Seven useful reasons to grow marigolds in the vegetable garden, not just the flower bed

Marigolds can serve several purposes in a vegetable garden. They add color, attract pollinators and may help limit some pests in the soil.

Their roots release substances that can suppress part of the soil-dwelling pest population, especially some types of nematodes. Gardeners sometimes plant them next to vegetables or include them in crop rotation.

The bright flowers also attract bees and other pollinating insects. They can be planted between vegetable beds, beside paths or along the edges of a plot, where they take up little space while creating a flowering border.

After blooming, healthy marigold remains can go into the compost rather than being discarded. The plants also add diversity to gardens containing vegetables, herbs and other flowering species. Petals from some varieties are edible and can decorate salads, dishes or drinks, but only flowers grown without chemical treatments and confirmed as suitable for eating should be used.

Marigolds are also easy to grow. They prefer sunny locations, need relatively little care and can continue flowering until autumn, making them useful beyond the flower bed.