How to Use Marigolds to Repel Pests in Your Garden

Table of Contents

What are Marigolds?

Marigolds are beautiful and vibrant summer flowers, prevalent amongst gardeners due to their ease of care, low maintenance and vast array of colours. Native to Mexico, marigolds typically bloom from late spring until the first frost, making them an ideal addition to any garden.

Why Use Marigolds to Repel Pests?

Apart from being visually appealing, marigolds have pest-repelling properties, which make them a valuable asset in any gardener’s arsenal. Certain plants attract certain pests, making it necessary to find natural alternatives for pest control. Marigolds act as a deterrent to many harmful insects or pests that gardeners face such as, whiteflies, root-knot nematodes, tomato hornworms, aphids and squash bugs, making them a great, natural way to protect your crops.

How to Plant Marigolds in Your Garden?

When planting marigolds, ensure that they receive sufficient sunlight and soil with good drainage, this plant can tolerate dry, nutrient-poor soils, making it a hardy plant option. Marigolds are susceptible to some fungal diseases, so proper air circulation and space between plants are crucial, and watering should be done moderately.

Using Marigolds as a Natural Pest Repellent

Marigold Companion Plants

Marigolds play well with other plants, especially vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, beans and eggplant. Interplanting marigolds with these vegetables attracts beneficial predatory insects while repelling pests that cause damage to crops. For instance, interplanting marigolds with tomatoes repels cutworms and aphids.

Types of Pests that Marigolds Can Repel

Marigolds can repel a vast array of pests such as; whiteflies, root-knot nematodes, tomato hornworms, slugs, aphids and squash bugs. Planting marigolds around your garden’s perimeter or between garden rows serves as an effective barrier for pests not only from trampling surrounding vegetation but also directly from pests feeding on the marigold roots.

How to Use Marigolds to Repel Pests in Your Garden

The most effective way to use marigolds is to plant them alongside your main crops or in pots near your garden entrance. Research shows that marigolds should be planted every 6-12 inches apart, making them densely populated and a more effective barrier against pests.

Marigolds aren’t just beautiful flowers that add colour to your garden, but they also have pest-repelling properties. By planting marigolds between garden rows or alongside certain plants, you can naturally deter harmful insects or pests whilst protecting your crops.

Benefits of Gardening with Marigolds

Apart from being pest-repellent, marigolds have numerous benefits, including:

• Easy to grow
• Suitable for most soils
• Low maintenance
• Attracts pollinators to your garden
• Has medicinal properties (Anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antimicrobial)

Final Thoughts

By incorporating marigolds into your gardening routine, you not only add a touch of vibrancy but also protect your crops against harmful pests. It protects your vegetation while being low maintenance, making it an inexpensive and natural alternative to chemical-based pest repellers.

FAQ

What Other Plants Repel Insects and Pests?

• Mint
• Basil
• Lavender
• Chrysanthemums
• Rosemary

Can I Use Marigold Extract to Repel Insects on my Skin?

Marigold extract has many health benefits and is used in many skincare products for its healing properties, such as anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and wound-healing benefits, but it is not recommended to use solely for insect repellent.

How Often Should I Plant Marigolds to Keep Pests Away?

Marigolds should be planted every 6-12 inches apart, making them densely populated and creating a more effective barrier.

Are There Any Downsides to Using Marigolds for Pest Control?

Although marigolds have many beneficial properties, they do have a pungent odour that may affect people negatively if grown indoors or nearby open windows during summer. Also, some species may cause allergies in sensitive individuals.

Do All Marigold Varieties Repel Pests Equally Well?

Though all marigold species have pest-repelling properties, some species are more potent than others, with the French marigold varieties having a higher concentration of its pest-repelling compounds.

Can I Grow Marigolds Indoors for Pest Control?

Yes, marigolds can be grown indoors, especially in small apartments as part of a container garden, but remember to choose varieties suitable for indoors, typically dwarf varieties.

Are There Any Specific Precautions I Should Take When Using Marigolds as a Pest Repellent?

Some species of marigolds may cause allergies in sensitive individuals, so it’s advisable to test for allergies before planting. Additionally, pests that marigold repels can quickly adapt through resistance or population growth, making crop rotation and diversification vital.

When is the Best Time to Plant Marigolds if I Want to Use Them for Pest Control?

Marigold seeds should be planted indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost of spring or outdoors after the danger of frost has passed using recommended spacing guidelines.

How Can I Make a Homemade Marigold Pest Repellent Spray?

To make a homemade marigold pest repellent spray, boil one quart of water with two cups of chopped marigold leaves until the colour of the water changes. Allow it to cool and strain the concoction into a spray bottle. You can then add a couple of squirts of liquid dish soap as an emufier that will help the mist adhere better.

Is it Safe to Use Marigolds Around Pets or Children?

Marigolds are not toxic to pets and children; thus, they are safe to grow around them. However, ensure that they do not ingest the flowers as they may cause irritation or vomiting.