When planting marigolds as companion plants to tomatoes, it is important to consider the spacing between the two. The distance at which you plant marigolds to tomatoes can have an impact on their effectiveness in deterring pests and enhancing growth.
Ideally, you should plant marigolds within close proximity to tomatoes, but not so close that they compete for resources or shade each other. A distance of about 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) between marigolds and tomatoes is generally recommended. This allows for ample air circulation and prevents overcrowding, which can lead to disease and pest issues.
In my personal experience, I have found that planting marigolds in a staggered pattern between tomato plants works well. This means placing a marigold plant between every two or three tomato plants in a row. This arrangement helps create a barrier of marigolds around the tomatoes, effectively deterring pests from reaching them.
Another approach is to create a border of marigolds around the perimeter of the tomato bed. This can help repel pests from entering the area and provide a visually appealing border for your tomato plants. In this case, you can plant marigolds at a slightly greater distance from the tomatoes, around 18-24 inches (45-60 cm), as they will still be within the same bed.
It’s important to note that marigolds release chemicals from their roots that repel nematodes, a type of soil-borne pest that can damage tomato plants. Planting marigolds too far away from tomatoes may diminish this beneficial effect. However, planting them too close can result in overcrowding and reduced growth for both plants.
Planting marigolds approximately 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) away from tomatoes is recommended. This allows for optimal pest deterrent effects and prevents overcrowding. Experimenting with different planting arrangements, such as staggering marigolds between tomato plants or creating a border around the bed, can help you find the best setup for your garden.
