Marigolds – Bright and cheerful plant protection heroes
Versatile and beneficial, French marigolds are easy to grow, attractive, and champions of deterring a wide variety of pests.
They are the perfect companion plants for both flower and vegetable gardens, particularly Brassicas (cabbage, Brussels sprouts, kale, broccoli, cauliflower etc) and Cucurbits (squash, pumpkin, melon, cantaloupe, cucumber, zucchini, etc.) Eggplant, beans, tomatoes, lettuce, onion, chillis, corn, garlic, carrots, celery, and many herbs (eg, parsley, oregano, coriander) also benefit from growing near marigolds.
Marigolds create a natural barrier against many garden pests, including:
- Mosquitos – marigolds contain pyrethrum, a natural insecticide.
- Aphids – small sap-sucking insects that weaken plants by feeding on their fluids.
- Nematodes – microscopic worm-like destroyers of roots, particularly fond of tomatoes. Marigold roots release a toxic chemical that inhibits the hatching of nematode eggs.
How to Use Marigolds in Your Garden
For best effects, plant marigolds two months before planting your vegetable crop.
Planted randomly throughout your garden or in rows between vegetable rows, the fragrance of marigolds tends to confuse flying insects such as whiteflies and carrot flies. This is particularly effective protection for the Brassicas as the marigold fragrance masks their distinctive odour.
Marigolds also attract beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and hoverflies, which prey on common garden pests.
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