Marigolds, with their vibrant colors and pleasant scent, are a popular choice for gardeners looking to add a touch of beauty and charm to their outdoor spaces. However, did you know that marigolds can also be beneficial to other plants in your garden? By selecting the right companions to plant alongside marigolds, you can not only enhance the overall aesthetic appeal but also promote healthier growth for your garden as a whole. In this guide, we will explore some of the best options for companion planting with marigolds, offering valuable insights on how to optimize your garden’s potential. So, if you’re ready to discover the secrets of successful companion planting, let’s delve into the world of marigolds and their perfect gardening companions without delay.
key Takeaways
- Marigolds are great companion plants for various vegetables, herbs, and other flowers in the garden.
- Planting marigolds near tomatoes can help deter aphids, whiteflies, and nematodes, benefiting both plants.
- Carrots, onions, and potatoes are good companions for marigolds, as they repel insects that can damage the flowers.
- Marigolds also attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, which feed on garden pests.
- Herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme thrive when grown alongside marigolds, as they can deter pests and attract pollinators.
- Marigolds are known to enhance the flavor of neighboring plants like tomatoes and cucumbers.
- When planting marigolds with roses, they can help prevent black spot disease and repel aphids.
- Marigold roots excrete a substance called alpha-terthienyl, which can suppress root-knot nematodes.
- For optimal growth, marigolds prefer well-drained soil, adequate sunlight, and regular watering.
- While marigolds offer numerous benefits to companion plants, they may not guarantee complete pest control and should be used as part of an integrated pest management strategy.
What are the Best Companion Plants for Marigolds in the Garden?
Companion Planting for Marigolds
Companion planting involves strategically pairing plants that benefit each other when grown together. By choosing the right companions for your marigolds, you can enhance their growth, deter pests, and improve overall garden health. Let’s explore some of the best plants to accompany marigolds in your garden.
1. Tomatoes
Tomatoes and marigolds make wonderful companions in the garden. Marigolds help repel pests such as nematodes, aphids, and whiteflies that commonly attack tomatoes. Additionally, marigolds attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and hoverflies that prey on harmful pests, further protecting your tomato plants.
2. Basil
Intercropping marigolds with basil can be highly beneficial. Basil enhances the growth and flavor of neighboring plants, including marigolds. The strong aroma of basil acts as a natural repellent to pests like aphids and mosquitoes, while its close proximity enhances the fragrance of marigolds.
3. Cucumbers
Planting marigolds alongside cucumbers can help repel pests while providing shade and ground cover. Marigolds deter common cucumber pests such as beetles and nematodes, ensuring healthier cucumber plants. Additionally, the vibrant yellow and orange flowers of marigolds create a beautiful contrast against the lush green foliage of cucumbers.
4. Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums are excellent companions for marigolds due to their pest-repellent properties. These colorful flowers act as trap crops, attracting pests away from marigolds. Nasturtiums also help improve the soil by inhibiting the growth of weeds and acting as a natural ground cover.
5. Beans
Planting marigolds alongside beans can help deter pests and improve bean growth. Marigolds repel harmful insects such as bean beetles and Mexican bean beetles, reducing the risk of infestations. The compact growth habit of marigolds also provides shade to the base of bean plants, helping to retain moisture in the soil.
6. Alliums
Alliums, such as onions and garlic, are known for their pest-deterring properties. When planted near marigolds, alliums help repel pests like aphids, spider mites, and cabbage worms. Additionally, alliums add a pungent aroma to the garden, further deterring pests and enhancing the fragrance of marigolds.
Wrapping Up
These are just a few examples of the best companion plants for marigolds in the garden. By companion planting marigolds with these beneficial plants, you can create a harmonious and thriving garden ecosystem while enjoying the beauty and fragrance of marigold blooms. Experiment with different combinations to discover the perfect companions for your marigolds.
FAQs about What To Plant Marigolds With In Garden
What are some good companion plants for marigolds?
Marigolds are known for their ability to repel pests and enhance the growth of neighboring plants. Some good companion plants to grow alongside marigolds include tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and basil. These plants can benefit from the pest-repellent properties of marigolds and help deter harmful insects from attacking them.
Can I plant marigolds with roses?
Yes, planting marigolds with roses can be beneficial. Marigolds help repel pests like aphids and nematodes, which are common problems for roses. The scent of marigolds can also attract hoverflies, which feed on aphids, further protecting the roses. Additionally, the bright flowers of marigolds can provide a beautiful contrast to the roses, creating an aesthetically pleasing garden bed.
Do marigolds attract bees?
Marigolds are not particularly attractive to bees. Bees are typically attracted to flowers that produce nectar, which is an important food source for them. However, marigolds produce little to no nectar, and therefore, bees are not usually drawn to them. If you are looking to attract bees to your garden, it would be better to plant flowers that are known for their nectar production, such as lavender, sunflowers, or zinnias.
Can I plant marigolds near herbs?
Yes, marigolds can be planted near herbs. In fact, marigolds are often used as companion plants for herbs like basil, parsley, and oregano. The strong scent of marigolds can help deter pests that commonly attack herbs, such as aphids and whiteflies. Additionally, marigolds can attract beneficial insects like ladybugs, which feed on herb pests, further protecting the herbs.
Are all types of marigolds good companions for other plants?
No, not all types of marigolds are good companions for other plants. French marigolds (Tagetes patula) and African marigolds (Tagetes erecta) are the most commonly used types for companion planting. These varieties have strong pest-repellent properties. However, other types of marigolds, such as signet marigolds (Tagetes tenuifolia), may not be as effective in repelling pests. When choosing marigolds for companion planting, it is recommended to opt for French or African marigolds for the best results.
