How to Plant Marigolds in Vegetable Gardens

Companion planting in a vegetable gardening bases your garden layout on which plants do well next to others. A portion of this strategy looks at the natural properties of flowering plants and herbs to repel insects away from crops. It is this same theory which prompts gardeners everywhere to plant marigolds in vegetable gardens to keep away tomato hornworms, white flies, nematodes and flea beetles. Planting a few marigolds nearby your tomato or eggplant crops can help keep your veggies healthy and growing undisturbed.

Things You'll Need

• Pen and Paper
• Seed trays and soil, if desired
• Marigold seeds or seedlings
• Water

Instructions

1. Plot out your garden on paper so you know where you want your marigolds to be in relation to the placement of your vegetables. If you want your marigolds to surround your tomatoes, for example, you'll need to know where they will be and how many marigolds you want to plant before they can go in the ground.

2. Start your seeds indoors in seed trays 50 to 60 days before your last frost of spring, or sow them directly into the soil after the threat of frost has passed. Follow the package directions for the correct planting depth and spacing.

3. Keep your seeds and seedlings moist as they grow indoors or outdoors for the first two to three months. Transplant indoor seedlings to the garden once the frost-free date in your region has passed, and the seedlings are at least three to four inches tall.

4. Check your plants daily to tell you how well your marigolds are growing and when the soil is getting dry. Continue to water your marigolds whenever you water your vegetables.

5. Pinch off any dead or spent blooms to encourage the marigold plants to continue to produce lush, healthy growth.

Tips & Warnings

• Look for other annual and perennial plants which are known to be companion plants of other vegetables to grow a balance of insect repelling flowers and vegetable plants.

• While companion planting with marigolds is said to "repel" pests from the garden, it does not "prevent" pests indefinitely. Use an insecticide if you feel it is necessary to control insect grazing on your vegetable plants.

References

• Vegetable Gardening: Your ultimate guide; Robert J. Dolezal; 2000
• Great Garden Companions; Sally Jean Cunningham; 1998

Resources

• Companion planting guide