Marigolds are a popular choice for gardeners as they are easy to grow and bring vibrant colour to the garden. They have a range of benefits, including attracting pollinators and deterring pests. If you’re looking to add marigolds to your garden, it’s important to know what to pair them with. Planting with marigolds can be a great way to add texture and contrast to your garden, as well as providing colour, interest and structure. There is a wide variety of plants that can be planted alongside marigolds, from vegetables and herbs to companion flowers. This article will discuss some of the best plants to pair with marigolds for the perfect garden combination.Companion planting with marigolds is a great way to deter pests and improve the health of your garden. Marigolds contain pyrethrum, an insect-repelling compound, which helps ward off harmful nematodes, aphids, and other pests. They also add colour and texture to your garden. Plant marigolds alongside vegetables such as tomatoes, beans, and cabbage to naturally protect them from pests. Marigolds also act as natural fertilizers for nearby plants by releasing nutrients into the soil as they decompose. Planting marigolds in different areas of your garden can help enrich the soil and keep your plants healthy.
What Vegetables to Plant with Marigolds
Marigolds are a popular summer flower that adds a burst of bright color to any garden. Not only do they look beautiful, but they also have the benefit of repelling many pests and helping to keep your vegetables healthy. Planting marigolds alongside your vegetables can be a great way to keep them safe from pests and ensure that you have a successful harvest.
When it comes to what vegetables to plant with marigolds, there are many options available. Some of the most popular include tomatoes, squash, peppers, eggplants, cucumbers, and beans. All of these vegetables are relatively easy to grow and will benefit from the protection that marigolds provide. Tomatoes in particular benefit greatly from having marigolds nearby as they can ward off tomato hornworms and other pests that can damage the plants.
In addition to tomatoes, squash is another vegetable that does well when planted alongside marigolds. The strong scent of marigold flowers repels many types of insects that can damage squash plants such as cucumber beetles and squash bugs. This makes it easier for your squash plants to reach maturity without being damaged by pests.
Peppers also thrive when planted alongside marigolds as their scent helps to ward off aphids and whiteflies which can cause significant damage to pepper plants if left unchecked. Eggplant also benefits from having marigolds nearby as they help keep away flea beetles which can cause significant damage if left unchecked.
Cucumbers are another vegetable that does well when planted alongside marigolds as their scent helps repel cucumber beetles which can spread disease throughout the plant if left unchecked. Beans are particularly vulnerable to bean beetles so planting marigolds near them can help protect them from these destructive pests.
Overall, there are many different types of vegetables that do well when planted alongside marigolds due to their pest-repelling properties. Tomatoes, squash, peppers, eggplants, cucumbers, and beans all benefit greatly from having this type of flower in close proximity as it helps protect them against damaging pests throughout the growing season.
Planting Marigolds with Other Flowers
Marigolds are a popular annual flower, known for their bright colors and easy-care requirements. They are great for adding a splash of color to any garden and make an excellent companion plant for other flowers. Many gardeners choose to plant marigolds with other flowers to create an eye-catching display. Some of the best flowers to plant with marigolds include impatiens, petunias, snapdragons, zinnias, and salvia.
Impatiens are a great choice for planting with marigolds as they share similar sunlight needs and prefer well-drained soils. The bright blooms of both plants will create an eye-catching display in any garden. Petunias also do well when planted with marigolds and their different blooms will provide contrast in the garden. Snapdragons are another good option as they bloom in shades of pink, white, and yellow that will complement the hues of marigold blooms.
Zinnias are a classic flower that can be planted alongside marigolds for a timeless look. The daisy-like blooms come in an array of colors including pink, yellow, orange, white, and red that all work well when paired with the vibrant hues of marigolds. Salvia is another great option as they boast bell-shaped blooms in shades of blue and purple that will add depth to any garden bed filled with marigolds.
When planting these flowers together it’s important to keep their individual needs in mind. Make sure they have enough space to grow as overcrowding can cause them to become stunted or fail to thrive due to lack of sunlight or nutrients. With proper care and attention these flowers can create an unforgettable display in any garden bed!
Beautiful Color
Marigolds are beautiful flowers that come in a variety of vibrant colors. They range from vibrant oranges, yellows, and reds to subtle pinks and whites. Marigolds are a great way to add some color to any garden or landscaping project. Not only do they look beautiful, but they will also attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Easy to Grow
Marigolds are incredibly easy to grow and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and soil conditions. They thrive in full sun and require little maintenance – just an occasional watering and occasional deadheading (removal of spent flowers) to keep them looking their best. Marigolds are also very drought tolerant so they can handle periods of dryness well.
