Tips for growing Marigolds
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Marigolds (Tagetes), not to be confused with pot marigolds, or Calendula, are part of our vegetable garden this year. Marigolds are popular for their ability to deter pests, and varmit resistant properties. I’ve never been a big marigold fan, but after last year’s growing season full of pests, they’re a much welcomed addition.
We’re using them as companion plantings with a whole row between our tomatoes, as well in other clumps around the garden. I have high hopes they’ll help naturally control pests, and deter deer and rabbits from snack time. Plus adding some bright colors to the garden will be nice.
Marigolds are easy to grow in full sun, and like most kinds of well drained soil. There’s a variety of sizes and colors to choose from too. Be sure to check them out during your next trip to the garden center, especially if you have a buggy problem.
As always, refer to your USDA hardiness zone and/or consult your local gardening professional or agricultural extension for specific growing information for your area.
Do you have any natural pest control gardening tips to share? Please do!
Happy gardening!
I hated marigolds but learning they help with pest control may sway me to bringing them back to the garden – at least the veggie garden.
With a little bunny family living just behind our fence I think these are definitely in order for our garden this year. Thanks for the tip!
I posted an article on my blog yesterday about using spent tea leaves from my local tea place for mulching my garden. Someone left a comment on my Facebook that they use spent coffee grounds and it keeps grubs at bay as they don’t like to crawl over them as well as mulching. I thought that was interesting…
Oh, I love marigolds. When I was a kid – we always rec’d a little marigold in a styrofoam cup in Sunday School on Mothers Day. It was, or course, to take home & give our Mom! Thanks for reminding me of their ability to deter pests! ~Sally
I have about 20 varieties of fruits and vegetables growing right now, we got a tad ambitious. We had to build a fence about 8 feet tall to deter the deer and a netted fencing that went under ground to deter the rabbits from digging holes. So far so good! I’ve also heard that human urine on plants deters the deer but I haven’t gone that far… ; )
I love marigolds! I have been planting them around my herb garden to attempt to keep the rabbits away. 🙂
I wonder if raccoons and groundhogs dislike them as well? We’re having a problem with one or the other (not sure which) getting into our deck planters full of herbs. I don’t understand it – the varmint left the strawberries, but emaciated the Italian Parsley!
I’m pretty new to this gardening thing. I once planted flowers that got aphids like nobody’s business, and that put me right off. One day they were beautiful, the next day, dead. I was so sad 🙁
Right now I’m just marveling at the cilantro I’m growing that seems to love me. Normally I have a black thumb.
I’m really glad you posted this, Amy. I had no idea deer didn’t like these types of marigolds, and personally, I’d just be happy to get a little color into the back yard. Right now all we have are deer resistant ugly bushes.
This is a great tip. I know that daffodils deter deer, but they’re only in bloom for about 3 weeks—it’s nice that these last so much longer. Thanks!
Marigolds always remind me of my mom. 🙂 I didn’t know they deterred pests! I’ll have to plant some this year!
My in-laws had a huge garden (think an acre) every year until recently. My MIL always planted marigolds around the borders for pest control and a whole row of sunflowers just because. I think they stink and have never been a big fan, but marigolds do work!! They are still not my favorite flower, but added to all the green they stand out.
Love marigolds! I bet that your garden is going to be just spectacular!
I use lavender to get rid of garden pests and to attract bumble bees, ladybugs and praying mantises. I also use both marigolds and lavender in my vegetable garden, they work wonders. Stink bugs love tomatoes but hat marigolds so the marigolds are planted in between my tomatoe plants.
How exciting! I love Marigolds. I do have pest control tips. I put old- on the verge of rotting bananas at the base of my rose plants. And then this one is really gross- but a natural slug deterrent (of which we have a real problem with in the NorthWest). I have a St. Bernard, (so I spend all my time vacuuming) I can take the hair out of the vacuum, and pile it at the base of my hastas and other vulnerable plants. (I also know a guy who picks up hair sweepings at a salon for this purpose). The slugs will NOT cross a hair line! Of course salt works well too 🙂
Marigolds always remind me of our garden growing up! They’re so comforting and sunny 🙂
I always plant marigolds around my roses. They do wonders to keep aphids away and actually help encourage growth in roses.
Love using marigolds around in the garden. It sure makes things look pretty while serving a purpose, too.
My mom used to plant marigolds around the whole border of her garden. It really seemed to help; especially with the rabbits. I’ve always disliked marigolds but if you want a veggie garden, they are a must!
I think they are pretty!
I used to hate marigolds since I’m such a fan of flowers with cool colors…until I wised up and saw how great the two look combined…and that I don’t HAVE to use orange!
But I plant them for plant protection too, except from my dog who is undeterred in her quest to eat my tomatoes!
such pretty pics Amy! we’ve planted marigolds as companions to tomatoes but honestly can’t remember if it helped the pests . . . but they sure are pretty!