Nature's pesticide

[Opal]

In June this year I visited the much acclaimed Eden Project . One of the things that really struck me, was the Mediterranean veggie garden in the dry biome: rows of veggies and/or herbs alternating with rows of marigolds. Not only did it look most attractive, but I have heard that marigolds repel pests. Has anyone tried this and does it have to be a particular marigold to work effectively?

[WiZeR]

Well it was the first time I grew Tomatoes this year and I ran a row of marigolds next to them. I did not have any pest probems at all until the last week where slugs have just started to attack the ripe fruits. I'll do the same next year.

[Slug]

I tried normal french marigolds last year and they seemed to work a treat - the slugs chomped them rather than my tomatoes.

I heard that the English Marigold 'Calendula' is supposed to be the best of the lot.

Marigolds are not only good above ground to attract pests but also below ground I believe their roots give off a substance which keeps the nasties away from your delicate crops!

The mexican Marigolds 'Tagetes' I believe have this below ground effect - I grow marigolds by the bucket load, as with a slug infested garden... I need all the help I can get!

Also they're great at attracting pollenting insects

[roitelet]

In June this year I visited the much acclaimed Eden Project . One of the things that really struck me, was the Mediterranean veggie garden in the dry biome: rows of veggies and/or herbs alternating with rows of marigolds. Not only did it look most attractive, but I have heard that marigolds repel pests. Has anyone tried this and does it have to be a particular marigold to work effectively?

Yes Opal I have tried this companion planting. French marigolds with the caulies = no aphids or caterpillars Ordinary marigolds with other brassicas = no aphids and very few caterpillars. nastursiums with broad beans = no blackfly. Maybe it does work or I am just lucky Anyway the veggie plot looks pretty, a bit of colour in all that green!