Tip #3: Marigolds
Marigolds provide a constant wave of cheerful yellow, orange, and red hues. As an easily recognizable staple of the summer garden, they offer rapid growth and exceptional heat tolerance. You can find massive, globe-like African marigolds that reach three feet tall, or compact French marigolds that perfectly edge a vegetable bed.
Beyond their bright appearance, marigolds offer practical benefits for your entire landscape. Their distinct scent acts as a natural deterrent for several common garden pests, making them a famous companion plant for tomatoes and peppers. Certain varieties even exude compounds from their roots that suppress harmful nematodes in the soil.
To get the most out of your marigolds, pinch back the tips of the stems when the plants are young. This encourages lateral branching, resulting in a bushier plant covered in dozens of blooms. Water them at the base to keep their dense foliage dry, and snap off spent flowers weekly to keep the plant looking tidy and vibrant.
