When
marigolds begin to fade in your garden or summer cottage, don’t be too quick to discard them. These versatile plants serve more than just decorative purposes—they can actually benefit your vegetable garden significantly.
Using Marigolds:
Collect marigolds along with their roots once they have faded. Chop them up and incorporate them into your garden beds when you dig the soil. This simple practice offers numerous advantages:
- Natural Pest Prevention: Marigolds help deter onion and carrot flies from infesting your crops.
- Repelling Cabbage Moths: The scent of marigolds acts as a deterrent against cabbage moths, protecting your plants.
- Soil Enrichment: Marigolds enrich the soil by increasing mineral content and improving its structure, promoting better aeration.
For optimal results, dig the soil to a depth of 15 cm, preferably in autumn. This allows the marigolds to decompose naturally over winter. Come springtime, when the snow melts, ensure to turn the soil again. With properly prepared beds, you can plant crops like cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, or eggplants, maximizing the benefits derived from marigolds.
By recycling marigolds in this way, you not only reduce waste but also enhance the health and productivity of your garden naturally.
