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Gardeners often plant marigolds next to tomato plants because marigolds naturally kill insects and can help keep pests like nematodes and aphids away.
while flies also attract beneficial insects such as bees and ladybugs to the gardens. Another benefit of planting marigolds with tomato plants is that they release a chemical called alpha-terthienyl, which has been found to have fungicidal properties.
This means that marigolds can aid in the suppression of harmful soil-borne pathogens like Fusarium and Pythium, which can cause root rot and other diseases in tomato plants.
In this article, I will tell you why planting marigolds with tomatoes is beneficial and a marigold garden is beneficial. Let’s start!
Is Marigold Flowers Works As Companion Planting?
Marigolds grow well with other plants, like tomatoes and basil, and help them grow better. Marigold companion plants are known for their strong fragrance, which comes from compounds called terpenes that they release into the air.
These terpenes have been found to repel a variety of insect pests, including nematodes and aphids, which can damage tomato plants.
What does a marigold plant look like? Marigold is a popular plant with full, multi-colored flowers and leaves. usually in orange or yellow.
By companion planting marigolds alongside your tomato plants, you can create a natural barrier that helps to keep these pests at bay, reducing the need for chemical pesticides.
8 Reasons To Plant Marigolds With Tomatoes
In addition to repelling pests, marigolds also attract beneficial insects to the garden. Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators are drawn to the bright, colorful blooms of marigolds, and their presence can help increase the yield of your tomato plants.
Ladybugs are another beneficial insect that is attracted to marigolds. These small beetles feed on aphids and other soft-bodied insects, helping to keep your garden free of pests without the need for harmful chemicals.
There are eight reasons why you should plant marigolds with your tomato plants.
1. Marigolds Not Need Attention Too Much
Planting marigolds near tomato plants is a good idea because marigolds naturally kill insects and fungi, which can keep pests away and bring in good bugs.
- Marigolds are not too picky about soil.
- They do not need a lot of watering.
- They grow in full sun and sometimes in shade too.
- They are easy to propagate from seeds.
Marigolds are also easy to take care of and can grow in a wide range of conditions. This makes them a great plant to grow with tomatoes, which need more care and attention.
2. Marigolds Attract Bees
Marigolds can attract bees. Some pollinators, like bees, are attracted to the bright colors and strong smells of marigold flowers. Marigold flowers produce nectar, which can be a food source for bees.
Bees are attracted to flowers that have a high concentration of nectar and pollen, which they can collect and use to feed their young.
Bees are able to detect the scent of limonene from a distance, which can lead them to the marigold plant. This increases the yield of nearby crops.
By planting marigolds next to your tomato plants, you can help make a healthy, thriving garden that needs less work and care overall.
Read More:
- Will Tomato Plants Regrow Every Year?
- Why Tomato Leaves are Beneficial for Your Garden? (5 Solid Reasons)
- White spots on tomato leaves: their causes and fixes
3. Marigolds Give Your Garden A Great Look
Marigolds in your garden can add a bright and cheerful splash of color to your space, making it look more attractive and inviting. They have a long blooming period, which means they can provide color to your garden for several months.
You can give your garden a beautiful look by planting different varieties of marigolds. The flowers come in a range of colors, including yellow, orange, red, and even bi-colored. This variety can add interest and depth to your garden.
Marigolds are relatively easy to grow from seed, and they are tolerant of a range of growing conditions. They can be planted in containers, garden beds, or even as borders. They also help to improve the health and yield of your other plants.
4. Marigold Attract Insects And Slugs
Marigolds have insect-repelling properties, particularly when it comes to certain pests like aphids, whiteflies, and mosquitoes.
However, it is important to note that marigolds may help deter these insects, they are not a foolproof solution and may not be effective against all types of pests.
Some gardeners believe that marigolds may indirectly deter snails and slugs by attracting beneficial insects such as ground beetles, which feed on these pests.
In any case, incorporating marigolds into your garden can be a good idea, as they add color and beauty to your landscape and may provide some degree of pest control.
5. Marigolds Works As Trap Crop
Marigolds are used as trap crops to attract and distract certain insect pests away from other plants in the garden. By planting marigolds around your main crops, you may be able to reduce the damage caused by these pests.
Trap cropping is when you plant a crop that is very appealing to a certain pest so that the pest stays away from the crop you are trying to protect.
Marigolds are effective as trap crops for certain pests, such as whiteflies, which are attracted to the yellow color of marigold flowers.
It’s important to monitor your plants closely and take additional measures if necessary to control pest populations.
6. Marigolds Keeps Soil Healthy
Marigolds are known to be excellent companion plants for many crops, as they can help to keep soil healthy and productive.
Here are some of the reasons why;
- Pest control: Marigolds have natural insect-repelling properties due to the chemicals they produce in their roots and leaves. These chemicals can help to repel pests like nematodes, whiteflies, and aphids, which can damage crops and reduce soil fertility.
- Weed suppression: Marigolds are also effective at suppressing weeds, as they have dense foliage that can shade out weed seedlings and prevent them from growing. This can help to reduce the need for herbicides, which can be harmful to soil health.
- Soil enrichment: Marigolds are known to be excellent nitrogen fixers, which means that they can take nitrogen from the air and convert it into a form that is available to plants. This can help to enrich the soil and provide nutrients for other crops.
- Soil structure: Marigolds have a fibrous root system that can help to improve soil structure and prevent erosion. The roots can also help to break up compacted soil, which can improve drainage and allow air and water to penetrate more easily.
7. Marigolds Attract Right Pollinators
Marigolds attract the right pollinators, especially bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. Marigolds are also known to repel some harmful insects like aphids, whiteflies, and nematodes, which can damage crops.
They make bright, colorful flowers with nectar and pollen that are important food sources for many pollinators. Planting marigolds near vegetable gardens can also help protect crops from pest infestations.
The bright colors and sweet fragrance of marigolds attract pollinators, making them an excellent addition to a garden or landscape that needs pollination.
8. Marigolds Attract Aphids and Whiteflies
Some sources say that aphids and whiteflies might be attracted to marigolds instead of being scared away by them. Marigolds produce a chemical or scent that attracts aphids and whiteflies.
Marigolds are often planted in vegetable gardens and are attractive to pollinators, such as bees and butterflies.These pollinators may bring aphids and whiteflies with them from other plants, and the pests may then feed on the marigolds as well.
Or marigolds attract aphids and whiteflies indirectly, by providing them with a nearby food source. Some sources say that French marigolds attract aphids less than other types, while others say to plant African marigolds to keep whiteflies away.
Marigolds release a strong fragrance that repels pests like nematodes and whiteflies, which are known to harm tomato plants.
Related Reading:
- Unveiling the Tomato Calories: How Many Calories Are in a Tomato?
- Tomato Powder: Preserving the Essence of Fresh Tomatoes for Longer
- When to Feed Tomato Plants: A Comprehensive Guide
Conclusion
Planting marigolds alongside tomato plants can be a smart choice for several reasons.
Marigolds can be used as a natural pesticide because they attract good bugs that eat bad bugs and keep nematodes away.
They can improve soil health and suppress harmful soil-borne pathogens. Attract bees and make them a useful companion plant for tomato growers.
Thanks for reading!
