The magic of marigolds
I am not your average gardener following strict rules and keeping plants in designated areas.
My gardens have always been like a fruit salad -mixing colours and varieties all together.
I plant because I like plants and want them in the garden.
Many people frown on the fact that I will mix other plants in the same area that I have roses - but, to my mind, the roses do not seem to mind so long as they are fed properly and placed in areas where they will be happy.
When it comes to vegetables, I also mix in flowers and herbs and this works well for both the flowers and veggies.
Marigolds are great for veggies as they improve the soil and attract beneficial insects to pollenate the vegetable plants such as tomatoes, zucchinis,chilies etc., as well as giving off a strong odour that deters the bad bugs.
This year, I planted heirloom varieties of marigolds and they have proved to be absolutely amazing -my containers of veggies have never looked so great and are thriving alongside the marigolds.
Such vibrant colours.
Insects cannot resist the blooms.
All in all, marigolds are magic.
My mom and maternal grandma always had marigolds in their gardens when I was growing up. My grandma had them to deter rabbits from the garden and my mom had them cause she loved the way they looked.
I have them to carry on the tradition but also to keep little critters away from my herbs and I love calendula (a variety of marigold) for when I make my homemade soaps. I add the dried flower petals to the soap for an extra luxuriousness.
Yes, I love calendula too - will plant some next season.
Pleasure - thanks for reading my post
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You're a natural at companion planting. As I recall, marigolds help keep nematodes away so it's good to plant them near something susceptible to nematodes like tomatoes.
Yes you are correct and thank you for your kind comment.