Companion Planting Calendula: Benefits and Tips

Oleh Anonymous January 16, 2023 Post a Comment

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The Basics of Companion Planting with Calendula

When it comes to gardening, there are many techniques that can help you grow healthier plants and improve your harvest. One such technique is companion planting, which involves growing different plants together to benefit each other.

Calendula, also known as pot marigold, is a popular choice for companion planting due to its pest-repelling properties and ability to attract beneficial insects. In this article, we'll take a closer look at how to use calendula as a companion plant and the benefits it provides.

What is Companion Planting?

Companion planting is the practice of growing two or more different plants together for mutual benefit. This can include plants that provide pest control, improve soil health, or attract pollinators. The idea behind companion planting is that certain plants have natural properties that can help other plants grow better.

The Benefits of Companion Planting with Calendula

Calendula has several properties that make it an ideal candidate for companion planting. These include:

Pest Control: Calendula has natural insect-repelling properties that can help protect other plants from pests.
Attracting Beneficial Insects: Calendula flowers attract a variety of beneficial insects, including bees, hoverflies, and lacewings. These insects can help pollinate other plants and control pests.
Improving Soil Health: Calendula can help improve soil health by attracting earthworms and other beneficial organisms.

Plants That Benefit from Companion Planting with Calendula

There are several plants that benefit from being grown alongside calendula. These include:

Tomatoes: Calendula can help repel tomato hornworms and attract pollinators to tomato flowers.
Lettuce: Calendula can repel aphids, which are a common pest of lettuce.
Beans: Calendula can attract beneficial insects that help control bean beetles.
Cucumbers: Calendula can help repel cucumber beetles and attract pollinators to cucumber flowers.

How to Use Calendula as a Companion Plant

Now that you know the benefits of companion planting with calendula, let's take a closer look at how to use it in your garden.

Planting Calendula

Calendula is a hardy annual that prefers full sun and well-draining soil. It can be planted directly in the ground or ed indoors and transplanted after the last frost.

To use calendula as a companion plant, scatter seeds around the base of other plants or plant them in rows between other crops. Calendula can also be grown in containers, making it a great option for balcony and patio gardens.

Caring for Calendula

Calendula is a low-maintenance plant that requires little care once established. Water regularly, but don't overwater, as this can cause root rot. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage new blooms.

Harvesting Calendula

Calendula flowers can be harvested throughout the growing season. To harvest, simply pick the flowers when they are fully open and dry them in a warm, dry place. Once dry, the flowers can be used to make tea or infused oil.

Companion Planting Tips

To get the most out of companion planting with calendula, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Plant in Groups

Planting several calendula plants together can help create a stronger pest-repelling effect and attract more beneficial insects.

Rotate Crops

To avoid soil-borne diseases, it's important to rotate your crops each year. This means not planting the same crop in the same location two years in a row.

Choose Complementary Plants

When choosing plants to grow alongside calendula, look for complementary plants that have similar growing requirements and can benefit from its natural properties.

Companion planting with calendula is a great way to improve the health and productivity of your garden. With its natural pest-repelling properties and ability to attract beneficial insects, calendula is a valuable addition to any garden.

Remember to plant it in groups, rotate your crops, and choose complementary plants to get the most out of companion planting with calendula.

FAQs

What is Calendula?

Calendula, also known as pot marigold, is a hardy annual plant that produces bright yellow or orange flowers. It is often grown for its medicinal properties and is used in a variety of herbal remedies.

What pests does calendula repel?

Calendula has natural insect-repelling properties that can help protect other plants from pests like aphids, tomato hornworms, and cucumber beetles.

How do I use calendula flowers?

Calendula flowers can be used to make tea or infused oil. Simply pick the flowers when they are fully open and dry them in a warm, dry place.

Can I grow calendula in containers?

Yes, calendula can be grown in containers, making it a great option for balcony and patio gardens.

What other plants benefit from companion planting?

There are many plants that benefit from companion planting, including tomatoes, lettuce, beans, and cucumbers. It's important to choose complementary plants that have similar growing requirements and can benefit from each other's natural properties.