Tried planting marigolds next to my tomatoes on a whim and the aphids disappeared in 2 weeks

I've got a little veggie patch in my backyard here in Phoenix. Last spring I had aphids all over my tomato plants for like the third year in a row. My neighbor Deb told me to try marigolds, said it was an old trick. I thought it sounded like superstition but I figured I had nothing to lose. Planted a row of them right along the tomato bed in early March. Within 14 days I couldn't find a single aphid on any of the plants. The tomatoes did better than ever too. Is this a known thing or did I just get lucky? Anyone else have a random gardening tip that actually worked way better than you expected?

2 comments

2 Comments

ericgonzalez8d ago

Man, "planted a row of them on a whim" is basically the story of my whole gardening life. My attempt at companion planting usually ends with me accidentally growing a giant weed that takes over the yard. But seriously, marigolds are no joke for aphids. I tried it last year after seeing a few on my pepper plants and it worked way better than that expensive spray I bought from the hardware store. I think the marigolds attract these little wasps that eat the aphids or something, idk the science but it definitely worked for me too.

angela_allen538d ago

Yeah but did the marigolds keep working all season or did they crap out after a few weeks? Mine did great through June but by August they were leggy and the aphids came right back. I'm wondering if you gotta replant them or something. Also curious if you used French marigolds or African ones. I heard the French ones work better for pest control but the African ones are bigger. What kind did you stick with?