Marigolds , the vivacious and redolent heyday adorning many gardens , offer more than just aesthetic solicitation . Gardeners rely on marigolds as a natural means to drive back pests and protect their cherished plants .

With their robust scent and built-in pest - resistant attribute , these humble flowers are effective companions in the battle against worm and nematodes .

Learn how these lively bloom can dish up as nature ’s allies in protect yourhome gardenfrom unwanted encroacher .

flower arch at wedding ceremony

Choose the Right Type of Marigolds

marigold come in various form , each with discrete characteristics , such as deviation in blossom sizing , contour , colour , plant size of it , and foliage shape . However , the most effective type for pest - repellent purposes are the French marigolds(Tagetes patula)and African marigolds(Tagetes erecta ) .

African marigolds are the grandiloquent and most tumid , growing 3 to 4 feet marvellous and displaying large , center - catching flowers . aboriginal to Mexico and Central America , these marigolds showcase singular resilience , thriving even in drouth - like conditions .

In contrast , Gallic marigolds exhibit a more petite , shaggy-coated , and thickset growth habit . They be given to pass around more than they grow in height , showcasing elegant and captivating flowers . French marigold commonly reach a height of 6 inches to 2 base and are well - suited to rainy condition liken to otherTagetesspecies .

Gardener watering tomatoes in the vegetable patch

The foliage of Gallic marigolds let out a aroma that acts as a rude balk for insects , while their tooth root release a chemical substance that push back ground nematodes . These nematodes are prevalent grunge pests that can bear upon plant , causing them to appear paler and dwarfed , particularly in the upper soil layers .

likewise , when African marigolds are planted in rotation with nematode - susceptible crops like cucumber , tomato , and capsicum pepper plant , their roots unblock a nematocidal toxin that in effect prevent nematode damage , providing extra protection for these crop .

Interplant Marigolds with Susceptible Plants

Marigolds offer excellent benefits as companion plant , safeguard other pest - susceptible plant life in your garden . Intersperse marigolds among vegetable , herb , or other flowerstargeted by pestis . For instance , you may strategically localize marigolds around love apple plants , cucumbers , or potatoes .

Among the various marigold choices for naturalpest control , Gallic marigolds stand out as one of the top contenders efficaciously battle nematodes , mash bugs and tomato worms .

Moreover , French marigold protect Lycopersicon esculentum from whitefly by emit limonene , a volatile industrial plant compound ( VPC ) that influences insect doings . Insects equipped with antennae and sensory organs can detect these VPCs , like the human olfactory organ find unlike scents .

Applying an insect relief cream

marigold also try out beneficial in deter cucumber beetles that can harm cucumber plants . They repel various pests , including murphy bugs , aphids , cabbage moth , squash microbe , nematodes , and maggots . To shield vulnerable veggie from these pestis , consider planting marigolds alongside them !

Plant as a Cover Crop

A masking crop is a type of crop civilize before a gardener starts grow other flora . Its purpose is to preventsoil erosionor reduction pesterer populations that are unlikely to spread on the cover crop .

marigold are worthful as a cover charge craw due to their ability to release alpha - terthienyl . This content avail battle root - knot nematode and other disease - promote being such as fungus kingdom , bacteria , worm , and virus .

Specifically , the French marigold cultivars ' Tangerine ' and ' Single Gold ' have displayed potent resistance against multiple coinage of ascendent - knot nematode worm .

planting marigolds

Plant Marigold Along Garden Borders

Create a barrier of marigolds along your garden ’s border to prevent pests from get into . This kind of barrier can be especially useful if you have a vegetable orherb gardenthat you need to protect .

To make a strong protective barrier for your principal crops , sow the seeds in rows amidst them and take shape clusters along the extinct edges . This approach will safeguard the desire plants from pests efficaciously .

By strategically planting marigolds along the garden ’s circumference , you may establish a born baulk against pests . Marigolds let out a sinewy fragrance that repels insects like aphid , whiteflies , and mosquito , assist to keep them at embayment .

Orange marigold flowers

Orange marigold flowers

Regularly Maintain and Inspect Marigolds

marigold have ahigher tolerance for droughtconditions than excessive wet , so check the soil has good drainage is crucial . Enhance the drainage of dense garden grease by incorporating compost or backbone . To achieve optimal growth , ensure the grime pH for marigolds falls within the range of 6 to 7 .

Use abalanced fertilizerwith equal nitrogen , phosphorus , and potassium during planting . Since marigolds are classify as low feeders , there is no need for extra fertilisation after imbed . Excessive plant food can hinder bloom production , as the plant will prioritise foliage growth over flower ontogenesis .

While not necessary , deadheading marigold can offer significant benefits . By removing washed-out blooms , the plant can airt its energy towards producing more flowers instead of setting seed . Additionally , deadheading plays a all-important function in preserving the marigold ’s respectable and attractive appearance , as it prevents their bloom from rapidly rotting in humid conditions .

marigolds near to the tomato plant

Keep Pesky Bugs Away From Your Garden With Marigolds!

It ’s authoritative to note that while marigold can aid repel certain pest , they may not be a guaranteed resolution for all pestilence trouble .

It ’s best to employ a comprehensive pest direction approach for life-threatening plague , including rude remedies , and use organic or chemic pesticides as a last resort if necessary .

Man Spraying Water on Marigold

Man Spraying Water on Marigold

Yellow marigold flowers

Yellow marigold flowers

pruning marigolds