Many seasoned gardeners know the power of companion planting. When implementing this type of planting, the companion plant often chosen is the yellow or orange Marigold flower.
With companion planting, marigolds have been proven to help the growth and performance of basil, broccoli, Brussel sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, cucumbers, eggplant, gourds, kale, potatoes, squash, and tomatoes. Marigolds also a great companion plants to melons because they deter beetles. In fact, some scented varieties of marigolds not only deter beetles, but beet leaf hoppers, cabbageworms, Mexican bean beetles, and nematodes (microscopic worms that attach the roots of plants) as well. Some varieties even repel rabbits.
According to the University of Rhode Island Green Share program, the secret is in the strong scent of the marigold. Many insects and pests find food based on smell and the marigolds can mask the scent of various crops. So, if the adult cabbage moth has a tough time finding the crops by smell there will be fewer cabbageworms around the cabbage and other plants.
It has been said that the roots of French Marigolds release a chemical so strong that this marigold is an effective pesticide for several years after the plants have died in your garden or flower bed. The University of Florida Extension recommends planting a robust crop of marigolds one season before planting fruits or vegetables to effectively control nematodes.
The Alabama Cooperative Extension Service notes that marigolds also suppress some disease-causing agents.
Many rose gardeners also swear that marigolds help deter weeds and strengthen rose plants. The powerful outcome from certain types of marigolds—repelling insects and pests, suppressing diseases, and minimizing weeds—strengthens companion plants. The combination of marigolds with companion plants creates greater performance for all collective plants versus just growing roses, vegetables, or marigolds on their own.
That is the “Marigold Effect.”
While the Marigold Effect is often seen in the gardening community, I believe that it can be applied to the Account-Based Marketing (ABM) world with great results as well. One of the best ways that I see to create the Marigold Effect in ABM is with display advertising and retargeting. Continue reading →
