Do Marigolds Control Pests in a Vegetable Garden?

Marigolds are popular pest-control plants.

Marigolds are a popular yellow to orange ornamental flower. They're also widely regarded as a natural pest control method for gardens. However, marigolds may not control pests as well as their reputation claims.

Effects

Marigolds do control some types of pests. For instance, according to the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, some types of beetles and many types of nematodes -- wormlike soil-dwelling pests -- dislike the presence of these flowers.

Problems

These flowers don't work against all pests. In fact, many beetles and nematodes are immune to the toxins marigold roots release into the soil. It can also take as long as four months for marigolds to have any effect on pests.

Solution

Marigolds aren't useless for pest control in a garden, and French dwarf varieties work well against nematodes. However, they do best when used against specific pests and when combined with other natural techniques.

References

• Alabama Cooperative Extension Service: Dispelling Marigold Myths