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 10 benefits of planting marigolds in the vegetable garden:
1. Edible Petals
A joyful addition to the kitchen, marigold flowers are not just colorful but also edible.
Edible marigold petals and tender green leaves can be used in salads or stir-fries. They can also be frozen and used to decorate summer sweets.
2. Adds Color and Beauty
The flowers will brighten up the dullest patch in any garden. They thrive anywhere there is sunshine and will respond by quickly producing gorgeous, warm colors.
Marigolds also attract some butterflies, which further adds to the beauty of the flowers.
3. Suppresses Plant-Parasitic Nematodes
There are good and bad nematodes that dwell in the soil. Beneficial nematodes destroy certain pests in the soil. But the bad ones are themselves pests, 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 the plant produces a toxic chemical in its roots that will harm these pests [1]. 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 are particularly attracted to marigolds, so planting them benefits the garden. Likewise, these powerfully scented, colorful plants attract other pollinators, like butterflies.
If marigolds are not already growing in your yard, it is best to purchase 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. Marigolds attract helpful insects like ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps.
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. Medicinal Calendula
Pot marigold is a medicinal herb known for its many health benefits and healing properties.
Easily grown in the garden, the flower heads can be used in infusions and compresses. Calendula officinalis works well for many ailments, including gingivitis, skin issues, and swellings. Additionally, it promotes wound healing [2].
You can also make the powder into creams for wounds, abrasions, burns, and sores. The flowers also produce marigold oil and natural fabric dyes.
8. Pest Repellent
Use marigolds in the garden for pest control.
Pests that marigolds repel include ants, whiteflies, aphids, tomato hornworms, cucumber beetles, and thrips. Marigolds also keep away mosquitoes, 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 say it does help. Rabbits and deer seem to hate the taste and smell of marigolds.
9. Protects Tomatoes
French marigolds and calendula help protect tomatoes. Gardeners have long planted tomatoes and marigolds to deter various pests, including tomato worms.
10. Companion Plant
Companion planting with marigolds enhances the growth of some crops.
Vegetables you can plant with marigolds include potatoes, melons, tomatoes, broccoli, eggplants, squashes and 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. They should germinate and bloom in about two months.
Sow about 1 inch apart directly into the ground, and water well without overwatering.
Or, plant the seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost. Cover them with plastic wrap until germination, and 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.
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