Tomatoes & Marigolds: Burst of Sunshine
Grow this dream duo together, and you’ll strike gold.
The cheerful marigold flower isn’t just pretty, it’s a hard working sidekick for tomatoes in the garden. Firstly, they help keep away nematodes which are tiny, underground, wormlike creatures that can harm tomato plants. But that’s not all, marigolds are the ultimate social butterflies, drawing in pollinators with their golden yellow blooms. And their citrus scent sends pests like rabbits and deer running for the hills — protecting your tomato harvest from being someone else's meal.
And the benefits of growing tomatoes in your garden go without saying, but we will anyway because we love them, and so does the rest of the world — tomatoes are one of the most popular and widely grown vegetables. These garden gems are like little red powerhouses of nutrition — packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and potassium, they're a fantastic addition to any diet. Plus, when you grow them yourself, you know exactly what goes into them.
Keep reading to learn how you can successfully grow this dream duo in your garden.
Growing Conditions
The tomato and marigold plants may seem very different, but their growing conditions are surprisingly similar.
Let’s Talk Tomatoes
There’s nothing like stepping into your backyard or onto your balcony and plucking a ripe, sun-kissed tomato straight from the vine. From cherry tomatoes to beefsteak, the world of tomatoes is vast and diverse. There are over 10,000 varieties to choose from, each with its own unique flavor, size, and color. Why settle for just one when you can grow a rainbow of tomatoes in your garden?
Growing Tips
The easiest way to grow tomatoes in the garden is with transplants since the growing season is short in parts of the country.
Buy quality starter plants or plant plugs with a strong root system from a local retailer like Bonnie Plants®.
Give them space to grow by planting them 2-3 feet apart from one another, depending on the variety, in Miracle-Gro® Organic Raised Bed & Garden Soil
Bury two-thirds of the stem when planting to grow a strong tomato plant (this will allow roots to form from the stem).
Support your tomato plants by using a stake, trellis or cage to keep them off the ground after being planted.
Feed your tomato plants every 2 weeks (30 days after planting) with Miracle-Gro® Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food
Let’s Talk Marigolds
This easy-going annual is great for beginner gardeners, sprouting up with minimal fuss. Marigolds come in a variety of hues that range from fiery orange to sunny yellow, and even a mix of all the colors of the rainbow. And did you know that you can munch on them too? Some taste light and citrusy while others pack a spicy punch, adding a flavorful twist to your salads and garnishes.
Growing Tips
The easiest way to grow marigolds is with transplants, but you can plant from seeds as well once there’s no danger of frost.
Give them space to grow by planting them 8-10 inches apart for small varieties and 10-12 inches apart for larger varieties in Miracle-Gro® Organic Raised Bed & Garden Soil
Keep the soil moist and prevent weeds by spreading Miracle-Gro® Organic All Natural Mulch
Pinch the stems after they’ve had a few weeks of growth to become fuller and form more flowers.
Feed your marigolds every 2 weeks (30 days after planting) with Miracle-Gro® Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food
Deadhead by regularly removing dying flowers to help encourage your marigold plants to form new flowers.
The Miraculous Green Guide
Check out this handy guide that’s brimming with inspiration, garden culture, expert hacks, and so much more. It's your ultimate gardening companion, ready to nurture your green dreams — whether you're a budding sprout or a seasoned gardening virtuoso.