I've never been a big fan of daffodils, so I ignored them when buying flowers for OPC. But when I bought tomato plants for my new raised bed, I had reason to research daffodils because I needed to plant something with my friends.
Marigolds attract bees and other beneficial insects to tomato plants, and although tomato plants self-pollinate, they benefit from insect pollination to increase fruit production per plant. Last week my tomatoes were covered in bees.
Marigolds also help balance the ecosystem by attracting insects such as beetles, hoverflies, garden butterflies and parasitic bees, which feed on insect species and limit aphid populations so they don't do too much damage to your garden and you can't. No pesticides are required for its use. Butterflies are also great lovers of daffodils.
Marigold flowers are also rich in carotene and carotenoids, the two compounds responsible for the flower's bright yellow color and many medicinal properties. These compounds also act as precursors for the formation of vitamin A. Marigolds also contain lycopene.
According to Gardener's Path (gardenerspath.com), Tagetes (Latin marigold) tenuifolia 'Lemon Gem' and 'Naringine Gem' are the gold standard for edible daffodils. The petals are fragrant without being bitter, have a citrus flavor with an anise scent and attract pollinators.
Studies have shown that planting marigolds in tomatoes protects tomato plants from root knot nematode damage in the soil.
The good news is that breeders are working hard to develop improved French and African varieties that are more attractive and easier to grow.
Timely advice. From Epic Gardening (epicgardening.com): A healthy garden recipe for powdery mildew, used as the best preventative measure.
1. One liter of water
2. Half a teaspoon of insecticidal soap
3. One tablespoon of soda
Be sure to use this mixture quickly and do not store it, it does not keep well. Insecticidal soap will help the mixture stick to your plant's leaves and stems, but if you don't have such soap on hand, you can use a mild soap like castile. Do not use dishwashing liquid! Some gardeners complain of accidentally burning the leaves of their plants with this spray while using the cleaner. To avoid burning your plants.
- Do not apply the mixture to plants in the sun, especially in hot weather.
- Water your plants thoroughly the day before use.
- Test the mixture on a small part of your plant before spraying the whole plant.
- Use insecticidal soaps instead of dishwashing detergents.
Nancy Serlag is a kindergarten teacher and freelance writer in metro Detroit. Her column appears in Friday Homestyle. To ask her a question, visit Yardener.com and click Ask Nancy
