How Close to Plant Marigolds to Vegetables
Marigold plant is usually recommended for gardeners in order to keep off pests from their vegetables and protect them from some diseases. But, have you ever wondered what is the ideal distance to be considered when planting marigolds to vegetables?
Benefits of Planting Marigolds
Marigolds are a traditional solution to ward off certain pests, such as mosquitoes, whiteflies, squash bugs, and tomato worms, as well as other insects from your vegetable garden. These flowers also have the ability to act as a natural fungicide and drive away plant diseases such as tomato-leaf mold, wilt, and potato scab.
The Ideal Distance for Planting Marigolds
The extent of their effectiveness depends on the distance you plant them from your vegetables. In order for the marigolds to be most effective, the ideal distance to plant them from your vegetables is 8 to 12 inches. This will keep the pests away from your vegetables and give them a safe environment to grow.
Tips for Planting Marigolds
To ensure better protection of your vegetables, here are some tips to keep in mind when planting marigolds near your vegetables.
- Choose the Right Marigolds – Select the cultivars of Tagetes that you think are most suitable for your garden. Some varieties of marigold are more fragrant than the others, which will further deter pests.
- Plant Marigolds in a Circle – Plant your marigolds in a circle around the perimeter of the area where you have your vegetables, as this will ensure that pests do not come close to them.
- Check if Marigolds are Blooming -Pests will mostly be deterred if the marigolds are in full bloom. Inspect your marigolds every day to ensure that the flowers are blooming.
To sum up, planting marigolds near vegetables will go a long way to protect your plants and avoid any further damage. It is best to keep a distance of 8 to 12 inches between the marigolds and your vegetables to make sure that they are effective in warding off the pests.
