How do marigolds help a garden? Scientists have discovered that using marigolds around plants such as roses, strawberries, potatoes, and tomatoes deters root knot nematodes, tiny worms that live in the soil. Although it hasn’t been proven, many long-time gardeners claim that marigolds also control pests like tomato hornworms, cabbageworms, thrips, squash bugs, whiteflies, and others. Do marigolds keep bugs away? The best way to find out is to experiment in your own garden, and you really can’t go wrong. Marigolds are beautiful, and there’s no doubt that they attract a variety of beneficial insects that prey on bad bugs, which is a very positive attribute indeed! Read on to learn more about marigold plants and pests.
How Do Marigolds Keep Bugs Away?
Research indicates that marigold plant roots produce toxic chemicals that kill root knot nematodes, as well as other harmful nematodes that feed on plant roots. When it comes to using marigolds for pest control, French marigolds have proven to be the most effective. Plow the marigolds into the soil at the end of the growing season to provide even more control of nematodes. Although there is plenty of evidence to support the claim that marigolds help control nematodes, there is no scientific proof as of yet that marigolds control other garden pests. However, as noted above, many gardeners are convinced that using marigolds around plants is a very good gardening practice. Why? Apparently, it’s the pungent scent of marigolds that keeps pests at bay.
Planting Marigolds for Pest Control
Plant marigolds generously for the control of pests around vegetables and ornamental plants. Arrange the marigolds any way you like. For example, plant marigolds around the perimeter of the garden, in rows between rows of vegetables, or in groupings. Be sure the marigolds are scented, however, as many newer, hybrid varieties don’t have as much of the familiar marigold aroma.
-
What Do Blue Jays Eat? How To Attract Them To Your Yard & How To Keep Them HappyBlue jays are bold North American birds who are intelligent and mate for life. Learn how to attract these beauties to your yard for bird-watching pleasure!
-
Why Calcium Matters For Tomato Plants: Prevent Disease & Increase YieldsFind out how to maximize your harvest and prevent dreaded diseases such as blossom end rot by increasing calcium for tomato plants.
-
5 Marsh Marigold Lookalikes – And Which Cause The Most HarmMarsh marigolds have several lookalikes, and some of these lovely fast-growing plants can be harmful and invasive. It’s good to know the difference.
-
Marigold Flower Uses: Marigold Benefits For Gardens And BeyondMarigolds are appreciated primarily for their beauty, and you may not have considered the many surprising marigold benefits for gardens. Click on the following article to learn about ways to use marigold plants in the garden.
-
Marigold Vs. Calendula – Difference Between Marigolds And CalendulasIt’s a common question: Are marigold and calendula the same? The simple answer is no. Although both are members of the sunflower family, marigolds and calendula are plants with different genera. Why all the confusion? Find out in this article and how to tell them apart.
-
Cape Marigold Propagation – How To Propagate African Daisy FlowersAlso known as African daisy, cape marigold (Dimorphotheca) is an African native that produces masses of beautiful, daisy-like blooms. Cape marigold propagation is easy if you can provide plenty of sunlight and well-drained soil. Learn how to propagate it here.
-
Planting Cape Marigold Seeds: How To Sow Cape Marigold SeedsWhere you live and what your climate is like will determine whether you grow cape marigold as a summer or winter annual. Planting cape marigold seeds is an inexpensive way to get started with this pretty flower. This article will help with that.
-
Cape Marigold Varieties: Learn About Different Types Of African DaisiesCape marigolds are always a go-to plant for container designs. Of course, the key to a perfect container design is selecting the perfect varieties of these annual plants. Take a closer look at some of the many available cape marigold varieties in this article.
-
Can You Grow Cape Marigold Cuttings: How To Root Cape Marigold CuttingsIt is easy to get carried away and spend a fortune on small starter cape marigold plants each spring. However, hands-on, budget-minded gardeners may prefer to only buy a few and propagate more cape marigolds from cuttings. This article will help with that.
-
Feeding Cape Marigolds: How To Fertilize Cape MarigoldsBeginner gardeners are able to have great success when planting flowers that are robust and tolerant to adverse conditions. The cape marigold, rewards growers with bright and cheerful flowers, and both watering and feeding cape marigolds couldn’t be easier. Learn more here.
