Intercropping is a technique where different crops are grown simultaneously in one garden. It uses crop diversity to improve soil health, increase yields, and minimize chemical inputs.
Cannabis cultivation is a great example of a plant that benefits from crop companion planting. Companion plants are beneficial neighbors that can help combat pests and diseases, provide pollinators with a safe environment, and enhance soil health.
Varieties
The term crop intercropping might sound intimidating and bewildering at first glance, but it’s a vital aspect of maximizing the growing space in a garden. This strategy is an ancient permaculture technique that helps reduce cultivation costs and mitigate risks by incorporating a range of crops into the same garden.
Using intercropping allows farmers to harvest as much from a single plot of land as possible while also mitigating the effects of weeds and pests that aren’t as common in monoculture systems. Additionally, it can provide additional benefits for the health of the plants themselves as well as those surrounding them.
Cannabis plants have a wide range of needs, from nutrition to water retention and light exposure. This can be addressed by adding amendments to the soil that contain the right levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (N-P-K) alongside a range of micronutrients.
For instance, worm castings are an excellent source of N-P-K for cannabis, as are other soil-based nutrients like bat guano and chicken manure. Similarly, kelp meal, greensand, and wood ash are good sources of K.
You can also use a variety of other plants in your garden as companions for your cannabis plants, depending on their needs and preferences. For example, some plants will attract beneficial insect species that help keep pest insects away from your cannabis plants and increase their growth.
Some of the most common companion plants for cannabis include dill, mint, and garlic. These plants are known to attract useful insect species that can keep pests away from your cannabis plants while simultaneously providing a variety of essential nutrients to the surrounding environment.
These plants can also provide some important structural support for the cannabis plants, which can be especially helpful if the plants are prone to tipping over in windy conditions. In addition, some plants like nasturtium and amaranth will serve as natural barriers for weeds that might otherwise be able to reach your cannabis plants.
Whether you’re a beginner or experienced grower, it’s easy to grow your own cannabis crops using crop intercropping. With the right variety, soil, and crop rotation techniques, you’ll be on your way to an enjoyable gardening experience that’s as productive as it is rewarding.
Soil
Crop intercropping is a common practice amongst farmers and gardeners, especially those looking to improve their soil. It consists of the careful planting of different crops together, in such a way that they support one another and enhance each other’s productivity.
Cannabis plants are extremely sensitive to the quality of their soil, so it is important that your cultivation site contains high-quality, nutritious and properly cultivated soil. This can be achieved by using commercially available soil or by producing your own from home.
Organic soil is ideal for cannabis, as it contains living microorganisms that provide a symbiotic relationship with your plant. These organisms aid in nutrient uptake and help the soil retain water, which is essential for cannabis growth. However, inorganic soils are cheaper and can be a good choice for some applications.
Many farmers choose to cultivate a range of herbs, fruits, vegetables and other plants alongside their cannabis crop, so the plants will benefit from one another. This is also known as companion planting and can increase the resilience of the land.
There are several methods of companion planting, ranging from annual grains and vegetables (such as corn and beans) to perennial species such as garlic and basil. These methods often involve crop rotation, which means that the crops are planted in a cycle to help ensure maximum production and health.
Nitrogen-fixing rhizobium bacteria helps legume crops, such as peas and beans, fix nitrogen from the air into the soil. This is a vital resource for plants, as it contributes to photosynthesis and the production of proteins.
Soil pH is also an important factor to consider when growing cannabis. Cannabis strains like autoflowering varieties thrive in a slightly acidic soil medium, which is why you should always try to keep your soil’s pH within an optimal range of 6.0-6.5.
Coco coir is an inert, non-toxic and odorless substance produced from the fibers of coconut husks that functions as a fantastic retainer of water. It can be added to your soil mix as a water-holding agent, and it also helps lighten the consistency of your soil.
Water
There are many ways to grow cannabis, but one of the most popular methods is hydroponics. This growing technique is perfect for small grow spaces, as it allows you to use a minimal amount of space while also producing large amounts of marijuana in a short time frame.
There is a wide variety of grow media that can be used in hydroponics systems, and each one has different benefits and drawbacks. Some of these mediums include rockwool, epsom salts, and soil.
When selecting a hydroponics medium for your marijuana crop it is important to choose the right medium for your plant genus, strain and indoor/outdoor growth environment. Choosing the wrong medium can lead to poor growth and poor yields, so it is worth your time to do some research before you purchase.
The type of soil that you choose is also important, as it has to be compatible with your cannabis plants genus and strain and the indoor/outdoor growth environment. A good soil for cannabis cultivation should be able to hold plenty of water, as well as provide the necessary nutrients that your cannabis plants need to thrive and produce quality buds.
It is also important to ensure that the growing medium dries between waterings so that your cannabis roots can get all the oxygen and nutrients they need. This can be achieved by using a Rapitest 3 in 1 which is a small device that will monitor the moisture level of your substrate, as well as its PH levels.
Another great thing about hydroponics is that it allows you to precisely control the amounts of fertilizers, water and micronutrients that your marijuana plants receive. This means that your buds will be healthier and bigger, as well as more potent.
Cannabis crops can require a substantial amount of water throughout their life cycle, ranging from 0.5 to 6 gallons per day for each plant. This can be a hefty demand on any water supply, particularly during peak growth and harvest times when the water volume is maximized. This can be a significant challenge to the average home gardener or commercial grower who wants to have full control over their water usage.
Light
Cannabis growers can use crop intercropping to help them optimise their light exposure, and achieve superior yields without the need for additional lighting. This technique is easy to use, and can be achieved with little investment or equipment. It’s also a good way to diversify your garden, and ensure that you get the most from each plant.
Growing cannabis indoors can be challenging, as the plants must receive the right amount of sunlight to thrive. Whether you’re using artificial or natural lighting, a well-designed water management system can help you meet the needs of your crop.
Watering your cannabis crop properly is important to ensuring it grows properly and produces the best possible harvest. It’s also necessary to maintain the pH balance of your water, as the plants’ roots need a neutral pH to absorb vital nutrients and stay healthy.
The pH of your water is also a significant factor when it comes to determining the quality of your cannabis buds. Getting your water tested before you start cultivating can ensure you have a safe, healthy growing environment for your cannabis crop.
It’s a good idea to keep your water nutrient level as close to the optimal range as possible, and this can be done by keeping a tensiometer on your plants. The tensiometer can be used to measure how much water is available to the roots of your cannabis plants, and can be purchased at a number of online stores.
In addition to assisting with water management, a tensiometer can also be used to measure how much oxygen is present in the soil. This is important to preventing the formation of excess microbial growth, which can lead to a reduced plant’s bloom and a lower yield.
A tensiometer is an essential tool for any grower, and it’s worth investing in one as soon as possible to ensure you’re doing everything you can to make your crop thrive.
Lastly, it’s also important to avoid watering your cannabis plant too frequently. Overwatering can lead to a variety of problems, including root damage and lower yields.
