Companion planting for marigold is an experience-based observation developed over centuries. People have noticed that planting certain plants side by side has a positive effect on each other, increasing the quality and quantity of the harvest.
Companion planting is not set in stone and it is the least you can do for your plants. You can get the right care from the individual plant article. You can see the companion and the enemy plants of marigold below.
| Companion plants for marigold | Enemy plants of marigold |
|---|---|
| Tomato | Beans |
| Cucumber | Pea |
| Onion | |
| Squash | |
| Cabbage | |
| Lettuce | |
| Potato |
Why does companion planting work?
Companion planting works due to several interconnected factors:
Pest Control: Certain plants emit natural chemicals or scents that repel pests, effectively acting as natural pest deterrents for nearby plants. This reduces the need for chemical pesticides and fosters a more balanced ecosystem.
Attracting Beneficial Insects: Some companion plants attract beneficial insects like ladybugs, hoverflies, and predatory wasps, which feed on common garden pests. This creates a natural form of pest control and helps maintain ecological balance.
Soil Improvement: Different plants have varying root structures and nutrient requirements. Companion planting can enhance soil health by reducing soil erosion, suppressing weeds, and improving nutrient uptake. For example, leguminous plants fix nitrogen in the soil, benefiting neighboring plants that require nitrogen for growth.
Competition Reduction: Companion planting can help reduce competition for resources such as water, sunlight, and nutrients by utilizing plants with complementary growth patterns and root structures. This allows for more efficient resource utilization and healthier plant growth.
Biodiversity and Resilience: Planting diverse species together increases biodiversity in the garden, which can enhance ecosystem resilience. A diverse ecosystem is better equipped to withstand pests, diseases, and environmental stresses compared to monocultures.
Maximizing Space: Companion planting allows gardeners to make the most of limited space by intercropping plants with different growth habits and maturity rates. This maximizes yield per square foot and promotes efficient land use.
Overall, companion planting capitalizes on the natural synergies between plant species, creating a thriving and sustainable garden ecosystem.
What are the companion plants of marigold?
The following plants have positive effects on the growth of your marigold. These plants can repel pests that damage your plants. These plants provide increased nutrition to the soil that your plants can use. Therefore, we recommend planting these plants next to your marigold.
Tomato
Tomatoes thrive in various soil conditions. Flourishing fertile soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.0. Full sunlight and consistent moisture nurture their sprawling vines and abundant fruiting. Tomatoes provide invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by attracting pollinators, suppressing weed growth with their dense foliage, and adding richness to culinary dishes.
Tomatoes may be the stars of the vegetable patch, but they also look out for marigolds. Their tall vines offer a little shade on scorching summer days, keeping marigolds from drying out too fast. Plus, tomatoes attract beneficial insects that help marigolds grow strong and healthy!
Cucumber
Cucumbers thrive in diverse soil conditions. Flourishing in well-drained, loamy soil enriched with compost, they embody adaptability and freshness. Consistent moisture and sunlight support vigorous vine growth and abundant fruiting. Cucumbers extend general benefits to neighboring plants by shading the soil, conserving moisture, and attracting beneficial insects.
Cucumbers love water, and that’s great news for marigolds! Their leafy vines help keep the soil moist, making sure marigolds have a steady supply of hydration. A well-watered marigold is a happy marigold, and cucumbers are more than willing to share the love.
Onion
Onions thrive in various soil conditions. Flourishing in well-drained, fertile soil—preferably loamy or sandy—with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.0. Partial sunlight and consistent moisture nurture their hearty foliage and bulb formation. Onions provide invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by deterring pests with their strong aroma and improving soil structure with their fibrous roots.
Onions don’t just add flavor to your food—they help marigolds by keeping pesky bugs at bay! Their strong scent confuses aphids and other annoying pests that might try to bother marigolds. With onions nearby, marigolds can focus on blooming beautifully instead of fending off unwanted visitors.
Squash
Squash thrives in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.5. Full sunlight and ample space nurture its sprawling vines and prolific fruiting. Squash provides invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by shading the soil, conserving moisture, and suppressing weed growth with its broad leaves. Belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family, alongside esteemed companions like pumpkins and cucumbers.
Squash plants have big, broad leaves that shade the soil and keep it nice and cool. Marigolds love this because it prevents their roots from drying out too quickly. Plus, squash helps create a little microclimate that makes marigolds feel right at home!
Cabbage
Cabbage thrives in various soil conditions. Flourishing in well-drained soil enriched with compost, it adapts to pH levels ranging from slightly acidic to neutral. Adequate moisture and sunlight foster robust growth and ample foliage. Belonging to the Brassicaceae family, alongside esteemed companions like kale and Brussels sprouts, cabbage epitomizes the culinary versatility and natural elegance found within the garden's domain.
Cabbage is a sturdy, reliable friend that provides structure and stability in the garden. Its thick leaves act as a wind barrier, protecting delicate marigold blooms from harsh breezes. With cabbage nearby, marigolds can stand tall and bright all season long!
Lettuce
Lettuce, known for its crunchy leaves and garden appeal, thrives in various soil conditions. Flourishing in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.0. Partial shade and consistent moisture nurture its tender foliage and compact heads. Lettuce offers invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by providing ground cover, conserving soil moisture, and suppressing weed growth.
Lettuce may seem soft and delicate, but it’s a great neighbor for marigolds. It grows quickly and creates just enough shade to keep the soil from drying out. This little bit of protection helps marigolds stay cool and fresh, even on warm summer days.
Potato
Potatoes grows in loose soil with a pH range between 5.0 and 7.0. Full sunlight and consistent moisture nurture their lush foliage and tuber development. Potatoes provide invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by improving soil structure, suppressing weed growth, and adding nutrients to the soil when left to decompose.
Potatoes grow deep in the soil, which helps loosen and aerate the ground for marigolds. This makes it easier for marigold roots to spread and soak up all the nutrients they need. With potatoes working hard beneath the surface, marigolds can grow strong and vibrant up above.
What are the enemy plants of marigold?
Planting these plants next to marigold has a huge negative effect on the development of your plant. Growing enemy plants can appeal detrimental insects, change the taste of the grown plant and even consuming all of the nutrients and water from your marigold. Because of these negative effects, we don’t recomment growing the plants below next to your marigold.
Beans
Beans are thriving in well-drained soil and basking in ample sunlight, these leguminous wonders enrich the soil with nitrogen, enhancing the vitality of their botanical companions. As stalwart providers of sustenance and greenery, beans epitomize the essence of garden bounty and vitality.
Beans love to spread out, climbing and sprawling wherever they can. While that’s great for them, it can be a problem for marigolds. Beans grow fast and tall, blocking sunlight and hogging nutrients from the soil. ?Marigolds end up struggling to get what they need, leaving them weak and unhappy.
Pea
Peas thrive in diverse soil conditions. Flourishing in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.5, they embody adaptability and vigor. Full sunlight and consistent moisture nurture their lush foliage and prolific growth. Peas provide invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by fixing nitrogen in the soil, enhancing fertility, and promoting overall garden health.
Peas take up space and soak up nutrients—nutrients that marigolds need, too! Instead of working together, peas end up competing with marigolds, making it harder for them to grow strong and vibrant. Plus, peas prefer a different kind of soil, so their needs just don’t match up with what marigolds like best.