Pest Repellent
Marigolds are known for their pest repelling properties, particularly against aphids, whiteflies, nematodes, squash bugs, tomato hornworms, and other common garden pests. The strong smell of marigold flowers helps to repel these pests naturally without the use of chemicals or pesticides.
Nutrient Rich Soil
Marigolds help improve soil quality by adding essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium back into the soil. These nutrients help promote healthy plant growth which results in more abundant harvests. Marigolds also help keep the soil loose which helps with water retention and aeration.
Versatile Plant
Marigolds are incredibly versatile plants that can be planted in containers or directly into the ground. They can be used as borders for other plants or used as ground cover between plants in an ornamental garden setting. They can also be used to create a natural living fence by planting them around the perimeter of your property.
What Fruits Can Be Planted with Marigolds?
Marigolds are an excellent companion plant for many types of fruits, vegetables, and herbs. They can help attract beneficial insects and deter pests, as well as provide a colorful backdrop to any garden. Planting marigolds alongside certain fruits can help to improve pollination and increase yields. Some of the most popular fruits to grow with marigolds include tomatoes, peppers, melons, squash, blueberries, strawberries, and apples.
Tomatoes are especially suited for companion planting with marigolds. Marigolds release a chemical that repels harmful nematodes from the soil around tomatoes. This helps to protect the tomato plants from these tiny pests which can cause serious damage to the crop. Marigolds also attract helpful pollinators like bees and butterflies which will aid in the successful pollination of tomato flowers.
Peppers also benefit from being planted next to marigold flowers. The scent of marigolds is believed to help ward off some of the common pests that attack pepper plants such as aphids and spider mites. This natural pest control can help keep your pepper plants healthy without resorting to harsh chemical sprays or other treatments.
Melons are another type of fruit that grows well with marigold companionship. The bright blooms of marigold flowers draw in pollinators which will help ensure that melon flowers get properly fertilized for increased yields at harvest time. Additionally, marigolds are believed to have a root system that helps reduce soil-borne diseases that can harm melon vines or their fruit.
Squash also benefits from being planted near marigold flowers due to their ability to attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings which feed on aphids and other destructive pests. Squash are particularly susceptible to aphid infestations so having plenty of ladybugs around is very helpful in keeping these destructive bugs away from your squash plants!
Blueberries thrive when planted with marigolds too! The strong fragrances released by the flowers attract helpful bees that will aid in proper pollination of blueberry blossoms for larger harvests come autumn time! Plus, planting them with blueberries will add a beautiful splash of orange color into your edible landscape!
Strawberries enjoy growing near pretty marigold flowers too! The blooms will attract pollinators while also serving as a natural deterrent against some pests like slugs and snails that may try to feast on strawberry foliage or fruit! Additionally, adding nitrogen-fixing bacteria into the soil around strawberry plants via companion planting with marigolds can help keep them healthy throughout their growing season!
Apples need plenty of bee activity in order for adequate amounts of pollen transfer needed for successful fruiting! Growing apple trees alongside fragrant blooming marigold flowers is sure to bring in plenty of bees for proper pollination which will lead to larger harvests come fall season! Additionally, companion planting with marigolds has been known to reduce disease pressure on apple trees so they stay healthy throughout their growing season!
Herbs That Go Well With Marigolds
Marigolds are cheerful and vibrant flowers that make for a delightful addition to any garden. While they look great on their own, they can also be paired with other plants to create a stunning effect. Herbs are a particularly good choice for pairing with marigolds, as they provide both visual interest and practical use. Some of the best herbs to pair with marigolds include rosemary, parsley, sage, oregano, basil, chives, and thyme.
Rosemary is an evergreen herb with a strong aroma and needle-like leaves. The bright yellow flowers of the marigold will contrast beautifully with the dark green foliage of rosemary. Rosemary is an incredibly versatile herb that can be used in many different recipes as well as for medicinal purposes.
Parsley is another great choice for pairing with marigolds. This aromatic herb has bright green foliage that will look stunning next to the vivid blooms of the marigold. Parsley has many culinary uses and is often used in salads and sauces. It also has several medicinal uses such as relieving indigestion and reducing inflammation.
Sage is another wonderful herb to pair with marigolds due to its soft grey-green leaves. Sage has a distinct aroma that will compliment the sweet scent of the marigold blooms perfectly. This herb can be used in cooking to add flavor or medicinally for treating colds and coughs.
Oregano is a flavorful Mediterranean herb that looks great when planted alongside marigolds. Its purple flowers will provide an eye-catching contrast against the yellow petals of the marigold while its aroma will blend perfectly with it’s floral scent. Oregano can be used in cooking or medicinally for treating digestive issues or boosting immunity.
