When I was a little girl, no matter where we lived we always had a garden. No matter the size, there were always certain rules that were followed. One was that Marigolds were always planted with the vegetables. As a little girl I thought it was just to make the planting beds look pretty. Now I am older and understand the relationship that marigolds have in the garden.

Marigolds are easy to grow and they help keep the away aphids, the relationship between plants and insects is known as ‘companion planting,’ and it has been passed down for generations as the safest, most natural way to garden. Our new buzz word for it is organic.

Marigolds were first discovered by the Portuguese in Central America in the 16th century. Marigolds are hardy, annual plants. There are two genuses which are referred to by the common name, Marigolds viz., Tagetes and Celandula. Tagetes includes African Marigolds and French Marigolds. Celandula includes Pot Marigolds. Tagetes are used in the garden to repel insects and Celandula is an extremely effective herb for the treatment of skin problems .

Marigolds can be planted anywhere in the garden to deter Mexican bean beetles, squash bugs, tomato hornworms, and whiteflies. They are also known to repel harmful root knot nematodes (soil dwelling microscopic white worms) that attack tomatoes, potatoes, roses, and strawberries. The root of the Marigold produces a chemical that kills nematodes as they enter the soil.

Other plant that help with pest control:

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  Peppermint repels ants, white cabbage moths, aphids, and flea beetles.


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  Garlic discourages aphids, fleas, Japanese beetles, and spider mites.


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  Perennial Chives repel aphids and spider mites.


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  Basil drives away flies and mosquitoes.


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  Rosemary and Sage repel cabbage moths, bean beetles, and carrot flies.