Sasha CampbellIt is easy to understand why some marigolds are popular pot plants. They add bright orange and yellow splashes to patios, porches, and verandas.
Planting marigolds in and around the garden has many advantages. Marigolds attract bees and other beneficial insects, among other things.
Here are ten benefits of planting marigolds in the vegetable garden:
1. Suppress Weeds
French marigolds have a compact growing habit [1]. This makes them great for keeping garden weeds down.
If you plant them close together, they will crowd out the light and space that weeds need to thrive.
2. Adds Color and Beauty
The flowers will brighten up the dullest patch in any garden. They grow well in any area with sufficient sunlight. In return, they quickly show off stunning, warm colors.
Marigolds also attract some butterflies, which further adds to the beauty of the flowers.
3. Suppresses Plant-Parasitic Nematodes
There are both beneficial and harmful nematodes that inhabit the soil.
Beneficial nematodes destroy certain pests in the soil. However, the bad ones are pests themselves, damaging plant roots.
For example, root-knot nematodes are tiny creatures that can cause extensive damage to certain plant roots. They may cause the plant’s roots to become distorted, and wilting and stunting may also occur.
French marigold (Tagetes patula) can help control root-knot nematodes.
Studies suggest that the plant produces a toxic chemical in its roots that harms these pests [2]. When released into the soil, that chemical kills nematodes.
4. Attracts Bees and Other Pollinators
Bees are essential to the ecosystem. They pollinate vital crops and plants that feed wildlife, thus sustaining biodiversity.
Bees love marigolds, so planting them helps both the garden and the bees. Likewise, these powerfully scented, colorful plants attract other pollinators, like butterflies.
If you don’t have marigolds in your yard, it’s a good idea to buy the plants or seeds from organic nurseries. Planting them will help prevent harmful chemical insecticides from affecting pollinators.
5. Attracts Other Beneficial Insects
Beneficial insects feed on pests likely to damage vegetables and other garden plants. The return to organic methods has revived this natural method of pest control.
As a result, certain predatory insects are commercially available. You can buy them for your garden.
However, marigolds attract beneficial insects such as ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps. This means you may not have to buy these insects if you have marigolds planted in your garden.
6. Great Trap Crop
Sometimes described as sacrificial, some plants can act as a lure for pests.
Plant marigolds alongside other ornamentals and vegetables to attract pests such as slugs. Then, you can pick off the critters or eliminate them by other means.
7. Deters Mosquitoes
Marigolds emit a strong odor that repels mosquitoes [3].
If you place them near your windows and doors, they will repel mosquitoes. Their insecticidal properties work well for this purpose.
Therefore, plant marigolds in pots and keep them near the entry points to your home.
8. Repels Many Garden Pests
Use marigolds in the garden as a natural pest control remedy.
Marigolds keep away many pests. They repel ants, whiteflies, aphids, tomato hornworms, cucumber beetles, and thrips. Marigolds also keep away cabbage worms and Mexican bean beetles.
Additionally, rabbits, squirrels, deer, and other wildlife are known for ruining vegetable patches.
Although the jury is out on the plant’s effectiveness as a deterrent for these animals, many gardeners claim it is helpful. Rabbits and deer seem to hate the taste and smell of marigolds.
9. Protects Tomatoes
French marigolds and calendula help protect tomatoes. Gardeners often plant tomatoes and marigolds to deter pests, such as tomato worms.
10. Companion Plant
Companion planting with marigolds can enhance the growth of certain crops.
Vegetables that can be planted with marigolds include potatoes, melons, tomatoes, broccoli, eggplants, squashes, gourds, and cucumbers.
How to Grow Marigolds
Marigolds are an attractive plant for many reasons. They are colorful and scented, have many uses, and are easy to grow.
The plants thrive in most soils. And as long as they have their faces to the sun, they will give lasting pleasure over a long season. Besides, they require very little care—only occasional watering in dry weather.
It is best to plant marigolds from seed after the frosty season has passed. They should germinate and bloom in about two months.
Sow about 1 inch apart directly into the ground, and water well without overwatering.
Alternatively, plant the seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last expected frost date. Cover with plastic wrap until they germinate. Also, give them plenty of light.
Takeaway
With so many benefits, it is no wonder marigolds are such a popular plant. For the organic gardener, they can be a joy to view and a boon to the vegetable garden.
Add comment