Hops Companion Plants: The Best Plants To Grow With Hops For A Healthy Garden

Title: Hops Companion Plants: The Best Plants to Grow with Hops for a Healthy Garden

Introduction:

Hops (Humulus lupulus) are a perennial vine that is grown for its aromatic flowers, which are used to flavor beer. Hops are also a valuable addition to the garden, as they can help to attract beneficial insects, deter pests, and improve soil health.

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

Main Content:

Benefits of Companion Planting with Hops

There are many benefits to companion planting with hops. Some of these benefits include:

• Attracting beneficial insects: Hops attract a variety of beneficial insects, such as ladybugs, lacewings, and hoverflies. These insects help to control pests, such as aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies.
• Deterring pests: The strong scent of hops can deter some pests, such as cabbage moths, cucumber beetles, and spider mites.
• Improving soil health: Hops are nitrogen-fixing plants, which means they can help to improve the nitrogen content of the soil. This can benefit other plants in the garden.
• Creating a more attractive garden: Hops are beautiful plants that can add color and interest to the garden. They can also be used to create a privacy screen or trellis.

Best Companion Plants for Hops

Some of the best companion plants for hops include:

• Chives: Chives are a good companion plant for hops because they help to repel aphids.
• Coriander: Coriander is another good companion plant for hops, as it helps to repel spider mites.
• Anise: Anise is a good companion plant for hops because it has a strong scent that deters pests.
• Dill: Dill is a good companion plant for hops because it attracts beneficial insects.
• Marigolds: Marigolds are a good companion plant for hops because they help to repel nematodes.
• Beans: Beans are a good companion plant for hops because they fix nitrogen in the soil.
• Cucumbers: Cucumbers are a good companion plant for hops because they help to shade the soil and prevent weeds from growing.
• Sunflowers: Sunflowers are a good companion plant for hops because they help to attract pollinators.

How to Plant and Care for Hops and Companion Plants

When planting hops and companion plants together, it is important to consider the size and growth habits of each plant. Hops can grow quite large, so it is important to give them enough space to spread out. Companion plants should be chosen that will not compete with the hops for space or nutrients.

Hops are relatively easy to care for. They need full sun and well-drained soil. They should be watered regularly, especially during hot, dry weather. Hops can be fertilized in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.

Conclusion

Hops are a valuable addition to the garden. They can help to attract beneficial insects, deter pests, and improve soil health. When planted with the right companion plants, hops can create a beautiful and productive garden.

To learn more about hops companion plants, visit Garden Wiki.

FAQ of hops companion plants

What are the best companion plants for hops?

Hops are a vigorous grower, so it's important to choose companion plants that won't be crowded out. Some good options include:

• Chives: Chives have a strong scent that deters pests, such as aphids and spider mites.
• Coriander: Coriander also has a strong scent that repels pests. It's also a nitrogen-fixing plant, which means it can help to improve the soil quality for your hops.
• Anise: Anise is another good choice for companion planting with hops. It has a strong scent that deters pests, and it's also a good source of nectar for pollinators.
• Yarrow: Yarrow is a tall, sturdy plant that can withstand the weight of the hops vines. It also attracts beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and lacewings, which can help to control pests.
• Corn: Corn is a good companion plant for hops because it has similar cultural requirements. Both plants need full sun and well-drained soil.
• Clematis: Clematis is an evergreen vine that can be planted alongside hops. It will provide winter interest when the hops vines die back.

What are some plants that should not be planted near hops?

There are a few plants that should not be planted near hops, as they can compete for nutrients or water. These include:

• Tomatoes: Tomatoes are heavy feeders, and they can compete with hops for nutrients.
• Potatoes: Potatoes are susceptible to the same pests and diseases as hops, so planting them together can increase the risk of infection.
• Cucumbers: Cucumbers and hops are both susceptible to powdery mildew, so planting them together can increase the risk of infection.

How do I make hops grow faster?

There are a few things you can do to make hops grow faster:

• Plant them in full sun. Hops need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
• Give them well-drained soil. Hops do not tolerate wet feet.
• Fertilize them regularly. Hops are heavy feeders, so they will need to be fertilized every few weeks.
• Water them deeply and regularly. Hops need about 1 inch of water per week.
• Prune them regularly. Pruning will help to keep the plants healthy and productive.