Benefits of Growing Marigolds in a Vegetable Garden

Marigolds are a flower that make it into my garden every year. They are beautiful easy to grow flowers and they are great for your other plants as well.

Why plant marigolds in your vegetable garden?

Marigolds are one of the most popular annual flowers and a great addition to any vegetable garden. Here are a few reasons why you should consider growing marigolds in your garden:

1. Pest control: Marigolds emit a strong scent that can deter many common garden pests, like aphids, mosquitoes, and nematodes.
2. Soil improvement: Marigolds have deep roots that can help break up compacted soil and improve drainage. They are also known for their ability to suppress certain soil-borne pathogens, making them a great addition to any garden.
3. Attract pollinators: Marigolds are a great way to attract pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, to your garden. These insects are essential for pollinating many vegetable plants, which can help increase your vegetable production.
4. Beauty: Marigolds come in a variety of colors, including yellow, orange, and red, which can add a pop of color to your vegetable garden. They are also easy to grow and maintain, making them a great choice for gardeners of all skill levels.

How to grow marigolds?

Marigolds can be grown from seed or from plant starts at the garden center. Planting from seed is easy and cheap but it will take a little longer to see the blooms. If you want to start out with flowers earlier in the season, but plant starts.

Either way, here are the steps to how to grow marigolds in your garden:

1. Choose the right location: Marigolds prefer a sunny location with well-drained soil. Make sure the area you choose gets at least six hours of direct sunlight each day.
2. Prepare the soil: Marigolds prefer soil that is rich in organic matter. Add some compost to mix in with your soil before planting.
3. Plant the seeds: Marigold seeds can be sown directly in the ground or started indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost. If starting them directly outside, sow the seeds about 1/4 inch deep, then cover them lightly with soil. Depending on the variety, the distance between plants may change. Check the back of your seed packet to see what they suggest.
4. Water regularly: Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Water the plants deeply once a week, or more frequently during hot, dry weather.
5. Fertilize: Marigolds do not require heavy fertilization, but you can apply a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks to promote healthy growth. I don’t always do this and my plants seem to do fine. As long as they are planted in healthy soil and are getting enough water they should do fine.
6. Deadhead regularly: This isn’t required but pinching off spent flowers can encourage the plant to produce more blooms.

By following these simple steps, you can grow healthy and vibrant marigolds in your garden.

Types of Marigolds

There are several types of marigolds, including French marigolds, African marigolds, and signet marigolds. French marigolds are smaller and bushier, while African marigolds are larger and taller. Signet marigolds are smaller and have edible flowers and foliage. Each type comes in a variety of colors and can be a great addition to any garden.

It’s fun to grow a few different types to find out what your favorites are. Here are a few of my favorite ones to grow.

Marigold Companion Planting

Marigolds are often planted alongside tomatoes, peppers, and squash to prevent pest damage. I like to plant them along the edges on my garden beds. You get all the benefits of the marigolds plus a nice pop of color in the garden.

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