6 Reasons To Plant Marigolds In Vegetable Gardens

Marigolds are more than just pretty flowers! Take a look at these 6 Reasons to Plant Marigolds in Vegetable Gardens and see how beneficial they can truly be.

6 Reasons to Plant Marigolds in Vegetable Gardens

There is no arguing that marigolds are pretty! Their bright yellow and orange hues add a bright pop of color effortlessly to your gardens and landscaping.

But did you know that marigolds are more than just a pretty face? Marigolds offer many benefits to your vegetable garden, which is why you should never go a growing season without a few!

Take a look at these 6 Reasons to Plant Marigolds in Vegetable Gardens, and see just how beneficial these little beauties can be. Once you know, you will want to snag a flat as soon as possible.

Are you ready to learn about marigolds and what they can do for you? Let’s get started!

Benefits of Marigolds in the Garden

1. Marigolds attract important pollinators. Did you know that pollinators love marigolds? This means that marigolds can help attract bumble bees, butterflies, and even hummingbirds.

Attracting pollinators to your garden is important because it will help pollinate the area as well as offer you tons of entertainment!

Our planet needs pollinators, and offering marigold in your garden will help bring them in.

Are marigolds safe to eat?

2. Marigolds are edible! You are already growing vegetables in your garden, why not grow edible flowers as well? Marigolds are edible and can be used to make marigold jelly, teas, and more.

You can even use marigolds as edible garnish in salads and desserts. They offer such a pretty pop of color to plates!

Remember, only consume flowers that you have NOT used any kind of chemical pesticides or fertilizers on.

RELATED: Would you like to learn more about edible flowers? Take a look at The Best Edible Flowers to Enjoy and see how easy it can be to add flowers to your menu.

Do marigolds repel slugs?

3. Marigolds may be able to help with slug control. Ugh, slugs are gross! I like planting marigolds around my leafy greens and lettuce because the slugs are more attracted to them than the greens.

Chances are the slugs will pass up the leafy greens and opt for the marigolds instead, sparing your greens so you can enjoy them yourself. Create a border or marigolds around lettuce, kale, and other greens and see if it helps protect them.

RELATED: Did you know that Irish Spring Soap can help repel garden pests too? Check out How to Use Irish Spring Soap to Repel Garden Pests and learn more.

4. Marigolds help attract ladybugs. Ladybugs are beneficial to your vegetable garden because they eat harmful pests such as aphids. Aphids can cause serious damage to your vegetable plants, which is why it is vital to get them under control.

If you don’t want to use chemicals to do this and wish for a more natural route, try marigolds. The marigolds will attract ladybugs who will in turn act like security in your garden.

Do marigolds repel rabbits?

5. Yep! Marigolds may help repel rabbits. This is one of those tips that avid gardeners have been sharing for years, but it remains debatable.

Creating a border of marigolds around your garden may help repel rabbits (perhaps it is the strong scent?) so you can keep all of the veggies for yourself.

Personally, it works well for me. When I started using marigolds in my garden, I stopped having an issue with rabbits.

6. Spent blooms can be added to your compost. Marigold plants bloom often, and it is important to deadhead the plants once blooms are spent. When you deadhead the blooms, you can add them to your compost pile.

These spent blooms are still nutrient rich and can add value to your soil! So don’t toss those spent marigold blooms, instead add them to your compost pile. Your soil will thank you.

RELATED: Want to learn more about composting? Check out How to Make a Mini Compost Bin and learn what to add to your compost as well.

Are marigolds a perennial?

Sadly, no. Marigolds are an annual. If you want to enjoy the benefits of marigolds in your garden, you will need to replant them yearly.

Luckily, marigolds are cheap and can be purchased for about $10 a large flat. That means for just pennies per plant you can protect your garden and reap the many benefits these plants offer.

Are marigolds easy to grow?

I dare to say there is no easier plant than marigolds when it comes to plant care! They grow well in most zones and while they do love full sun, will do well even in part/shade areas.

Are you ready to start planting those marigolds? Now that you know all of their benefits, why not give them a try? They can help attract pollinators, repel pests, and so much more.

Give these 6 Reasons to Plant Marigolds in Vegetable Gardens some consideration, then be sure to check back and let me know how it goes!