How to Plant Marigolds Near Your Vegetables
Marigolds are an easy and attractive way to add brightness to your garden. But if you’re growing vegetables, you may be wondering how close you should plant marigolds to your vegetables. Here’s what you need to know.
Benefits of Planting Marigolds
Marigolds are old-fashioned flowers that have been used in gardens for centuries. In addition to looking great, they can also help keep pests away from your vegetables. Marigolds naturally repel insects like whiteflies, spider mites, and potato beetles, so having them close by is often beneficial to your vegetable crop.
When to Plant Marigolds
The best time to plant marigolds is in early spring before your vegetable plants are up and growing. You will want to plant the marigolds at least a few weeks before your vegetables to give the flowers time to become established.
Placement of Marigolds
When it comes to placement of your marigolds, you’ll want to keep them at least a few feet away from your vegetables. Too close and the marigolds may be competing for nutrients or shading your vegetables. Marigolds do best in areas that get a lot of direct sunlight, so you’ll want to make sure you’re planting them in a sunny spot.
How Many Marigolds to Plant
When deciding how many marigolds to plant, the rule of thumb is to use 1 marigold per 4-5 square feet of space. If you’re planting a large area, you may want to increase the number of marigolds accordingly.
Care Tips for Marigolds
Marigolds are actually very easy to care for. Here are some tips to help ensure your marigolds stay healthy and happy:
- Water: Marigolds prefer to stay relatively dry. Water them once a week, or more if they start to look wilted.
- Fertilizer: It’s best to use a balanced fertilizer once a month to keep your marigolds healthy and blooming.
- Mulching: Spread a layer of mulch around your marigolds to help keep them moist and reduce weeds.
Planting marigolds near your vegetables can be a great way to add some color and keep pests away. Just make sure you follow the tips above to get the most out of your marigolds.
