Grow Bigger Better Tomatoes With Marigolds

Grow Bigger Better Tomatoes with Marigolds

Tomatoes are a popular garden vegetable, but they can be susceptible to pests and diseases. Marigolds are a great companion plant for tomatoes, as they can help to deter pests and improve the health of your tomato plants.

In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits of planting marigolds with tomatoes, as well as how to do it properly. We will also provide some tips for growing healthy, productive tomato plants.

Benefits of Planting Marigolds with Tomatoes

There are several benefits to planting marigolds with tomatoes. Marigolds can help to:

• Deter pests. Marigolds emit a scent that is unpleasant to many pests, including tomato hornworms, nematodes, and whiteflies. This can help to keep these pests away from your tomato plants.
• Attract pollinators. Marigolds are attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. These pollinators help to pollinate your tomato plants, which can lead to a larger harvest.
• Improve soil health. Marigolds help to improve the soil health around your tomato plants. They release nutrients into the soil that can benefit the growth of your tomato plants.

How to Plant Marigolds with Tomatoes

To plant marigolds with tomatoes, you will need to:

1. Choose a sunny spot in your garden.
2. Prepare the soil by tilling it and adding compost or manure.
3. Plant the marigold seeds or seedlings about 12 inches apart.
4. Plant the tomato plants about 24 inches apart.
5. Water the plants well.

Tips for Growing Healthy, Productive Tomato Plants

In addition to planting marigolds with your tomato plants, there are a few other things you can do to help them grow healthy and productive. These tips include:

• Water your tomato plants regularly, especially during hot weather.
• Fertilize your tomato plants every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
• Mulch around your tomato plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Stake or cage your tomato plants to support their weight as they grow.
• Harvest your tomatoes when they are ripe.

Conclusion

Planting marigolds with tomatoes is a great way to deter pests, attract pollinators, and improve soil health. By following these tips, you can grow healthy, productive tomato plants that will provide you with delicious tomatoes all summer long.

Marigolds and tomatoes are a great companion planting duo. Marigolds help to repel pests that can damage tomatoes, such as whiteflies, aphids, and nematodes. They also attract beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and parasitic wasps, which help to control pests. Additionally, marigolds can help to improve the soil quality around tomatoes, making it more nutrient-rich and draining better.

If you're interested in learning more about companion planting marigolds and tomatoes, I recommend visiting Garden Wiki. This website has a wealth of information on the topic, including planting instructions, tips for success, and a list of other companion plants that can be grown with tomatoes.

FAQ of companion planting marigolds and tomatoes

Question 1: What are the benefits of companion planting marigolds and tomatoes?

Answer: There are several benefits to companion planting marigolds and tomatoes. Marigolds can help to repel pests such as whiteflies, aphids, and nematodes, which can damage tomato plants. They can also help to attract beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings, which can help to control pest populations naturally. Additionally, marigolds can help to improve soil health by fixing nitrogen, which is essential for healthy plant growth.

Question 2: How close should I plant marigolds to tomatoes?

Answer: It is generally recommended to plant marigolds 10-12 inches away from tomato plants. This will give the marigolds enough space to grow and thrive, while also preventing them from competing with the tomato plants for water and nutrients.

Question 3: When should I plant marigolds with tomatoes?

Answer: You can plant marigolds with tomatoes either in the spring or fall. If you plant them in the spring, the marigolds will have time to grow and help to protect the tomato plants from pests before the tomatoes start to produce fruit. If you plant them in the fall, the marigolds will help to improve the soil over the winter and be ready to start repelling pests in the spring.

Question 4: What are some other plants that can be companion planted with tomatoes?

Answer: Some other plants that can be companion planted with tomatoes include basil, chives, garlic, mint, and nasturtiums. These plants all have different benefits, such as attracting beneficial insects, deterring pests, or improving soil health.

Question 5: Are there any plants that should not be planted near tomatoes?

Answer: There are a few plants that should not be planted near tomatoes, including potatoes, eggplants, and peppers. These plants are all members of the nightshade family, and they can attract the same pests and diseases.

Image of companion planting marigolds and tomatoes

5 different images of "companion planting marigolds and tomatoes" from Pinterest:

1. Marigolds and tomatoes growing in a garden bed. The marigolds are planted around the edge of the bed, and the tomatoes are in the center.
2. A close-up of a marigold plant with tomatoes growing behind it. The marigolds have bright orange flowers, and the tomatoes are green and growing on a vine.
3. A diagram of companion planting marigolds and tomatoes. The diagram shows how the two plants can benefit each other.
4. A photo of a marigold plant with a tomato hornworm on it. The tomato hornworm is a pest that can damage tomatoes, but marigolds can help to deter them.
5. A photo of a bumper crop of tomatoes that were grown with the help of marigolds. The tomatoes are large and red, and they are a testament to the benefits of companion planting.