How To Grow Bigger Better Tomatoes With Marigolds

Tomatoes are a popular garden vegetable that can be grown in many different climates. However, even experienced gardeners can sometimes struggle to get their tomatoes to grow big and healthy. If you're looking for a way to improve the size and quality of your tomatoes, you might want to consider planting marigolds nearby.

Marigolds are a type of flowering plant that is known for its insect-repellent properties. They emit a strong scent that can deter a variety of pests, including aphids, whiteflies, and nematodes. These pests can be a major problem for tomato plants, so planting marigolds nearby can help to protect your tomatoes from damage.

In addition to their insect-repellent properties, marigolds also have a number of other benefits for tomato plants. For example, they can help to improve the drainage of the soil, which can help to prevent root rot. Marigolds can also help to suppress weeds, which can compete with tomato plants for nutrients and water.

If you're planning to plant marigolds with your tomatoes, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. First, it's important to plant the marigolds first. This is because marigolds will start to deter pests before tomato plants are even big enough to be affected. Second, you need to space the marigolds and tomato plants about 12 inches apart. This will give both plants enough room to grow.

Finally, you need to deadhead the marigolds regularly. This will encourage the plants to produce more flowers, which will release more of their insect-repellent properties.

If you follow these tips, you can enjoy the benefits of planting marigolds with your tomatoes. You'll be rewarded with bigger, better tomatoes that are free from pests.

Here are some additional tips for growing tomatoes with marigolds:

• Plant marigolds and tomatoes in full sun.
• Amend the soil with compost or manure before planting.
• Water the plants regularly, but don't overwater.
• Fertilize the plants every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
• Harvest the tomatoes when they are ripe.

Conclusion

Planting marigolds with tomatoes is a great way to improve the size, quality, and pest resistance of your tomatoes. By following the tips in this blog post, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of delicious tomatoes all season long.

Marigolds and tomatoes are a great companion planting combination. Marigolds help to repel pests, such as nematodes, whiteflies, and thrips, that can damage tomato plants. They also attract beneficial insects, such as ladybugs, which prey on pests. In addition, marigolds improve the soil quality, which can benefit tomato plants.

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 tips, pest control advice, and recipes for using marigolds in the kitchen.

FAQ of companion planting marigolds and tomatoes

• Q: Why are marigolds good for tomatoes?

A: Marigolds have a number of benefits for tomatoes, including: * Reducing the risk of pests and diseases: Marigolds emit a scent that repels a variety of pests, including whiteflies, aphids, and nematodes. They also help to suppress soil-borne diseases such as fusarium wilt. * Attracting pollinators: Marigolds are a popular flower for pollinators, such as bees and butterflies. These pollinators help to pollinate tomato flowers, which leads to a better fruit set. * Improving soil quality: Marigolds help to improve soil quality by adding nitrogen and other nutrients. They also help to break up compacted soil, which can help tomatoes to grow better.

• Q: How close should marigolds be planted to tomatoes?

A: Marigolds should be planted about 12-18 inches away from tomatoes. This will give them enough space to grow and thrive, while still allowing them to benefit each other.

• Q: What are some other good companion plants for tomatoes?

A: Some other good companion plants for tomatoes include: * Basil: Basil helps to deter pests such as mosquitoes and aphids. It also helps to improve the flavor of tomatoes. * Cucumbers: Cucumbers and tomatoes have similar growing conditions, so they can be planted together. Cucumbers also help to attract pollinators, which is beneficial for tomatoes. * Herbs: Many herbs, such as oregano, thyme, and mint, can be planted near tomatoes. These herbs help to repel pests and diseases, and they can also improve the flavor of tomatoes.

• Q: What plants should not be planted near marigolds?

A: There are a few plants that should not be planted near marigolds, including: * Beans: Beans and marigolds compete for nutrients, so they should not be planted together. * Cabbage: Cabbage and marigolds can attract the same pests, so they should not be planted together. * Potatoes: Potatoes and marigolds can suppress each other's growth, so they should not be planted together.

Image of companion planting marigolds and tomatoes

• Image 1: A row of tomatoes with marigolds planted in between.
• Image 2: A pot of tomatoes with marigolds planted around the edge.
• Image 3: A close-up of a marigold flower with a tomato plant in the background.
• Image 4: A bee pollinating a marigold flower next to a tomato plant.
• Image 5: A field of tomatoes with marigolds planted in the middle.
• Image 6: A marigold seedling next to a tomato seedling.
• Image 7: A marigold flower with its petals open, showing its bright orange center.
• Image 8: A tomato plant with its green leaves and red tomatoes.
• Image 9: A hand holding a marigold flower and a tomato.
• Image 10: A woman harvesting tomatoes from her garden, with marigolds in the background.