Marigolds within Tomatoes, this years will you want be adding in your garden? But did you also know that cultivating marigolds next to your tomato plants could be beneficial to them both?
Companion planting stimulates natural pest-deterrent effects, increases yields, and improves soil health. There are several justifications for planting marigolds with tomatoes as companion plants.
Why Plant Marigolds and Tomatoes Together?
Is there another plant partner that has the same level of respect as Marigold? I doubt it. Marigolds are a friend to all plants in the food garden, appreciated for both their protracted flowering period and the multitude of “ecosystem services” they offer. Despite being useful with almost any crop, marigolds have a unique bond with tomatoes.
Reasons:
They Attract the Proper Pollinators
Marigolds are stunning blooms with hues of orange, red, and yellow, among others. They also attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, which is an added benefit. You can get these beneficial insects into your yard by planting marigolds alongside tomato plants.
Marigold blooms are also known to have a pleasant aroma, which may draw additional pollinators to your yard.
They Give Your Garden Colour
Since marigolds come in a range of hues, you can select the ones that will match best with your tomato plants. The most common colours are orange and yellow, although red and white marigolds are very lovely. A wonderful way to give your yard some visual appeal is to plant a variety of colours.
Try out several marigold varieties without fear. You’re sure to find a type you adore among the various options available. French marigolds, African marigolds, and signet marigolds are a few of the more commonly grown types.
Improved Soil Quality
Growing marigolds and tomatoes together improve the quality of the soil. They add nutrients to the soil, which makes it perfect for raising tomato plants. Additionally, marigolds may help the soil drain better and keep tomato plant roots cool on hot summer days.
Marigold-enriched soil may produce healthier and higher-yielding tomatoes. This is because the marigolds improve the environment for robust plant growth. Planting marigolds alongside tomato plants is an excellent method to enhance the quality of your soil.
Natural Pest Deterrent
Marigolds are among the greatest plants to grow as a friend. They give your landscape a pop of colour and serve as a natural barrier against pests that would otherwise destroy your other plants. Planting tomatoes close to marigolds is especially advantageous.
Because marigolds contain limonene, companion planting those with tomato plants will help deter pests like whiteflies.
Furthermore, you might want to think about growing marigolds around the edge of your garden if deer are an issue where you live. Marigold flowers have a potent aroma that can keep deer out of your garden.
Control of Weed and Disease
By aiding in the destruction of dangerous bacteria and fungi, marigolds may help lower the risk of illness. Tomato plants, which are prone to rot and blight, will particularly benefit from this.
Tomato plants may face competition from weeds for nutrients and water, but marigolds can also act as a deterrent. The deep roots of marigolds prevent weed seeds from growing and taking over your garden beds.
There Is No Competition for Tomatoes and Marigold
The reason these two get along well in the same bed is that their root systems are mostly in different soil strata. Tomato roots spread farther into the soil. Their main root system is long and vertical, with a depth of two to three feet.
Many subsidiary roots spread out laterally from this main root. However, the roots of marigolds are fibrous. Several roots emerge from the stem and spread out horizontally, nearer the soil’s surface, in place of a single, lengthy root.
Because marigolds’ roots are shallower and tomatoes’ are deeper, there is no direct competition between the two plants for resources like water and nutrients.
They’re Simple to Take Care Of
Marigolds don’t need a lot of space and are comparatively simple to grow and care for. Their ability to thrive in spots where other plants wouldn’t, like in between rows makes them excellent companion plants for tomatoes. This is how you do it:
- For optimal results, place your garden in a sunny position.
- Prepare the soil by adding some organic resources and tilling it until it is loose.
- You want to space your marigold plants about six inches apart.
- Water often.
- Savour the vibrant blossoms throughout the summer!
In Conclusion
Companion planting marigolds with your tomatoes is an excellent way to organically prevent pests and increase the quality of your soil. It has these benefits plus the potential to increase your yields.
“Dwarf” or “compact” marigold cultivars are what you should choose for your garden. These varieties will take up less space in your garden and won’t fight with your tomato plants for resources. Select a marigold variety that is also appropriate for your environment.
FAQ
Will marigolds prevent bunnies and deer from consuming tomatoes?
It’s a common misconception that deer and rabbits won’t eat marigolds, but that doesn’t imply marigolds will keep them from exploring your tomatoes. It’s not a known deterrent for rabbits or deer, but it can be a potent insect repellent.
How important is the type of marigold I plant?
Both African and French marigolds are excellent plants to cultivate with tomatoes, but some people believe that French marigolds have more insect-repelling qualities.
Knowing the distinctions between marigold cultivars is essential, as French marigolds require slightly different care.