfa has deep roots which help break the hard-packed layers in soil too. It also lends stability to the soil preventing erosion in windy or sloping areas. Aside from harvesting, you can compost or use it as mulch to recycle its rich nutrient content in the garden. 

3. Clover (White Clover and Red Clover)

As a nitrogen-fixing cover crop, clover enhances soil quality while forming a mat that retains moisture and suppresses weeds. Clover roots release nutrients that feed beneficial bacteria and fungi in the soil. Bees and other pollinators are attracted to clover flowers, making your garden safe for biodiversity.

4. Buckwheat

Buckwheat is a speedy cover crop that chokes weeds while providing organic matter to the soil. It is especially useful for scavenging phosphorus from the soil and making it available to many plants, including cannabis. It is ideal for summer cover cropping because it grows pretty quickly and can be tilled back in to increase organic matter and fertility.

5. Daikon Radish

Daikon radish has a long taproot known for breaking up compacted soil to increase the aeration and movement of water. This makes it a great choice for gardens with heavy or clay soils. The radishes help put nutrients back in the soil for the next crop as they decompose.

To increase the benefits of using these cover crops, try to plant clover or cerastium the same year as your cannabis in soil that will be covered by those crops for as much of the year as possible.

Also, plant cover crops a little before you plant your cannabis plants so that they have some time to replenish the soil with nutrients and get the ground ready for the next cannabis cycle. For instance, plant buckwheat or vetch in spring or summer. Similarly, you can plant daikon radish or alfalfa in the fall or winter to condition the soil for spring planting.

And, once you grow these cover crops, you can mow them down and leave the cuttings on the soil surface as mulch. Using mulch is a good practice because it helps soil hold moisture better and adds organic matter as it decomposes.

2. Nitrogen Fixers

Nitrogen fixers are essential for healthy cannabis plants. Suffice it to say that they are fundamental in keeping your plants healthy as they nourish the soil with nitrogen. This plant food is essential for photosynthesis, vegetative growth, and other aspects. These plants form relationships with soil bacteria, like Rhizobium or Frankia, to extract nitrogen from the air and convert it into a usable form. As you can guess, adding these nitrogen-fixing companion plants will cut down your need for synthetic fertilizers and can help create an environmentally friendly organic growing environment.

But, how do these nitrogen-fixing plants work? Well, they don't work alone. The bacteria in the plant's soil take nitrogen from the air and convert it into ammonia that can be used by plants. Nitrogen-fixing plants don't just help their own species — they also put nutrients back in the soil that helps their neighbors grow. What's more, cannabis makes an excellent companion plant.

Here are a few advantages they provide: 

• Enhanced Vegetative Growth

Chlorophyll is a nitrogenous compound that helps in the process of photosynthesis. Soil that has an abundance of nitrogen permits cannabis plants to grow large green leaves.

• Reduced Fertilizer Dependence

You don't need a lot of fertilizers as nitrogen-fixers help to replenish the nitrogen that is lost from the soil by other plants. 

• Improved Flavor and Aroma

Some nitrogen fixers like yarrow and chervil can boost cannabis production of essential oils that enhance the aroma and flavor of buds.

• Support for Beneficial Insects

Plants that fix nitrogen attract pollinators and predatory insects to create a sustainable ecosystem that minimizes pests.

Here are a few plants that serve as nitrogen fixers:

1. Yarrow

Yarrow attracts nitrogen-fixing bacteria and also helps combat aphids. As a bonus, it enhances the production of essential oils in nearby plants, leading to tastier, more aromatic buds. It basically helps by drawing nitrogen-fixing bacteria to its roots, which helps in improving the soil of cannabis crops.

2. White and Red Clover 

White and red clovers work with nitrogen-fixing bacteria to pull significant amounts of nitrogen into the soil. They also attract beneficial insects like bees and ladybugs which help in pollination and pest control, making it a double win for your garden. The best part is that you can also use the plants as a living mulch or plant it in between rows of cannabis plants to increase fertility. 

