Marigolds and Tomatoes go hand in hand as best friends. They love being planted next to one another and are true companions. Why?

• It has been proven that Marigolds repel pests like whitefly and thrips away from Tomatoes, these pests don’t like the pungent smell they give off,
• Marigolds will give a colourful display of bright flowers from spring until Autumn,
• Marigolds have nematode protection for the soil that they grow in and the soil around them and tomatoes, their roots give off a toxic sulphur chemical in the soil which attack plant parasites.

Years ago when I had a greenhouse, marigolds were the only pest control that worked and kept the whitefly away from my tomatoes. Two years ago, I planted tomatoes outside in my raised beds next to marigolds and it definitely worked a second time.

This year I’m trying a Marigold ring of Steel protection around my tomatoes and at the foot of my sunflowers. I hope the bright flowers brighten up the vegetable garden and bring the bees and insects to pollinate the tomatoes but also I hope the marigolds will protect my Tomatoes, when they finally get growing.

How to Sow and Plant your Marigolds Ring of Steel for Tomatoes

• 1. Sow marigolds seeds into a seed tray and cover with compost and water. Put in a warm place to germinate.
• 2. Once the seedlings have bushed out and are competing with light with the other seedlings, prick them out and either plant straight out into your raised bed or you can pot them on again.
• 3. Plant your marigolds in whatever shape I.e. circle, oval, square, rectangle, a couple of inches apart from one another. Leave enough space in the middle to plant your tomatoes.
• 4. Water in your marigolds and leave them to grow on and establish as strong plants whilst you are growing on your tomatoes.
• 5. Plant your tomatoes in the centre of your ring or shape of marigolds.