marrigold seeds

[mrskp]

Just found this:

MARIGOLDS: (Calendula): Given a lot of credit as a pest deterrent. Keeps soil free of bad nematodes; supposed to discourage many insects. Plant freely throughout the garden. The marigolds you choose must be a scented variety for them to work. One down side is that marigolds do attract spider mites and slugs. (oh just great, the calendula will be staying outside then ! )

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French Marigold (T. patula) has roots that exude a substance which spreads in their immediate vicinity killing nematodes. For nematode control you want to plant dense areas of them. There have been some studies done that proved this nematode killing effect lasted for several years after the plants were These marigolds also help to deter whiteflies when planted around tomatoes and can be used in greenhouses for the same purpose. Whiteflies hate the smell of marigolds (that's what we like to hear).
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Mexican marigold (T. minuta) is the most powerful of the insect repelling marigolds and may also overwhelm weed roots such as bind weed! It is said to repel the Mexican bean beetle and wild bunnies! Be careful it can have an herbicidal effect on some plants like beans and cabbage.

better credit the author i guess ! http://www.ghorganics.com/page2.html

[Two_Sheds]

how would nature do it?

When sowing seeds, do we worry too much about which way up etc.? After all, they just fall off the plants any old how

[madderbat]

Thanks Mrskp, useful info. Ive been trying to persuade BW about having flowers on the lottie, this may help.
One question though, we have loads of seeds gathered from plants around us, mostly the strong orange coloured tagetes, but how do I know if they have scent ( or am I being blond on this one?)

[NEWTO THE PLOT]

i grew tagetes last year madderbat, and i remember mine had a scent,alot like marrigolds, hope that helps ya

[Snadger]

The foliage of tagetes stinks when bruised which is probably what chases the pests away!

[greenlung]

Marigold seeds look a bit like tiny darts, so it's easy to imagine them in nature blowing or falling sharp side down. Worked for me - got some germinating now ; )