How to Plant Marigolds

Marigolds thrive in full sunshine and can often withstand extremely hot summers. They do not need rich soil. They are brightly coloured and can bring on tiny moments of joy (TMJ) to people. Planting them in places in which they are least expected is a delightful way of giving back to a community.

What you will need for this work:

• A map and red felt tipped marker
• A dark coloured waterproof bag
• A few flats of Marigolds
• Gardening gloves
• A small spade
• A screwdriver
• A water bottle (squeeze bottle is best)
• Small scissors
• A flashlight (optional)

First task: Reconnaissance mission!

Start with the map and red pen. As you walk about your city or town - keep an eye out for a Marigold Opportunity (MO). What is an MO? Any little spot of soil that is naked or weed-filled. (Preferably protected from being stepped on) Next to a bus stop, a liquor store, a payday loans company, an employment centre, a youth centre or a senior centre. Look for places frequented by people who may be having a difficult day. Look for spots frequented by people who may like flowers... or a place frequented by people who, for what every reason, might be looking down at their feet. Have you found a good spot for a potential MO? Mark it on your map for planting season.

Acquiring Marigolds

Most garden centres will have Marigolds and many department stores will sell them in their seasonal sections. People like them in their gardens to deter “bad bugs.” Remember in climates that have a winter season, its best to plant Marigolds until after the last frost.

African marigolds are best purchased as young plants. Because African marigolds take long to flower. Buy them by the flat. When you are ready to go out planting, remove the plants from the pots or egg-crate flat and place them carefully in a bag. Pack your hand spade, screwdriver, water bottle and research map. If you are planting at night, bring the flashlight. Guerrilla gardening is sometimes best-done early evening or early morning.

Ready, Set, Plant

When you locate a good spot to pop in a marigold, dig a 4-inch hole. Remember to use gloves to protect your hands from broken glass or needles as you dig. You can use the screwdriver if digging in a tight spot. Once the plant is in place press the soil back around the stem gently and give it a squirt with from your water bottle. Remember to give yourself a squirt too, gardening is demanding work and staying hydrated is important!

Tagetes tenuifolia also known as signet marigolds, are small and do well in hot, dry locations. These French marigolds can also easily be started from seed. Seed-use is good for planting in hard-to-reach areas or in cracks. Marigold seeds like to be planted at least 4 inched deep. If planting seeds in cracks a screwdriver is a useful tool to dig a hole with! After planting, shoot a little water their way with a squirt from your water bottle.

Post Planting

Once a week visit your seeds or newly planted flowers and give them a shot of water. Adding a liquid plant food to the water is a nice treat – just remember to bring water for yourself in a different bottle.

Marigolds need to be dead headed. The dead flower heads need to be snipped off so the plant will continue to bloom. A pair of small scissors are perfect for the task.

Remember as you go about checking on your marigolds, to keep an eye out for TMJ: people smiling as you tend to the little plant that has popped into a corner of their life. Have a seat on a bench nearby and watch people – does anyone smile as their eye catches the sunny intruder you have sneaked into a small crack in their day. I hope so!