Name a plant that is easy to grow, blooms nonstop from summer through fall, is practically maintenance free and is grown worldwide. If you said "marigold," you would be right. And if you think this plant is boring, let me tell you all the reasons this foolproof flower deserves a spot in every garden.
GLOBAL FLOWERS Because marigolds grow in almost any kind of soil and it's so simple to collect seeds, this Mexican and Central American native has found its way to popularity around the world. Marigold flowers come in shades of yellow, orange, cream and red; the edible flowers' flavors range from citrusy to spicy to bitter, and the dried or fresh petals make delightful additions to a salad or soup. Harvest these long-lasting flowers when the petals have opened fully, but the center is still tight. The blooms make great cut flowers and are easy to dry for everlasting bouquets. The petals are also used in fabric dyes, food coloring and even chicken feed to make egg yolks more yellow.
A MARIGOLD MISCONCEPTION The pungent smell of marigolds is thought to deter many insect pests and animals. Deer do tend to ignore them, while some rabbits find them tasty. But they rarely repel insects. In fact, spider mites and Japanese beetles are so attracted to marigolds that you can actually use the flowers as a trap crop to lure these insects away from vulnerable plants. They also draw in beneficial insects, such as lady beetles and parasitic wasps, and other pollinators that you want in your garden.
Need more reasons to grow marigolds? Keep reading to learn about the different types, including French, American and signet marigolds, and where each one will grow best in your garden.
Marigold
Tagetes spp. and hybrids
Denne historien er fra Issue 173 - October 2023-utgaven av Garden Gate.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Denne historien er fra Issue 173 - October 2023-utgaven av Garden Gate.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Spinach - Learn the secrets to growing this tasty green in spring and fall.
If you're one of those gardeners who can't wait to get started in spring and hates to throw in the trowel in fall, spinach is the perfect shoulder season crop. This mild, earthy-flavored green comes in many varieties, ranging from crinkly-leafed savoys to slightly textured semi-savoys and the flat, smooth-leafed types. Colors can be dark green, light green and even red-veined. Here's how to get the most of it every year.
Why Bulb Depth Matters - Dig deep enough to ensure your plants stand tall and live the longest
When you're planting bulbs, it's tempting to just dig a hole as deep as your trowel will reach easily, nestle the bulb in, cover it up and move on. But the fact is, each type of bulb will flower best and thrive at a different depth.A good rule of thumb is to plant a bulb two to three times its height. One reason planting depth is important is because it helps to keep the bulbs protected from fluctuations in temperature that happen closer to the surface.
GARDEN ESSENTIALS
FALL GARDEN CLEANUP TOOLS
Saving Seeds
Saving flower seeds is a great way to get more plants with almost no investment. It's easy to do. Here's how to save seeds from some of your favorite annuals as the growing season winds down.
Cucumber Trellis Flop
I watched cucumber trellis growers online for several seasons with envy. What a brilliant way to save space in raised garden beds and make it look fancy! Finally, I was sold and decided to try it in my garden.
9 Tough Perennials for Clay Soil
Whether you garden in the nutrient-poor red clay of the Southeast, the calcium combined-with-clay caliche of the West or something in between, the common denominator is that clay soil is difficult to grow in. Why? Tiny particles of clay hold tightly together, slowing drainage and limiting the amount of oxygen that can reach plant roots. You've seen the resultsanemic-looking or rotting plants.
Garden Fences
Discover the perfect blend of functionality, style, and materials for your ideal fence.
A GARDEN OF STORIES
Learn plant and project tips from a couple who's been gardening here for nearly 50 years.
Switchgrass
Adaptable switchgrass goes with the flow.
Establish a Monarch Waystation
Did you know that a single monarch butterfly can migrate up to 3,000 miles? That's a lot of ground to cover! This amazing insect makes a fascinating journey, unlike any other butterfly.
