Marigolds belong in every vegetable garden. No, that statement is not an exaggeration. Marigolds provide numerous advantages for gardens that cannot be disregarded. Regardless of where you grow them, marigolds look beautiful. They look fantastic in garden borders, planters, and hanging baskets. They are also a wonderful addition to veggie gardens. Here are the top 7 reasons to grow marigolds in your garden!
Attracts Pollinators like Bees
Marigolds are frequently planted in vegetable gardens because they attract bees and other pollinators.
Marigolds normally bloom for the duration of the summer and the beginning of the fall. This indicates that bees and other pollinators rely on their flowers as a source of food.
If you grow marigolds primarily to attract bees, note that they prefer single-bloom varieties over double-bloom ones because they can access the blooms more easily.
Combats Nematodes
There are thousands of nematode species, but a handful of them can seriously harm garden crops. The best option is to utilize marigolds as a companion plant to prevent worms from infecting the soil, as combating nematodes is challenging, if not impossible.
Marigolds produce a compound in their roots that is used in nematicides. However, because there are so many different nematodes, it might be challenging to pinpoint the cause of your specific issue.
The good news is that adding marigolds won't harm your garden, so there's no harm in giving it a try anyway!
Acts as a Companion Plant for Your Vegetables
Marigolds make a great addition to most vegetable gardens because they’re a companion plant to potatoes, broccoli, squash, bush beans, kale, and eggplant. Hence, it might be helpful to plant them alongside the variety of vegetable seeds you include in your garden.
Marigolds are regarded as a neutral companion for many other plants, which means they are neither detrimental nor useful. This makes them safe to be planted in many garden settings.
Adds Color and Beauty
Everyone loves a little bit of beauty and color. You're missing out if you've never grown flowers alongside your produce plants.
Low-Maintenance
Is there a flower that is less difficult to grow than marigolds? Hardly any. Marigolds thrive in a variety of soil types and environments. Moreover, they are easy to plant and can continue to develop and thrive with little maintenance, as long as they receive plenty of sunlight.
Marigolds are Edible
Yes, you read that right. Most people are unaware that these simple-to-grow flowers can also be eaten. They are therefore more than just a companion plant.
Make a vinaigrette with marigold petals, garnish cakes or cupcakes with them, or add marigold petals to salads. The variety of uses for marigolds in the kitchen may surprise you.
Medicinal Benefits
Since marigolds and calendula both come from the same family, they share many of the same health benefits.
Marigolds are beneficial for eczema, varicose veins, small cuts, rashes, and skin conditions. They also help treat and soothe itching, irritation, and sores.
Listen to the seasoned gardeners who swear by planting marigolds along with their vegetable and flower seeds. In addition to keeping pests away from your garden, it also attracts pollinators. So, it's worthwhile to give it a shot to see if it can benefit your garden!