3. Chervil

Chervil not only increases essential oils in neighboring plants for better flavor and aroma but also enriches your soil's fertility as a nitrogen fixer. As a result, it has the potential to enhance the terpenes of your cannabis plants and also deter and repel some pests like aphids and snails. You can plant chervil with your cannabis plants to help shield them from the sun and resist pests.

4. Alfalfa

Alfalfa is one of the most effective nitrogen fixers. With its extensive rooting system, it enhances the structure, aeration, and infiltration of the ground and makes nutrients. When used as mulch or composted, alfalfa provides organic matter. 

5. Lupins 

These plants help directly enrich the soil with nitrogen. Plus, their flowers are lovely. Basically, they help enrich the soil and prepare it for heavy-feeding plants like cannabis. Deep-rooted lupins help to aerate soil and improve nutrient cycling, which is beneficial for depleted soils. To get the maximum benefits and to also make your garden look great, plant lupins as border plants and also between rows of cannabis plants. 

Finally, remember that you can cut down nitrogen-fixing plants and let them decompose back in the soil. This helps in adding organic matter and nutrients to the soil naturally. Also, you can add nitrogen-fixing bacteria like rhizobium to the soil before planting legumes such as clover or alfalfa to maximize the effects. 

As you can see, by adding nitrogen-fixing plants to your cannabis garden, you can improve the soil quality and health of the plants. Eventually, this creates a self-sustaining system that recycles nutrients and ensures cannabis grows strong for years to come.

3. Pest Deterrents

Deterrent plants are the bouncers of your garden, using strong scents to keep pests and bugs away. They generate aromatic terpenes and other compounds that deter harmful insects, rodents, and other pests. Like bodyguards, they create an invisible barrier around your cannabis to protect it from infestation. Some pest-deterrent plants are referred to as trap crops. This means they lure pests away from your cannabis and toward them.

Here are a few plants that act as pest deterrents:

1. Lavender 

Lavender's strong fragrance wards off harmful bugs while attracting beneficial insects. It also helps mask the distinct cannabis smell, making it a great choice for a discreet grow. Lavender also repels mosquitoes, moths, fleas, and flies, thanks to its calming yet powerful aroma. It also keeps whiteflies and aphids at bay.

Furthermore, lavender will attract pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, that help create balance. The strong fragrance can overpower the smell of your flowering cannabis plants, making it an ideal plant for a stealthy grow.

Tip: Put lavender around the edges of your garden or pots to make it more effective in warding off pests.

2. Peppermint 

Peppermint's sharp, refreshing scent repels ants, aphids, fleas, and even mice. Plus, it's great for camouflaging the pungent aroma of your flowering cannabis. Just be cautious — peppermint can quickly overrun your garden, so it's best to plant it in containers to keep it under control.

It also works as natural camouflage for cannabis plants by masking their scent during the flowering stage. However, peppermint can become invasive if planted directly in soil. Therefore, plant it in pots or containers to prevent it from taking over your garden.

3. Garlic

The strong sulfurous aroma of garlic works well in repelling aphids, spider mites, and Japanese beetles. Put garlic at the base of your cannabis plants to keep them away. The added bonus is that it has antifungal properties and can possibly help prevent fungal diseases in the soil to a great extent although it won't be as effective as garlic extracts or essential oils. 

4. Dill

Part of the celery family, dill emits a pungent smell that repels caterpillars and spider mites. It's a great natural protector for your cannabis plants. In addition, dill can protect cannabis from caterpillars, spider mites, and aphids with its strong smell. Growing dill will also attract ladybugs and parasitic wasps which prey on problem insects.

5. Sunflower

Sunflowers don't just brighten up your garden — they also lure pests like aphids, whiteflies, and snails away from your cannabis. The tall, stiff stems help shield your plants against strong winds and the hot sun too.  

