Wednesday 24 June 2009

French Marigolds


I have planted French marigolds in different beds all around the allotment. Apparently they produce a pesticidal chemical from their roots, and are good at deterring whiteflies. Alot of people grow them in the same area as their tomatoes. I think they are colourful and lovely to look at, but I'm not too keen on their scent.


The weeds are making a bid to take over the allotment. I spent an hour up there last night and made a start, but there's still loads of weeding to do. I don't mind weeding, in fact I find it quite relaxing, but when you're aware that you don't have all the time in the world to get it done, it seems a little more like a chore. I think I'll have to make an effort to get to the allotment more just to do some weeding. The problem is that when I do go, there are other jobs which also need doing and I end up getting side tracked. I'm going to have to be more blinkered and just do the jobs I have gone to do.


Joy of joys, my carrots have germinated. I sowed these quite a few weeks ago and thought the seeds must be dud as nothing had happened. Of course, my soil hasn't been worked and therefore contains alot of stones at the moment, so they'll probably end up looking like something you see in the mis-shaped veg category at the local produce show rather than the specimens you see being judged for most perfect carrot, but we shall see. The carrots which my son sowed a while ago are looking good, but again, only time will tell what is going on underground.


My daughter's patch is looking more like a little garden rather than a bed on an allotment. She's got alsorts of things planted and she has dotted them around in a very girly, pretty way. I thought it best to let her get on with it in her own way as I think this is what gardening is all about. In her bed she's got a pumpkin, some mini sweetcorn, beetroot, French marigolds, borage and a tomato plant which she was given at the Gardener's World Live show.


My peas are now filling their pods and it won't be long before they're ready to pick. I'm looking forward to eating them uncooked. I'm sure they'll be as 'sweet as the moment when the pod went pop'.


8 comments:

  1. AnonymousJune 24, 2009

    I'm growing sugar snap and mange tout, and only a few have made it to the kitchen - most have been eaten by me and Bella (the mangetout eating Beagle!) - they are LOVELY to eat as you potter! Cat @ Manor Stables

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  2. i am thinking of putting in marigolds. do u really think they're worth it??

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  3. Hi Jo,
    I have a couple of dwarf French marigolds just like yours in my flowering plants planter box. They are so bright and cheery!

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  4. AnonymousJune 26, 2009

    I like the scent - it reminds me of my grandma. Not that she smelled like that, but that she grew them in abundance and it makes me think of being in her garden.

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  5. AnonymousJune 26, 2009

    Have you got a pic of your daughter's patch ? It might inspire my daughter (7.5)...

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  6. I am going to plant some marigolds too. Had some last year and they were quite effective. I agree with you about the scent though !

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  7. I never know that marigolds produce pesticidal chemical from their roots... I may even try out putting more marigolds soon in our vegetable garden.

    Have a nice day
    ~ bangchik

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  8. I can't believe that Bella eats mangetout, Cat. Are you sure she's a Beagle?

    I don't really know myself, Steph, whether the Marigolds actually do the job they're supposed to do, but they are so easy to grow from seed and look so pretty too. They really brighten up the allotment.

    I agree Avis, they are such a cheery flower.

    Honesty reminds me of my grandma, Elizabeth. She always used to have the dried flower pods in a vase. I haven't got a photo of my daughter's patch, but I will certainly take one and add it to my blog.

    It's good to know that the marigolds worked for you, Clare.

    It will be good to compare if the marigolds work, Bangchik. Even if they don't they will still brighten up your vegetable garden.

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