Top 15 Marigold Companion Plants: Best List of Good Companion Plants

Companion planting takes center stage when we talk about creating a symbiotic environment in a garden. The idea is to pair plants that can benefit each other in various ways through pest control, soil enrichment, or supporting growth. One plant that stands out for its remarkable companion planting attributes is the marigold.

What plants pair well with marigolds? Many gardeners ask, “What can I plant next to marigolds in my garden?” or “What are the best marigolds to plant with vegetables?” The answer is a diverse list of annuals and vegetables. Marigolds can be grouped with various plants due to their pest-repelling qualities, vibrant colors, and overall compatibility. How many marigolds can you plant together?

While there’s no strict limit, ensuring each plant has enough space to grow and breathe is essential. Let’s explore the best plants to grow alongside marigolds, considering what not to plant with marigolds and which are best for companion planting. If you’re curious about annuals to plant with marigolds or what to plant with marigolds in pots, this comprehensive guide is your best bet. We’ll also tackle whether you can plant geraniums and marigolds together.

Top 15 Marigold Companion Plants

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are among the most popular vegetables, and they pair wonderfully with marigolds. The strong scent of marigolds deters harmful nematodes and pests from attacking tomato plants. By planting marigolds near tomatoes, you benefit from reduced pest activity and add a splash of color, making your garden aesthetically pleasing. Remember, while marigolds are beneficial, ensuring both plants have ample space and aren’t overcrowded is important.

Cucumbers

Cucumber plants derive dual benefits from marigolds. Firstly, marigolds ward off cucumber beetles, which can wreak havoc on your crop. Secondly, the marigold’s vibrant blooms attract pollinators, essential for cucumbers to bear fruit. This pairing ensures that your cucumber plants remain healthy and bear a generous harvest, making the duo an excellent choice for gardeners.

Peppers

Peppers, like tomatoes, benefit from marigolds’ ability to repel nematodes and other soil-borne pests. Planting marigolds close to pepper plants can help reduce the risk of infestations. Additionally, the contrast between the fiery hues of peppers and the sunny marigold flowers makes for an appealing visual combination in any garden setting.

Basil

Marigolds and basil create a formidable team when it comes to repelling pests. While marigolds deter nematodes, basil is known to repel mosquitoes and flies. These plants create a protective shield when planted together, keeping many pests at bay. This pairing also offers an aromatic experience as basil’s sweet scent beautifully complements the marigolds’ pungent aroma.

Lettuce

Lettuces, being low-lying plants, can benefit from the taller marigold plants’ shade during scorching summer days. Moreover, the marigold’s ability to repel pests can be especially beneficial for tender lettuce leaves. The varied textures and contrasting colors of both these plants can also make your garden bed visually engaging.

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Beans

Bean plants can sometimes be a target for aphids and other pests. Marigolds come to the rescue here. Their scent repels these pests, ensuring your bean plants remain untouched. Besides, marigolds can improve soil quality, supporting the growth of beans and leading to a healthier, more bountiful harvest.

Broccoli

Broccoli, being a cool-season crop, often attracts pests like cabbage worms. With their distinctive scent, marigolds play a vital role in repelling these pests. Planting marigolds alongside broccoli safeguards the latter and creates a colorful contrast in the garden, with green broccoli heads juxtaposed against bright marigold blooms.

Carrots

Carrot fly is a common pest that gardeners struggle with. Here, marigolds prove their worth again. Their strong scent masks the aroma of growing carrots, making it challenging for carrot flies to locate their target. Planting marigolds next to your carrot patch ensures a protective barrier against these notorious pests.

Cabbage

Cabbage, like broccoli, is often a target for cabbage worms and moths. Having marigolds nearby can deter these pests, ensuring your cabbages grow without being nibbled on. Moreover, the bright flowers of marigolds paired with the dense green of cabbage heads add an aesthetic dimension to your garden space.

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Radishes

Radishes grow rapidly and are often planted in multiple succession. Marigolds can be a consistent companion through these cycles. They deter various pests that might be attracted to radishes, ensuring your crop remains healthy and ready for harvest in no time.

Onions

Onions and marigolds make an interesting combination. While onions repel certain pests with their pungent smell, marigolds deter underground nematodes and other pests with their aroma. They create a protective environment that keeps most pests at bay, ensuring both plants can grow without disturbances.

Eggplants

Eggplants, with their glossy purple skins and versatile culinary applications, are a favorite in many gardens. Like many other plants, they can face threats from certain pests, including aphids and spider mites. Marigolds, as natural pest deterrents, are a great companion to eggplants. Their unique scent keeps many pests at bay, allowing eggplants to grow undisturbed. Besides offering protection, the juxtaposition of bright marigold blooms against eggplants’ deep purple can elevate any garden space’s visual appeal.

Zinnias

Zinnias are vibrant flowers celebrated for their rich and varied colors. They’re not just a visual treat; zinnias attract beneficial pollinators like butterflies and bees to the garden. When paired with marigolds, the garden becomes a riot of colors, with both flowers complementing each other beautifully. The marigolds also protect zinnias against some common pests, ensuring that the garden remains lively and dynamic throughout the blooming season.

Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums, with their bright flowers and rounded leaves, are more than just ornamental plants. They are edible and offer a peppery flavor to salads. Companion planting with marigolds can enhance nasturtiums’ growth. Both flowers repel various pests, and together, they create a strong defense system for the garden. The contrasting colors of marigolds and nasturtiums also make for an eye-catching garden layout, appealing to both gardeners and pollinators alike.

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Sunflowers

Sunflowers symbolize joy and optimism with their towering stems and bright yellow petals. These giants, when paired with marigolds, offer a stunning visual spectacle. Marigolds, being lower-growing plants, create a beautiful understorey for the tall sunflowers. Besides the visual harmony, marigolds also protect against pests that might be attracted to sunflowers. This combination ensures a garden that’s not only visually stunning but also balanced and protected.

Conclusion

Marigolds truly stand out as the champion of companion plants. Their ability to deter various pests and their compatibility with numerous plants makes them a favorite among gardeners. Whether planted in pots or open gardens, marigolds are versatile companions, ensuring your plants remain healthy and vibrant.