6. Sweet Basil 

Basil's aroma draws harmful insects like beetles, whiteflies, and aphids away from your cannabis. It's also said to improve the aroma of your cannabis plant. Keep basil growing close to your plants for a better protective layer.

7. Marigolds 

Marigolds release an unpleasant odor that is detrimental to nematodes, aphids, whiteflies, and thrips. Chemicals produced by their roots kill soil pests. Most importantly, their bright hues attract pollinators for extra benefits. Thus, you can plant marigolds along the edge of the garden, or as a companion plant with your cannabis. 

To use pest deterrent plants effectively, here are a few things you can do:

8. Diverse Placement

Place deterrent plants at strategic spots, like borders, between your cannabis plants, or in pathways to create layers of protection.

9. Companion Clusters

Mix pest-repelling plants with nitrogen-fixing plants and other good companion plants for a diverse garden.

10. Regular Maintenance

Make sure that your deterrent plants are healthy and thriving as stressed or unhealthy plants don't repel pests. If you are going to use trap crops such as sunflower, check them regularly to avoid them transferring pests to your cannabis.

4. Beneficial Insect Attractors 

Plants that attract insects are also very important to create a thriving ecosystem. Since they lure a variety of insects including bees, ladybugs, parasitic wasps, and lacewings, the advantage is that your plants will be free of pests too. 

These plants draw beneficial bugs and pollinators to your garden and, in turn, the insects prey on pests like aphids and whiteflies, keeping your cannabis pest-free while improving pollination.

Another advantage is that they increase soil fertility and also help your plants grow well, making them very valuable for your cannabis plants. 

But, how exactly do they work? Well, these plants have special abilities that allow them to emit specific scents that lure insects. They also produce beautiful flowers and delicious nectar that make the beneficial insects go crazy for them. And, then, once the insects arrive, they notice that there are plenty of aphids, spider mites, whiteflies, or whatever insect that's troubling your plant and begin hunting them. As you can understand, this provides a wonderful balance in the ecosystem. 

Here are a few plants that may attract a lot of insects to your garden:

1. Marigold

Marigolds attract beneficial insects like parasitic wasps while releasing natural compounds that reduce pest populations. They also prevent nematodes from feasting on your plants and improve soil health, making them an all-around great companion plant for your cannabis garden. However, their flowers also attract other insects that can feed on aphids, thrips, and whiteflies. To use them effectively, plant them in the borders or in between your cannabis plants so that the chances of pests attacking your plants are reduced to a great extent. 

2. Coriander

Coriander repels spider mites, beetles, and aphids with its distinct smell while attracting wasps and hoverflies that prey on these pests, making it a dual-purpose companion plant for your garden. Also known as cilantro, coriander produces beautiful little flowers that attract a wide range of pollinators including bees. 

You can use coriander for its brilliant taste in most dishes but you'll need to let it grow until it starts flowering to attract pollinators. At this point, you may not be able to use it as a garnish but you can harvest the seeds and use them in various dishes or let the seeds fall to the ground and let the cycle begin all over again. You can also plant it next to cannabis plants or other pest-repellent herbs like dill to enhance its effectiveness. 

3. Chamomile

Chamomile is a jack-of-all-trades companion plant. It enriches the soil with nitrogen, repels nematodes that damage roots, and attracts pest-eating insects like ladybugs and hoverflies. 

You can harvest the flowers to brew tea that soothes and enhances your cannabis experience. Plant chamomile around cannabis to help the soil and the plants naturally repel pests! 

4. Fennel

Fennel attracts ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps. The flowers of this plant attract a wide range of beneficial insects but you can also use this tall plant to protect your cannabis plants against strong winds. When planting cannabis, consider planting some fennel at the edge of your garden. This will prevent the herbs from competing for nutrients.

