I recently planted Marigolds in between my peppers, squash, cantaloupe, and watermelons. I'm wondering if this was a good idea and if I'll regret it later on. Will they help or hinder my garden?
3 Answers
You should definitely be aware of your local climate! If your summers are really hot, like above 90°F, Marigolds can struggle. They tend to wilt under high heat, even if they're shaded a bit. I like to use them as companions in the spring, but once it gets super hot, they often don’t last long. If you're looking for something that can survive the heat and still help out, maybe consider different companion plants that are more heat-resistant.
Marigolds can be a great addition to your garden! They attract pests away from other plants, help crowd out weeds, and they look pretty good while doing it. However, they do grow to the same height as your melons and squash, which could make them a bit of a nuisance. They might be useful early on as a weed deterrent, but once your squash and melons take off, they'll crowd out the Marigolds anyway. You might want to consider pulling them if they get too overrun later on.