Marigolds and Nasturtiums: Brightening Up Your Garden

Oleh Anonymous July 16, 2022 Post a Comment

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Are you looking for vibrant, colorful flowers to add some life to your garden? Look no further than marigolds and nasturtiums! These beautiful blooms are easy to grow, low maintenance, and perfect for brightening up any outdoor space. In this article, we'll explore the benefits of planting marigolds and nasturtiums, how to care for them, and some creative ways to incorporate them into your garden design.

The Benefits of Marigolds and Nasturtiums

Both marigolds and nasturtiums have a lot of benefits that make them great choices for any garden. Here are just a few:

1. Pest Control

One of the main benefits of planting marigolds and nasturtiums is that they can help keep pests away from your other plants. Both of these flowers produce a scent that repels insects like aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites. By planting them around your vegetables or other flowers, you can create a natural pest barrier without having to use any harmful chemicals.

2. Easy to Grow

Another benefit of marigolds and nasturtiums is that they're very easy to grow, even for beginners. They both prefer full sun and well-drained soil, but other than that, they don't need much attention. They're also very forgiving if you forget to water them occasionally. This makes them a great choice for anyone who wants beautiful flowers without a lot of fuss.

3. Attractive and Colorful

Of course, one of the main reasons to plant marigolds and nasturtiums is because they're beautiful! Marigolds come in a range of colors, from bright orange to deep red, while nasturtiums have vibrant yellow or red flowers. Both plants also have attractive foliage that can add interest to your garden even when they're not in bloom.

How to Care for Marigolds and Nasturtiums

Now that you know why marigolds and nasturtiums are great plants to have in your garden, let's talk about how to care for them. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

1. Watering

Both marigolds and nasturtiums prefer well-drained soil, so make sure to water them deeply but infrequently. For best results, wait until the top inch of soil is dry before watering again.

2. Fertilizing

Marigolds and nasturtiums don't need a lot of fertilizer, but they do appreciate a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season. Be careful not to over-fertilize, as this can cause the plants to produce more foliage than flowers.

3. Deadheading

To encourage your marigolds and nasturtiums to produce more blooms, it's important to deadhead them regularly. This means removing spent flowers before they can go to seed. Not only will this help your plants look better, but it will also promote more flowers throughout the growing season.

Creative Ways to Use Marigolds and Nasturtiums

Now that you know how to care for marigolds and nasturtiums, let's talk about some creative ways to use them in your garden design. Here are a few ideas:

1. Edible Flowers

Nasturtiums are edible, with a peppery flavor that's perfect for adding to salads or garnishing dishes. You can also use marigold petals as a colorful addition to baked goods or cocktails.

2. Container Gardens

Both marigolds and nasturtiums do well in containers, making them a great choice for apartment balconies or small patios. Try planting them in hanging baskets or window boxes for a splash of color.

3. Companion Planting

As mentioned earlier, marigolds and nasturtiums can help keep pests away from your other plants. Consider planting them around your vegetables or herbs to create a natural pest barrier.

FAQs

Q: Can I plant marigolds and nasturtiums together?

A: Yes! Marigolds and nasturtiums complement each other well and can be planted together for a beautiful display.

Q: Do marigolds and nasturtiums come back every year?

A: Marigolds and nasturtiums are annual flowers, which means they only live for one growing season. However, their self-seeding habits mean that they may come back on their own the following year in some cases.

Q: How often should I water my marigolds and nasturtiums?

A: Water deeply but infrequently, waiting until the top inch of soil is dry before watering again.

Q: Can I grow marigolds and nasturtiums in containers?

A: Yes! Both plants do well in containers, making them a great choice for small spaces.

Q: What pests do marigolds and nasturtiums repel?

A: Marigolds and nasturtiums both produce a scent that repels insects like aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites.

In marigolds and nasturtiums are two of the easiest and most rewarding flowers to grow in your garden. Not only do they add a splash of color, but they also provide natural pest control and are easy to care for. With these tips and ideas, you'll be on your way to a beautiful and thriving garden in no time!