How Marigolds Make Excellent Vegetable Companions

Oleh Anonymous February 02, 2023 Post a Comment

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The Benefits of Companion Planting with Marigolds

Companion planting is a popular practice in agriculture and gardening, where specific plants are grown together to benefit each other. One such plant that has been proven to be an excellent companion for vegetables is the marigold. Marigolds are not only beautiful, but they have many benefits that can help your vegetables thrive. In this article, we will explore the reasons why marigolds make great vegetable companions.

Why Marigolds are Great Vegetable Companions

1. Pest Control

One of the most significant benefits of growing marigolds alongside vegetables is their ability to repel pests. Marigolds contain a chemical called thiophene, which repels nematodes, aphids, and other harmful insects. This makes them a natural and effective way to control pests without having to resort to chemical pesticides.

Example:

For instance, planting marigolds around your tomato plants can help prevent tomato hornworms from attacking your crop. Similarly, planting marigolds near broccoli plants can deter cabbage worms from feasting on your harvest.

2. Attracting Beneficial Insects

Marigolds also attract beneficial insects like ladybugs, lacewings, and hoverflies, which prey on pests like aphids and whiteflies. These insects feed on the pests that harm your vegetables, keeping them healthy and productive.

Example:

Planting marigolds alongside beans can attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, which help increase the yield of your crop.

3. Soil Improvement

Marigolds also have a positive effect on the soil they grow in. They produce chemicals that repel harmful nematodes, which can damage the roots of your vegetables. Additionally, marigolds are known to improve soil structure and fertility by increasing organic matter.

Example:

Growing marigolds alongside carrots can help keep the soil free from root-knot nematodes, which can cause deformities in the carrots.

How to Use Marigolds as Vegetable Companions

1. Interplanting

Interplanting is the practice of planting vegetables and marigolds together in the same bed. This method is effective because marigolds release compounds into the air that deter pests, making it harder for them to find your vegetables.

Example:

For instance, plant marigolds next to your tomato plants, or interplant them between rows of beans or peas.

2. Companion Planting in Containers

If you're growing vegetables in containers, you can still use marigolds as companion plants. Plant a marigold or two in the same pot as your vegetable, or in a nearby container, to get the benefits of companion planting.

Example:

Plant a marigold alongside your cucumber plant to repel cucumber beetles.

Best Marigold Varieties for Companion Planting

Not all marigold varieties are created equal when it comes to companion planting. Some marigolds are better at repelling pests than others. Here are a few varieties that are excellent for companion planting:

1. French Marigolds

French marigolds are the most commonly used marigold for companion planting. They have strong pest-repelling properties and come in a variety of colors, making them a beautiful addition to any garden.

2. Mexican Marigolds

Mexican marigolds are excellent at repelling nematodes, making them an ideal companion for root vegetables like carrots and onions.

3. Signet Marigolds

Signet marigolds are small and delicate with a citrusy scent that deters pests. They are perfect for interplanting with vegetables in containers or in tight spaces.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I plant marigolds alongside all vegetables?

Marigolds can be planted alongside most vegetables, but there are a few exceptions. Do not plant marigolds near plants in the Brassica family, such as broccoli, cauliflower, and kale, as they may stunt their growth.

2. How many marigolds should I plant per vegetable?

There is no hard and fast rule regarding how many marigolds you should plant per vegetable. However, a good rule of thumb is to plant one marigold for every three to four vegetables.

3. When is the best time to plant marigolds?

The best time to plant marigolds is in the spring, after the last frost has passed. You can also plant them in the summer, but they may not bloom as well due to the heat.

4. Can I use marigolds as a cover crop?

Yes, marigolds can be used as a cover crop. They are especially useful when planting fall crops as they help improve soil health over the winter months.

5. Are there any downsides to using marigolds as companion plants?

The only downside to using marigolds as companion plants is that they may attract spider mites. However, this can be easily remedied by spraying the plants with a jet of water to knock off the mites.

In marigolds make excellent vegetable companions due to their pest-repelling properties, ability to attract beneficial insects, and positive effect on soil health. They are easy to grow, beautiful to look at, and provide numerous benefits to your vegetable garden. So why not give them a try?