The Popular Garden Flower You Can Grow From Seed For Healthier Soil

There are a lot of things that you can do to help ensure your garden soil is healthy. From testing your soil to using a soil conditioner, you may think you've tried everything. One way to have healthier soil may not have occurred to you, though: Growing the right species of plants and flowers. That's right, sometimes the things you grow in your soil can help make it healthier. One easy-to-grow flower that can help prevent problems with root-knot nematodes, as well as viruses and bacteria, is the beautiful marigold (Tagetes spp.).

Marigolds emit a chemical underground that can help control fungi, bacteria, insects, viruses, and nematodes in your soil. Root-knot nematodes, as well as some other types of nematodes, are notorious for the damage they can cause in gardens. These microscopic roundworms can stunt or even kill plants due to the damage they cause to their roots.

Considering all the problems they can help prevent, it's no wonder marigolds are popular vegetable garden companion plants. While you can easily find marigolds at your local garden center, they're also a snap to grow from seed. Even though most species are annuals, they are self-seeding, so these flowers may return each year.

You can direct sow your marigold seeds once soil temperatures are in the mid-60s. Or, if you prefer, you can start your seeds indoors and then transplant your marigolds out once the risk of frost has passed. Make sure to harden off your young seedlings well if you are opting to transplant them.

Grow your marigolds in a spot where they'll get full sun, as these sunny-looking flowers require plenty of sunshine to thrive. Marigolds also benefit from well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. While you need to provide your marigolds with consistently moist soil while they are getting established, they can handle less regular watering, and even mild drought later in the season. 

There are a surprisingly wide variety of types of marigold flowers to choose from. You could even grow a garden made up of nothing but different types of marigolds. The plants can range from the petite signet marigolds that rarely grow past 6 inches to massive African marigolds that can reach 4 feet tall. And while you may mostly associate marigolds with the classic orange and red flowering varieties, there are also cultivars that bloom in shades of yellow and cream. All types of marigolds, however, can help make your soil healthier.