The Best Hops Companion Plants For A Healthy Productive Garden

Title: The Best Hops Companion Plants for a Healthy Productive Garden

Introduction:

Hops are a popular plant for brewing beer, but they can also be grown in the garden for their ornamental value. They are vigorous growers and can reach up to 20 feet in height, so it is important to plant them in a spot where they will have plenty of room to spread.

Companion planting is a great way to improve the health and productivity of your garden. By planting certain plants together, you can attract beneficial insects, deter pests, and improve the overall health of the soil.

In this blog post, we will discuss the best hops companion plants. We will also provide some tips on how to plant and care for hops in your garden.

Main Content:

What are companion plants?

Companion plants are plants that are beneficial to each other when grown together. They can attract beneficial insects, deter pests, improve the quality of the soil, and even improve the flavor of the crops.

There are many different companion plants that can be grown with hops. Some of the best include:

• Chives: Chives can repel aphids, which are a common pest of hops. They can also improve the flavor of the hops.
• Coriander: Coriander can repel spider mites and aphids, which are also common pests of hops. It can also improve the flavor of the hops.
• Anise: Anise has a strong scent that deters many pests. It can also attract beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and lacewings.
• Corn: Corn is a nitrogen-fixing plant, which means that it can help to improve the nitrogen content of the soil. This can benefit the hops, as they are heavy feeders.
• Peas: Peas are also nitrogen-fixing plants. They can also help to suppress weeds.
• Marigolds: Marigolds can repel a variety of pests, including aphids, beetles, and nematodes. They can also attract beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and lacewings.
• Yarrow: Yarrow can repel aphids, beetles, and other pests. It can also improve the drainage of the soil, which can benefit the hops.

How to plant and care for hops:

Hops are relatively easy to grow. They can be planted in the spring or fall. When planting, make sure to space the plants 8-10 feet apart. Hops need full sun and well-drained soil. They are not very drought-tolerant, so they should be watered regularly.

Hops can be trained to grow on a trellis or fence. They will need to be trimmed regularly to keep them from getting too unruly. The hops can be harvested in the fall, when the cones are ripe.

Conclusion:

Hops are a versatile plant that can be grown in the garden for their ornamental value, their flavor, or their use in brewing beer. Companion planting can help to improve the health and productivity of your hops. By planting the right companion plants, you can attract beneficial insects, deter pests, and improve the overall health of the soil.

If you're interested in learning more about companion planting with hops, I recommend visiting Garden Wiki. This website has a comprehensive guide to companion plants for hops, including information on which plants attract beneficial insects, which plants repel pests, and which plants can help to improve the soil.

FAQ of hops companion plants

What are the best companion plants for hops?

Some of the best companion plants for hops include:

• Chives: Chives can help to repel aphids, which are a common pest of hops.
• Coriander: Coriander can help to repel spider mites and aphids.
• Anise: Anise has a pungent scent that deters many pests.
• Yarrow: Yarrow attracts ladybugs and other beneficial insects, which can help to control pests.
• Corn: Corn is a nitrogen-fixing plant, which can help to improve the soil for hops.
• Cucumbers: Cucumbers and hops have similar growing requirements, and they can help to shade each other from the sun.
• Sunflowers: Sunflowers can provide shade for hops during the hot summer months.

What plants should I avoid planting near hops?

There are a few plants that you should avoid planting near hops, including:

• Tomatoes: Tomatoes are susceptible to the same pests as hops, so planting them together can make it more difficult to control pests.
• Potatoes: Potatoes can harbor the root-knot nematode, which can be a serious pest of hops.
• Melons: Melons and hops are both heavy feeders, so planting them together can deplete the soil of nutrients.

How do companion plants benefit hops?

Companion plants can benefit hops in a number of ways, including:

• Attracting beneficial insects: Some companion plants, such as yarrow and chives, attract beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and lacewings, which can help to control pests.
• Improving soil quality: Some companion plants, such as corn and legumes, are nitrogen-fixing plants, which can help to improve the soil quality for hops.
• Shading hops: Some companion plants, such as sunflowers and cucumbers, can provide shade for hops during the hot summer months.
• Distracting pests: Some companion plants, such as anise, have a pungent scent that can distract pests from hops.

How do I choose the right companion plants for my hops?

When choosing companion plants for your hops, it is important to consider the following factors:

• The growing conditions of your area: Some companion plants are more tolerant of certain growing conditions than others. For example, if you live in a hot climate, you may want to choose companion plants that are heat-tolerant.
• The pests and diseases that are common in your area: Some companion plants can help to repel or control pests and diseases that are common in your area.
• The appearance of your garden: If you are concerned about the appearance of your garden, you may want to choose companion plants that have complementary colors or textures.

Image of hops companion plants

• Yarrow (Achillea millefolium): This herb is a natural insect repellent, which can help to protect your hops plants from pests. It also attracts pollinators, which will help to increase your hop production.
• Borage (Borago officinalis): This herb is a nitrogen fixer, which means that it can help to improve the soil quality for your hops plants. It also attracts pollinators and has a pleasant, cucumber-like flavor.
• Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus): This edible flower is another nitrogen fixer, and it also attracts pollinators. It can help to deter pests, and its leaves and flowers can be used in salads or cooked dishes.
• Chives (Allium schoenoprasum): This herb is a good companion for hops because it repels aphids, spider mites, and other pests. It also attracts pollinators and can be used in cooking.
• Cucumber (Cucumis sativus): This vegetable is a good companion for hops because it has similar growing requirements. Both plants need full sun and well-drained soil. Cucumbers can also help to shade the roots of hops plants, which can help to prevent them from drying out.
• Sunflower (Helianthus annuus): This tall flower is a good companion for hops because it can help to attract pollinators. Sunflowers also have deep roots that can help to improve the soil quality for your hops plants.
• Marigold (Tagetes spp.): These colorful flowers are a good companion for hops because they repel pests. Marigolds can also help to improve the soil quality for your hops plants.
• Sweet Alyssum (Lobularia maritima): This low-growing flower is a good companion for hops because it attracts pollinators. Sweet alyssum can also help to suppress weeds and improve the drainage around your hops plants.
• Catnip (Nepeta cataria): This herb is a good companion for hops because it repels pests. Catnip can also attract pollinators and has a pleasant, minty aroma.