Starting Marigolds in Your Greenhouse
Are you looking to elevate the beauty and functionality of your outdoor garden? Look no further than marigolds! These colorful flowers not only add a pop of color to your landscape but also offer a host of benefits that make them a must-have in any garden. In this post, we'll explore the importance of adding marigolds to your outside garden and explore everything from starting them by seed in your Yoderbilt Greenhouse to collecting seeds for future plantings.
Starting Marigolds by Seed in Your Yoderbilt Greenhouse
One of the most rewarding aspects of gardening is starting your plants from seed, and marigolds are no exception. Utilizing a Yoderbilt Greenhouse provides the ideal environment for germination and early growth. Here's how to get started:
Selecting Quality Seeds
Choose high-quality marigold seeds from a reputable supplier. Opt for varieties that suit your garden's aesthetic and climate. Also, if you aren’t drawn to the traditional orange and yellow varieties, there are so many seed options that your local garden center will not carry. Two of my favorites are Strawberry Blonde and Eskimo.
Preparing Seed Trays
Fill seed trays or small pots with a well-draining potting mix. Moisten the soil slightly before sowing the seeds.
Sowing Seeds
Plant marigold seeds at a depth of about 1/4 inch and lightly cover them with soil. I also add a thin layer of fine vermiculite to help retain moisture and decrease the chance of fungal infections.
Providing Adequate Light and Moisture
Place the seed trays in your Yoderbilt Greenhouse where they can receive plenty of indirect sunlight – which our greenhouses are designed for. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
The Large Amount You Will Need and the Cost Savings
Marigolds are known for their prolific blooming, making them an excellent choice for filling out your garden beds or containers. When starting from seed, consider the quantity needed to achieve your desired display or to deter pests including deer. I have to grow A LOT, so the cost savings is a huge benefit for me. And they are such an easy plant to grow by seed.
How marigolds offer cost savings:
Economical Seed Option
Marigold seeds are generally affordable, especially when purchased in bulk. This allows you to sow a large number of plants without breaking the bank.
Abundant Blooms
Once established, marigold plants produce an abundance of flowers throughout the growing season, providing exceptional value for your investment.
Garden Center Pricing
Over the recent years, marigolds, like so many other plants have increased tremendously in price. Growing your own by seed, especially if you need a lot, just makes sense as it is such a staple in so many gardens.
Pest Deterrence and Other Benefits
Marigolds aren't just pretty faces in the garden; they also serve as natural pest deterrents and offer additional benefits:
Repelling Pests
The strong scent of marigolds acts as a natural deterrent to many garden pests, including aphids, nematodes, and whiteflies. Planting them alongside vulnerable crops can help protect your garden from infestations.
Attracting Beneficial Insects
While repelling harmful pests, marigolds also attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and hoverflies, which prey on garden pests, creating a balanced ecosystem.
Transplanting and Seed Collection
Knowing when and how to transplant marigold seedlings is crucial for their successful growth:
Transplanting
Wait until the seedlings have developed several sets of true leaves before transplanting them into your garden. Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil and space the plants according to their mature size. Make sure you plant them out after your last expected frost date.
BONUS: Seed Collection
As the growing season comes to an end, allow some of the marigold flowers to mature and develop seeds. Harvest the dried flower heads and remove the seeds for future plantings. Because they make such an abundance of flowers, they equally make an abundance of seeds. Store them in a cool, dry place until ready to use.
Incorporating marigolds into your outside garden offers a myriad of benefits, from their vibrant blooms to their pest-deterring properties. By starting them from seed in your Yoderbilt Greenhouse, you not only save money but also gain the satisfaction of nurturing these beautiful flowers from their earliest stages in abundance and selecting varieties that you could never find locally. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or new gardener marigolds are sure to enhance the beauty and productivity of your outdoor space.
Happy gardening!
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