Where to Put Marigolds in a Vegetable Garden

Where to Put Marigolds

• Marigolds are annual plants that can be grown in most climates. If you have a large vegetable garden, planting marigolds alongside your crops is fine. Some gardeners pot them separately alongside vegetable garden beds and rows to conserve space. Marigold seeds can be sewn directly into the ground after the threat of frost has passed. To find your frost date, visit the U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zone finder. Select a site with full sun (six hours or more) and well-drained soil.

Using Marigolds

• There is limited scientific research to support marigolds reducing harmful insect populations. Marigolds do reduce the harmful root knot nematode. A nematode is a microscopic worm-like creature that lives in the soil. The root knot nematode is not native to the United States. If harmful nematodes are suspected, plant the French variety directly in the garden soil to improve soil characteristics. All marigolds attract beneficial insects such as bees, ladybugs and parasitic wasps.

Types of Marigolds

• Some of the most common types of marigold are African, French, Mexican and Triploid. The African grows up to 3 feet and has large, showy flowers. There are dwarf hybrid varieties now available. The French grow 5 to 18 inches high with red, orange, yellow and often-double flowers. The French is best for nematode deterrence. The Mexican marigold is a highly fragrant variety that is often grown in backyard vegetable gardens. The Triploid is a hybrid between the dwarf French and tall African. Triploids are incapable of producing seeds.

Other Control Methods

• Plant and crop rotation are important for keeping pest populations in check. There are many kinds of plants that help reduce pest problems and pesticide reliance in the garden. Some of the most common pest-repelling plants are basil, borage, catnip, chives, chrysanthemums, dahlias, dill and garlic. Crop rotation is another important tool in keeping down pest population. To reduce over-wintered pests, do not plant the same type of plant in the same area year after year. Check with your local extension office for crop rotation recommendations.