How Many Marigolds per Tomato Plant

Adding marigolds to your garden beds can have a variety of benefits for your tomato plants, but many gardeners are unsure about how many marigolds per tomato plant is the right amount. In this article, we will explore the benefits and recommended numbers of marigolds for your tomato garden.

Benefits of Marigolds in the Tomato Garden

Marigolds are often used as companion plants to tomato plants due to the numerous benefits they bring to the garden. One of the primary benefits of marigolds is their ability to repel harmful insects, such as nematodes, whiteflies, and tomato hornworms, that can damage your tomato plants. Marigolds also attract beneficial insects, such as ladybugs, that help control harmful pests and pollinate your tomato plants. Additionally, marigolds release a substance called alpha-terthienyl that helps suppress soil-borne diseases, such as fusarium and verticillium wilts.

Recommended Numbers of Marigolds for Tomatoes

When it comes to how many marigolds per tomato plant, the general recommendation is to plant three to four marigolds for every ten tomato plants. This ratio will provide enough coverage to help repel harmful insects and attract beneficial ones without overwhelming your garden beds. Additionally, planting marigolds in clusters around your tomato plants can create a barrier that will help keep harmful insects at bay.

Planting Marigolds in the Tomato Garden

When planting marigolds in your tomato garden, it is best to start with a few plants and gradually add more over time. This approach will allow you to monitor the effects of the marigolds on your tomato plants and adjust the number of marigolds accordingly. You should also aim to plant marigolds at the same time as your tomato plants to ensure that the flowers are established before the tomato plants start to fruit.

It is important to choose the right marigold variety when planting them in the tomato garden. French marigolds, which are smaller and more compact, are the most effective in repelling harmful insects and suppressing soil-borne diseases. African marigolds, which are taller and have larger flowers, are less effective in repelling insects, but they can help attract pollinators to your tomato plants.

Conclusion

In conclusion, adding marigolds to your tomato garden can have numerous benefits, such as repelling harmful insects and suppressing soil-borne diseases. When considering how many marigolds per tomato plant, a ratio of three to four marigolds for every ten tomato plants is recommended. By carefully choosing the right marigold variety and planting them strategically in your garden beds, you can enjoy a healthy and thriving tomato garden.