Marigolds: The great Plant Companion -

Did you know marigolds are great as companion planters for your crops (food)? And they’re beautiful. Keep reading for top tips on how to use marigolds in crop planting this year.

What are Marigolds?

Marigolds are flowering plants belonging to the daisy family. They are native to North and South America but have been widely cultivated and naturalized in many parts of the world. Marigolds are popular ornamental plants known for their bright and vibrant flowers, which come in shades of yellow, orange, and red. They typically have a strong, distinctive scent.

Marigolds are also valued for their versatility and are commonly used in gardening for their ability to repel certain pests, such as nematodes and insects like mosquitoes and aphids. They are often planted alongside vegetables to help deter pests and improve overall plant health. Additionally, marigolds are sometimes used in companion planting to attract beneficial insects like ladybugs, which prey on harmful pests.

What should I plant marigolds with?

Marigolds are excellent companion plants that can benefit nearby crops in a garden in several ways. Here are some plants that marigolds can be planted with:

Tomatoes: Marigolds are often planted alongside tomatoes to help repel pests like nematodes and whiteflies. They can also enhance the flavor of tomatoes and improve their growth.
Peppers: Similar to tomatoes, peppers can benefit from the pest-repelling properties of marigolds. Planting marigolds around pepper plants can help deter aphids and other harmful insects.
Cucumbers: Marigolds can be planted near cucumbers to deter pests like cucumber beetles and squash bugs. Their strong scent can help mask the scent of cucumbers, making them less attractive to pests.
Squash and Pumpkins: Marigolds are effective at repelling pests that commonly attack squash and pumpkin plants, such as squash bugs and squash vine borers.
Beans: Marigolds can help repel pests like bean beetles and nematodes that can damage bean plants. Planting marigolds alongside beans can improve overall plant health and yield.
Lettuce and Brassicas: Marigolds can be beneficial when planted near lettuce, cabbage, kale, and other brassicas to deter pests like aphids, cabbage worms, and cabbage moths.
Herbs: Marigolds can be planted with herbs like basil, parsley, and oregano to help repel pests and attract beneficial insects.

When planting marigolds with other crops, it’s essential to consider spacing requirements and ensure that the marigolds won’t shade or compete with the neighboring plants for resources. Additionally, it’s a good idea to interplant marigolds rather than planting them in a single mass to maximize their pest-repelling effects throughout the garden.