Is there a right place for growing Marigolds? When I moved from Michigan to North Carolina, I was immediately informed what plants I could grow and where to grow the most popular vegetables. Being stubborn and bullheaded, I did it my way.

First I prepared the sand for planting, picked the plants I knew how to grow and proceeded to plant my garden and flower beds, all in this sand I call soil. This is a small tight knit community and 'The Yankee' was under constant scrutiny. The first rule I broke was to plant one Marigold next to each tomato, cabbage, head lettuce, squash and potato hill. I slipped a few through out the corn and beans just for good measure. The top rumor was that 'The Yankee' didn't know a flower from a vegetable. Not only was it a perfect year for growing vegetables, it was also a perfect year for bugs, butterflies and worms.

Need I say more? My vegetables flourished without the full attack from the pests. Each evening we enjoyed the fruits of my labor while everyone tried to figure out what pesticides were being used. Near the end of the growing season, I asked my husband to please tell his cousin my secret before he went crazy. I also knew it was the fastest way to get the word out.

My wonderful Marigolds made me a respected member of the community.

Learn more about this author, Sylvia Outlaw.
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