NY Native Companion Plants That Benefit Your Backyard Bud

If you're growing cannabis at home in New York, your plants don't have to go it alone. In fact, surrounding your weed with native companion plants can improve soil health, attract helpful insects, and create a natural barrier that hides your crop in plain sight. The best part? These plants are well-adapted to New York’s climate, meaning less work for you - and more benefits for your buds.

Let’s explore how to pick the right native allies and what each one can do for your grow.

What Are Companion Plants?

Companion planting means growing different plant species together to create a mutually beneficial relationship. Think of it like building a small ecosystem - each plant plays a role in keeping the others happy, healthy, and productive.

For cannabis, companion plants can:

• Deter pests naturally (no chemicals needed)
• Attract pollinators and predatory insects (like ladybugs)
• Improve soil structure and add nutrients
• Camouflage your grow in a backyard setting

Why Go Native in New York?

Native plants are those that have grown wild in New York long before lawns and fences existed. They're already built to handle the region’s:

• Cold winters and humid summers
• Local insect populations
• Soil types (from Hudson Valley clay to Long Island sandy loam)

That makes them low-maintenance, resilient, and incredibly useful in a cannabis garden.

Top Native NY Companion Plants for Cannabis

1. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

• What it does: Attracts ladybugs, hoverflies, and parasitic wasps that eat cannabis pests like aphids and caterpillars.
• Bonus: Improves soil quality with deep roots.
• Planting tip: Place near the edge of your grow zone as a “guardian border.”

2. Anise Hyssop (Agastache foeniculum)

• What it does: Attracts bees and butterflies, boosting biodiversity and airflow in the garden.
• Bonus: Aromatic leaves help mask cannabis scent.
• Planting tip: Interplant among cannabis for scent masking and visual coverage.

3. New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae)

• What it does: Late-season flowers support pollinators during cannabis flowering stage.
• Bonus: Tall, bushy growth helps shield cannabis from prying eyes.
• Planting tip: Use along fences or property lines as a living screen.

4. Bee Balm (Monarda didyma)

• What it does: Attracts pollinators and repels pests like spider mites.
• Bonus: Adds vibrant red blooms to make your grow look like a pollinator garden.
• Planting tip: Use in clusters to distract from cannabis shape and smell.

5. Goldenrod (Solidago spp.)

• What it does: Draws beneficial insects and improves soil structure.
• Bonus: Late bloom time pairs well with fall cannabis harvest.
• Planting tip: Avoid overcrowding - goldenrod spreads fast!

6. Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)

• What it does: Deters cabbage loopers and attracts parasitic wasps.
• Bonus: Adds visual and scent diversity.
• Planting tip: Use between cannabis plants to confuse scent trails of pests.

7. Northern Bayberry (Myrica pensylvanica)

• What it does: Fixes nitrogen in the soil - great for cannabis nutrition.
• Bonus: Evergreen shrub adds privacy.
• Planting tip: Use along borders for nutrients + camouflage.

Pro Tips for Companion Planting in NY

• Use a mix of bloom times so you always have something attracting good bugs.
• Keep plants trimmed so they don’t shade your cannabis too much.
• Leave room for airflow - overcrowding creates mold risks in NY’s humid summers.
• Label your plants - some native species look similar when young.

Bonus: Camouflage for Discretion

New York law allows home growing under specific conditions, but visibility is a big deal. Using these natives can help your cannabis blend into a pollinator-friendly landscape, making your grow look like any other backyard garden.

A Natural Boost for Healthier Harvests

Pairing cannabis with the right New York natives isn’t just smart - it’s sustainable. You’ll spend less on pest control, improve your soil without chemicals, and create a backyard ecosystem that looks as good as it grows. So next time you plan your cannabis grow, don’t just think about what you’re growing. Think about who’s growing alongside it.

We're HomeGrow Helpline and we help New Yorkers grow high-quality cannabis at home - legally, confidently, and with the right advice for every borough and backyard.