Marigolds

Marigolds are cheerful and even though they are annual, they are great!  Kim found two sets of marigolds for me at Lowe's in the clearance section... for 65 cents.  65 cents, that's right.  How can you go wrong?

(One word about the clearance, the marigolds didn't look the healthiest, but what's the harm in a 65 cent attempt of a green thumb.)

She got three sets of them.  One set was planted in the small section in the front garden.  Because that section is mostly shade, those marigolds are struggling.

Marigolds are bright and cheerful and they want the sunshine.  The two in the larger section of the front garden are doing great.

Both of these marigolds have a strong scent.  If I deadhead the flowers with no gloves, my fingers smell like marigolds afterwards.

Marigolds prefer moderately fertile, well-drained soil; plant them once the soil is warm.

Farmers use marigolds because the scent of the marigold repels animals and insects... and the underground workings of the marigold will repel nematodes (microscopic worms) and other pests for up to 3 years.  Cool.  I didn't know about the underground workings aspect.


Quick update:  All three marigold bushes are doing well.  I call them bushes, because WOW have they grown!