Best Companion Plants For Cotton

Introduction

Cotton is a warm-season annual crop that is grown for its fiber. It is a relatively easy crop to grow, but it can be susceptible to pests and diseases. Companion planting is a great way to help protect cotton plants from these problems. Companion plants are plants that are grown together because they benefit each other in some way. For example, some companion plants can help to attract beneficial insects, while others can help to repel pests.

Main Content

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

• Basil: Basil is a well-known companion plant for tomatoes, but it can also be beneficial for cotton. Basil helps to repel pests such as aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. It also helps to attract beneficial insects such as ladybugs and hoverflies.
• Cilantro: Cilantro is another herb that can help to repel pests from cotton plants. It is especially effective against aphids and whiteflies. Cilantro also helps to improve the flavor of cotton bolls.
• Mint: Mint is a strong-smelling herb that can help to repel a variety of pests, including mosquitoes, aphids, and ants. It can also help to improve the drainage of soil around cotton plants.
• Dill: Dill is a flowering herb that attracts beneficial insects such as ladybugs and hoverflies. These insects help to control pests such as aphids and caterpillars. Dill also helps to improve the flavor of cotton bolls.
• Sage: Sage is a fragrant herb that can help to repel pests such as mosquitoes, flies, and ants. It also helps to improve the flavor of cotton bolls.
• Onions and garlic: Onions and garlic are members of the Allium family, and they both have strong scents that can help to repel pests such as aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. They can also help to improve the flavor of cotton bolls.
• Sunflowers: Sunflowers are tall, fast-growing plants that can help to shade cotton plants from the sun. This can help to prevent cotton plants from getting sunburned. Sunflowers also attract beneficial insects such as ladybugs and hoverflies.
• Marigolds: Marigolds are another type of flower that can help to attract beneficial insects. They are especially effective at attracting ladybugs, which are a natural predator of aphids. Marigolds can also help to repel nematodes, which are microscopic worms that can damage cotton roots.

Conclusion

Companion planting is a great way to help protect cotton plants from pests and diseases. By planting the right companion plants, you can help to improve the health and productivity of your cotton crop.

Cotton is a versatile crop that can be grown in a variety of climates. However, there are some companion plants that can help to improve the growth and health of cotton plants. Some of the best companion plants for cotton include:

• Basil: Basil helps to repel pests, such as the boll weevil.
• Cilantro: Cilantro attracts beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and hoverflies.
• Mint: Mint helps to improve the soil drainage around cotton plants.
• Dill: Dill attracts pollinators, such as bees and butterflies.
• Sage: Sage helps to deter rabbits and other pests.

If you are interested in learning more about companion planting for cotton, I recommend visiting Gardenia Inspiration. This website has a wealth of information on the topic, including a list of recommended companion plants, tips on how to plant them, and information on the benefits of companion planting.

FAQ of cotton companion plants

Question 1: What are the best companion plants for cotton?

Answer: Cotton gets along well with many herbs, including basil, cilantro, mint, dill, and sage. It also makes a good pairing with onions and garlic, which may help with repelling the boll weevil. Sunflowers are another good companion plant for cotton, as they help to attract pollinators.

Question 2: What plants should I avoid planting near cotton?

Answer: You should avoid planting potatoes near cotton, as they can compete for nutrients and water. Other plants that may not be compatible with cotton include tomatoes, eggplants, and peppers.

Question 3: How do companion plants benefit cotton?

Answer: Companion plants can benefit cotton in a number of ways. They can help to attract pollinators, deter pests, improve soil health, and provide shade. For example, basil can help to repel aphids and other insects, while mint can help to improve soil drainage.

Question 4: How far apart should companion plants be planted?

Answer: The distance between companion plants will depend on the size of the plants. In general, you should plant them far enough apart so that they have enough room to grow and thrive. For example, you may need to space basil plants 6 inches apart, while sunflowers can be planted 2 feet apart.

Question 5: When should I plant companion plants with cotton?

Answer: You should plant companion plants at the same time as you plant cotton. This will help to ensure that they have a chance to establish themselves before the cotton plants start to grow.

Image of cotton companion plants

• Marigolds: Marigolds are a great companion plant for cotton because they help to deter pests, such as aphids and whiteflies. They also add color and interest to the garden.
• Beans: Beans are nitrogen-fixing plants, which means they can help to improve the soil quality for cotton plants. They also help to suppress weeds.
• Sunflowers: Sunflowers are tall plants that can help to provide shade for cotton plants. They also attract pollinators, which are important for cotton production.
• Cucumbers: Cucumbers and cotton can be planted together because they have similar growing requirements. They both need full sun and well-drained soil.
• Pumpkins: Pumpkins can help to suppress weeds and provide ground cover for cotton plants. They also attract pollinators.