What to plant next to Marigold

The neighbours on this page are sorted by what the evidence shows: a proven benefit, good with a condition, simply compatible, or to keep apart. Each group says why, and the sources are listed at the end of the page.

Good neighbours, with a condition

Marigolds (Tagetes) reduce root-knot nematodes only when they are grown densely on the same spot for at least two months before the crop. Planted as neighbours, they show no such effect.

Why it helps

Mixing crops in the same bed spreads the risk: pests find their target harder, the soil is used at different depths and flowers bring in the insects that pollinate and hunt aphids.

Spacing in the row	25 cm (10 in)
In a 30 cm (1 ft) square	4 per square
Crop rotation group	Herbs, flowers and perennials
Sow outdoors	May
Harvest	Jun–Oct

Marigold: spacing, plants per square and companions →

Plan it in the garden

The planner warns you when two crops with a documented shared risk, such as tomatoes and potatoes, end up next to each other, so you can fix the layout before planting.

Start Planning Your Garden

Sources

The class of each neighbour on this page rests on these sources.

Marigolds (Tagetes spp.) for Nematode Management (ENY-056 / NG045, reviewed 2024) — University of Florida IFAS Extension for: good neighbours, with a condition; checked 2026-10-31