GIANT
MARIGOLDS
Cover crops and companion plantings offer a wide variety of benefits not only to soil composition and health but also to the plants themselves. Among the mix is a wide variety of sunflowers, marigolds, daisies, zinnias, dill, and calendula (some corn too for good measure!). These plants have been chosen for their specific beneficial properties and to increase diversity in our fields.
As cannabis farmers, we are mono-croppers, and we must try and minimize the effects of this on our environment and the quality of our soil. Luckily there are several tools at our disposal. Primarily is cover-cropping that introduces variety into our crop rotation which provides us with all of the benefits of increased organic matter, reduced compaction, and greater overall nutrient retention.
Secondly is the use of ruminant grazing. This year it was cows, which adds a natural fertilizer to our gardens and increases the microbiological diversity of the soil. Not only does rotational grazing benefit our particular patch of land, but across the property they help to eliminate invasive grasses and promote the abundance of native plant species by giving them a leg-up against other plant species that might choke them out. This leads to greater biodiversity and more opportunities to support overall pollinator populations.
Then lastly is companion plantings. These specific plants lend unique properties to our gardens and also help cut back on the redundancy of row after row of big beautiful cannabis buds and help us to fight off nasty pests that would traditionally be blasted with chemical and systemic pesticides under traditional farming methods.
All of these plants work in cohesion to create an environment that is favorable to growing “clean” cannabis products.
HOW TO GROW
These are some of the most incredible plants in the garden! Marigolds emit a very pungent smell (from the terpene limonene!) that deters pests, like white flies and aphids, away on the spot! Not only that but their smell actively attracts beneficial insects, like lacewings, ladybugs, and hoverflies, that feast on common cannabis pests. These beautiful flowers are nature's IPM for cannabis plants. Like all flowers, they attract pollinators and help support native bee and butterfly populations that are imperative to our environment.
Below ground Marigolds act as a biofumigant, releasing natural compounds that can suppress soil-borne pests and diseases by producing an allelochemical called Alpha-Terthienyl. Marigolds also act as a trap plant, beckoning pests to the plant and then subsequently disrupting their normal functions.
Selfishly we also like growing marigolds to use alternately as dye compounds and garland decorations :)
Plant seeds in full sun, in pots or directly in soil after all threat of frost has passed, 1/4” deep and 4-6” apart. Regularly remove spent flowers to promote continuous blooming and enjoy!