## How Many Marigolds for Vegetable Garden?
Marigolds (Tagetes spp.) are a popular choice for companion planting in vegetable gardens. They are known for their ability to repel pests, attract beneficial insects, and improve soil health. But how many marigolds do you need for your vegetable garden?
The answer to this question depends on the size of your garden, the types of vegetables you are growing, and the level of pest pressure you are experiencing.
### Number of Marigolds
As a general rule of thumb, you should plant one marigold plant for every 2 feet of row length. So, if you have a 10-foot row of carrots, you would plant 5 marigolds.
However, you may need to plant more marigolds if:
You are growing vegetables that are particularly susceptible to pests, such as tomatoes, peppers, and cabbage.
You are experiencing high levels of pest pressure.
Your garden is located in a warm climate, where pests are more active.
### Placement of Marigolds
Marigolds should be planted around the perimeter of your vegetable garden, or between rows of vegetables. They should be planted as close to the vegetables as possible, without overcrowding them.
When planting marigolds, be sure to dig a hole that is twice the width of the root ball and just as deep. Place the marigold plant in the hole and backfill with soil, tamping down gently to remove any air pockets. Water the marigolds well after planting.
### Companion Planting with Marigolds
Marigolds are known to be good companion plants for a wide variety of vegetables, including:
Tomatoes
Peppers
Eggplant
Squash
Cucumbers
Beans
Peas
Carrots
Onions
Garlic
Lettuce
Marigolds can help to repel pests such as aphids, thrips, whiteflies, and squash bugs. They can also attract beneficial insects such as ladybugs, lacewings, and hoverflies, which prey on pests.
## Benefits of Planting Marigolds in Vegetable Garden
In addition to repelling pests and attracting beneficial insects, marigolds can also provide other benefits to your vegetable garden, including:
Improving soil health: Marigolds are known to release compounds into the soil that can help to suppress soil-borne diseases and improve soil structure.
Adding color to the garden: Marigolds come in a variety of colors, from yellow to orange to red. They can add a splash of color to your vegetable garden, even when they are not in bloom.
Providing food for wildlife: Marigolds are a source of nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
## Conclusion
Marigolds are a valuable addition to any vegetable garden. They can help to repel pests, attract beneficial insects, improve soil health, and add color to the garden. When planting marigolds in your vegetable garden, be sure to plant them according to the guidelines above to get the most benefits from these versatile plants.