Basil is another great herb for planting near your marigolds due to its vibrant green leaves and sweet aroma. Basil can be used fresh or dried in many different recipes such as pesto or pasta sauces as well as medicinally for treating headaches or skin conditions like acne or eczema.
Chives are a wonderfully fragrant herb that look great next to marigolds due to their tall hollow stems and delicate purple flower heads which contrast beautifully against the deep yellow marigold petals . Chives have many culinary uses such as adding flavor to salads or omelets but can also be used medicinally for treating colds and congestion related illnesses.
Thyme is an aromatic perennial herb that looks beautiful when planted near your marigolds due to its small purple flowers which contrast nicely against the bright yellow petals . Thyme can be used both fresh and dried in cooking as well as medicinally for treating digestive issues like nausea or indigestion .
Marigolds are incredibly versatile plants which look great when paired with herbs such as rosemary, parsley, sage, oregano, basil, chives and thyme due to their contrasting colors and aromas . These herbs not only add visual interest but also offer practical use both in cooking dishes or treating certain ailments .
Best Soil for Planting Marigolds
Marigolds are a popular annual plant that add color and cheer to any garden. While they are easy to grow and relatively low maintenance, they do need the right soil to thrive. The best soil for planting marigolds is one that has good drainage and is slightly acidic. It should also be light and airy, allowing for plenty of air circulation around the roots. To ensure your marigold plants get the nutrients they need, it’s important to add organic matter such as compost or aged manure before planting. This will help improve the soil’s structure and fertility.
It’s also important to check the pH level of the soil before planting marigolds. The ideal pH range for these plants is between 5.5 and 7.0; if your soil is too alkaline or too acidic, you can adjust it by adding lime or sulfur respectively. Additionally, if you’re planting in containers, make sure to use a potting mix that contains slow-release fertilizer for added nutrition.
For best results, water your marigold plants regularly but don’t overwater them; this can lead to root rot or other diseases. If you have heavy clay soils, you may need to add sand or other amendments to help improve drainage and aeration of the soil. You should also mulch around your plants to help retain moisture in the summer months and prevent weeds from taking over your garden beds. With adequate care and attention, you can enjoy a beautiful display of marigold blooms all summer long!
Cultivating Marigolds
Marigolds are easy to grow and maintain, making them a popular choice for gardeners of all levels. They prefer full sun and well-draining soil, so be sure to choose a location that will give them both. Before planting, enrich the soil with compost or fertilizer to ensure the plants have the nutrients they need to thrive. Plant marigold seeds directly into the soil about 1/4 inch deep with around 8 inches between each plant. When they reach 2-3 inches tall, thin out any overcrowding. Marigolds will typically bloom from summer through fall and may self-seed for years of blooms.
Watering Marigolds
Marigolds are quite drought tolerant, but they will perform best when given an inch of water per week (either from rainfall or manual watering). Water in the morning and avoid getting water on the flowers as this can cause mildew. If your marigolds are in containers, you may need to water more frequently as container soil tends to dry out faster.
Fertilizing Marigolds
Fertilize marigolds every two weeks throughout the growing season with a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10 or 5-10-5. This will help them grow bigger and produce more blooms. Once established, you can also add a slow release fertilizer like an organic blend at planting time.
Deadheading Marigolds
Deadheading is an important part of taking care of marigold plants. Removing spent blooms will encourage new flowers to form and keep the plants looking tidy. To deadhead simply pinch off faded flowers at their base. Be sure not to remove too many leaves or stems as this can weaken the plant.
Pests & Diseases
Marigolds are generally quite resistant to pests and diseases, but there are some common issues that can arise if plants become stressed due to poor growing conditions such as over or under watering or too much fertilizer. Powdery mildew is one of the most common problems with marigolds and is caused by humid conditions combined with poor air circulation around plants. Treat powdery mildew by increasing air circulation around your plants or spraying them with a fungicide every seven days until it clears up.
Overall, marigold plants are easy to grow and maintain with minimal effort required on your part. With proper care they can provide months of beautiful color in your garden!
Conclusion
Marigolds are a great choice for any garden. They are easy to grow, require little maintenance, and will attract beneficial insects to the garden. Marigolds also come in many different colors, shapes, and sizes, allowing you to create a variety of interesting displays. When planting marigolds, it is important to consider what other plants will complement them and provide the best results. Many different plants can be planted with marigolds, but some of the best choices include vegetables such as beans, tomatoes, and squash; herbs such as basil and rosemary; and flowers such as petunias and zinnias. With careful planning, marigolds can add beauty and interest to any garden.
No matter what kind of garden you have or what your gardening goals are, marigolds are an excellent choice for adding color and texture. With the right companions planted alongside them, they will bring your garden to life in no time!