Where To Plant Marigolds In Vegetable Garden

You need to add marigolds in the vegetable garden whether you've thought about it or not. 

It may seem like a contradiction, placing flowers in a vegetable garden, but there's no reason not to add them. I live by the "My garden, my rules" ideology, and so should you when it comes to adding new plants to the patch. 

If you're still wondering, then read on to clear your doubts. 

Why Plant Marigolds In A Vegetable Garden?

First of all, they look great anywhere you place them. Marigolds come in a range of colors, from pale cream yellows to vibrant oranges and reds. Besides, they can protect your crops by repelling some insects, and they are actually edible, so you can use them in cooking. 

There are plenty of other reasons to plant marigolds in a veggie garden. But let's move on to understanding where to plant marigolds in vegetable gardens. 

Where To Plant Marigolds In Vegetable Garden

The good thing about marigolds is that they are simple to grow. They are not fussy about soil conditions and can do well in most climates. However, marigold plants require plenty of sunlight to grow properly, so you should keep this in mind before planting them in the yard. 

Select the sunniest spot in your vegetable garden to plant marigolds, and they will thrive without stealing nutrients from your crops. Marigolds do not require much maintenance and care; thus, they are the perfect candidates to place in veggie gardens. 

Plus, the seeds germinate and bloom quickly, so you can start the sprouting process indoors on a tray beforehand. The indoor germination should take two to four weeks on average, after which they are ready to be planted outdoors. 

Sometimes, I skip this time-consuming process and throw the seeds randomly on the soil before planting the vegetables. They grow nevertheless, and the haphazard arrangement looks even better as the pop of yellow color spreads through my garden. 

If the plants are placed on good soil and receive enough sunlight daily, they should bloom within eight weeks. 

How To Plant Marigolds In Vegetable Garden

Before you plant the seeds, remember that marigold plants need three to four inches of earth space each. Thus, it won't do any good to place them too close to one another. So, here are a few tips to keep in mind when planting them. 

1. Clean The Garden

Well-prepared soil that is moist and breathable will nurture any type of plant, not just marigolds. Prepare the soil before planting the seeds and any of your vegetable crops. Ideally, the earth should be free of weeds, large pebbles, and dried plants. Also, dig and fluff the earth so that it has enough exposure to air. 

2. Prepare The Soil

Once the area is free of unwanted rubble and old plant stems, it's essential to prepare the soil before planting marigolds. The soil should not be dry or have cracks from overheating in the sun. Instead, it should be moist enough to fluff through and pour easily when you spread the upper layer around. 

Adding drainage agents like perlite or sand can also help improve the soil and make it light and airy. Next, add fertilizer or compost to the soil and spread it throughout so that both components are evenly mixed. 

3. Plant The Marigold Seed Or Sprout

If you decide to germinate the seeds indoors, you should have a decent amount of sprouts in two or three weeks. Replace the sprouts carefully in designated spots and cover some portions with soil so that they can find stability. Planting seeds is the easiest step, and you can place them any way you like. 

However, keep a distance of five inches between each seed so that they can grow to the fullest. Some people like to plant them in 45-degree angle rows in a zigzag pattern. 

Final Words

The perfect marigold placement for you might look very different from what I've done for my vegetable garden. It depends on the spots of the garden that receive plenty of sunlight. Apart from that, you may prefer to plant marigolds in neatly formed rows for uniformity instead of having them grow all over the place. 

Either way, decide upon these finer details with the actual garden space in mind. Once the marigolds bloom, try drying them up to make a refreshing cup of marigold tea. 

I'm sure you'll enjoy that! Bye!