5. Daisy

Daisies attract pollinators like bees and other beneficial insects that feed on damaging insects such as aphids and caterpillars. Include daisies in your garden to enhance its visual aspect and attract more insects.

6. Yarrow

Apart from helping the plants get nitrogen, yarrow attracts ladybugs, lacewings, and predatory beetles. It also draws in many other predatory insects that can help manage problems with spider mites and aphids.

7. Alyssum 

Alyssum attracts flies and wasps. It produces small flowers with plenty of nectar, drawing in pollinators and creatures that eat pests. Since they grow low, they also act as mulch and retain the moisture of the soil. Use alyssum as a ground cover in the garden to improve soil health and control pests too. 

Ways to Make the Most of Beneficial Insects

• Diverse Planting

To draw insects, try mixing up herbs and other attractive flowering species in your garden. 

• Avoid Chemical Pesticides

Chemical sprays can harm helpful insects. Therefore, try and choose natural pest control methods to preserve a healthy ecosystem.

• Year-Round Blooms

Pick plants that flower at different times to feed beneficial insects throughout the growing season.

• Provide Shelter

Add shrubs or rocks to provide beneficial insects with a safe haven to rest and reproduce. Basically, when you add companion plants that attract insects to your cannabis garden, you end up with an ecosystem that controls itself, protects from pests, and helps the plants grow big and healthy. 

5. Camo Plants

Camo crops are the plants that shield your cannabis plants from prying eyes, harsh weather, and curious animals. These plants also help integrate your garden into its natural surroundings and protect your crop from damaging environmental pressures like wind and heat. Camo plants improve the security and sustainability of your growing operation if you choose them wisely and place them right. 

In short, if you're growing outdoors, use camo plants to prevent others from realizing that you're growing cannabis. Here are a few camo plants that can help you grow outdoors successfully: 

1. Stinging Nettle

Not only does stinging nettle boost your harvest, but its ouch factor discourages nosy passersby or wildlife from snooping around your cannabis.

2. Other Options

Depending on your growing setup, plants like bamboo, honeysuckle, willow trees, or even okra can provide excellent camouflage. Select one that complements your environment and start early to establish an effective cover.

By using these plants strategically, you can build a strong ecosystem that supports your cannabis plants while keeping them safe. Whether you're attracting helpful bugs, enriching the soil, or hiding your plants, companion plants make cannabis cultivation more sustainable — and enjoyable.

How to Pick the Right Companion Plant for Your Plant?

If you're unsure about which companion plants will work best for your cannabis, here are a few tips to guide you:

• Identify Common Issues

Figure out the challenges your cannabis strain might face in your local climate, such as pests, nutrient deficiencies, or harsh weather.

• Figure Out the Solutions

Select companion plants that address those specific issues, like pest deterrents, nitrogen fixers, or plants that improve soil health. If you don't find a plant on this list, don't hesitate to look around on the internet — hundreds of plants can act as companions for cannabis plants. 

• Grow What Thrives

Opt for companion plants that naturally flourish in your region to ensure they grow harmoniously alongside your cannabis.

• Learn from Others

Engage with local growers or online communities. They can provide tried-and-tested advice on the best companion plants for your area, saving you time and effort.

• Check Compatibility

Ensure your chosen plants can coexist. A quick online search will help you avoid plants that might compete for resources or harm each other.

By following these tips, you can confidently pick companion plants that will benefit your cannabis and create a thriving, symbiotic garden.

Summary: A Quick Guide to Companion Planting for Cannabis Gardens 

Companion planting is more than just a clever gardening hack; it's a holistic method that nurtures your cannabis while nurturing biodiversity in your cannabis garden. From deterring pests and improving the soil to camouflaging your plant and improving bud quality, the right companion plants can do wonders for your garden. 

By understanding your plants' needs and following a few simple tips, you can create a balanced environment where your cannabis — and its companions — thrive together. So, what are you waiting for? It's time to start growing your cannabis plant's new best friends!