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Marigolds and calendula for pest control?

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  • #1

    Marigolds and calendula for pest control?

    Are they pest deterrents or sacrificial?
    I see that they deter pests, including slugs but I've had marigolds in the garden before and they were devoured by slugs apart from the head.

    And so, generally, if you plant sacrificial plants, doesn't that just attract the baddies to the nice juicy veg where you don't want them anyway?

    Thanks!
    Last edited by rabbit; 19-01-2013, 10:42 PM.
    Tags: None
  • #2
    Calendula is the English, or Pot, Marigold. It attracts blackfly and their predator, hoverflies. So they aren't a pest deterrant, but they encourage hoverflies into your garden, which will help to keep the numbers of blackfly in check.

    Marigolds: there are many, including Mexican, French, African. French and African are quickly devoured by slugs and snails.

    http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...ard_29837.html

    http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...lds_66216.html

    http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...ing_44418.html

    http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...use_66422.html

    http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...lds_30128.html
    Last edited by Two_Sheds; 19-01-2013, 10:56 PM.
    All gardeners know better than other gardeners." -- Chinese Proverb.

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    • #3
      Originally posted by Two_Sheds View Post
      Calendula is the English, or Pot, Marigold. It attracts blackfly and their predator, hoverflies. So they aren't a pest deterrant, but they encourage hoverflies into your garden, which will help to keep the numbers of blackfly in check.

      Marigolds: there are many, including Mexican, French, African. French and African are quickly devoured by slugs and snails.

      http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...ard_29837.html

      http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...lds_66216.html

      http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...ing_44418.html

      http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...use_66422.html

      http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...lds_30128.html
      Thanks! Clearly should have searched the forum before posting. What I glean from these thread is
      - french marigold whre you can, in succession, as sacrificial plants for slugs
      -except next to beans
      -calendula to attract hoverflies

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      • #4
        Originally posted by rabbit View Post
        Thanks! Clearly should have searched the forum before posting. What I glean from these thread is
        - french marigold whre you can, in succession, as sacrificial plants for slugs
        -except next to beans
        -calendula to attract hoverflies
        French Marigold and Calendula everywhere will help to repel bugs and bring predatory insects in. They can go near beans, not sure where it says they can't and I've always grown them together and I'm a keen bean grower. In fact, I leave them to self seed and only remove them when I need to plant in that space; hopefully the roots left still keep doing their bug prevention things long after the flower has been removed or replanted.

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        • #5
          Originally posted by zazen999 View Post
          French Marigold and Calendula everywhere will help to repel bugs and bring predatory insects in. They can go near beans, not sure where it says they can't and I've always grown them together and I'm a keen bean grower. In fact, I leave them to self seed and only remove them when I need to plant in that space; hopefully the roots left still keep doing their bug prevention things long after the flower has been removed or replanted.
          FAb, I ordered seeds for both (and nasturtiums and geranium) so I'll hope to put this to good use!

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          • #6
            Years ago I grew some chillis in a garden that had lots of weeds, including sweet pea and mallow. The weeds attracted lots of hover flies, which meant that the chillis were free of pests. I suspect an area of wild flowers will have the same result. I have planted a herb bed, and I will sow wild flowers near the new veg beds, in the hope that they will attract beneficial insects.

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            • #7
              I planted a lot of cosmos of rainbow colours including white, and I found that the cabbage white's kept going for them rather than the cabbage. Didn't stop them entirely, but did seem to keep them occupied a good deal of the time, and not by eating my cabbage.
              Ali

              My blog: feral007.com/countrylife/

              Some days it's hardly worth chewing through the restraints!

              One bit of old folklore wisdom says to plant tomatoes when the soil is warm enough to sit on with bare buttocks. In surburban areas, use the back of your wrist. Jackie French

              Member of the Eastern Branch of the Darn Under Nutter's Club

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              • #8
                Originally posted by rabbit View Post
                FAb, I ordered seeds ... (and nasturtiums and geranium)
                Geranium ? Or pelargonium? The latter is tender, and doesn't do anything for pest control as far as I'm aware.

                Nasturtium are a sacrificial plant, attracting blackfly and cabbage white caterpillars. Once they're infested, pull them up and compost the lot, pests an' all.

                Originally posted by Feral007 View Post
                I planted a lot of cosmos ...the cabbage white's kept going for them rather than the cabbage.
                They also LOVE verbena bonariensis. I stand by with a butterfly net and catch a handful a day in the summer
                All gardeners know better than other gardeners." -- Chinese Proverb.

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                • #9
                  Thanks two sheds. I didn't know that about nasturtiums. I did plant them and noticed that they got infested - ie sacrificial, but it didn't occur to me to move them or the beasties on them - doh! I just left the lot, ah, we live and learn hey?
                  You may say I'm a dreamer... But I'm not the only one...


                  I'm an official nutter - an official 'cropper' of a nutter! I am sooooo pleased to be a cropper! Hurrah!

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                  • #10
                    Yep, every day's a school day
                    All gardeners know better than other gardeners." -- Chinese Proverb.

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                    • #11
                      Originally posted by ancee View Post
                      Thanks two sheds.
                      No flies on our TS

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                      • #12
                        I completely agree with Two_Sheds's post that It attracts blackfly and their predator, hoverflies. But what can we do to stop them attracting blackfly and predator???

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                        • #13
                          ^ I don't get you.

                          ???


                          If you're wanting pest-free plants, you'll have to increase your predators, so Nature's wonderful balance is achieved.
                          Don't forget that pests have a use too: they are food for other insects, and for birds. And they keep the gardener on her toes
                          All gardeners know better than other gardeners." -- Chinese Proverb.

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                          • #14
                            Interesting topic here and these things are perfect to remove and get full control on pests. I have also much worried due to some serious pests and after using these thing i get rid off fro these serious pests.We just need to implement these things in practical with exact time.

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                            • #15
                              Been hearing a lot lately about sweet alyssum being the best plant for attracting predators. Hover flies etc
                              So I have some seeds on the go and will be trying them out this year. Will post on how they do

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