Our first year and I thought I'd try some companion planting (Fellow newbies be warned: reading too many books does this sort of thing to you - instead seek enlightenment from the forum).
We had half a bed spare and 3 purple sprouting broccoli and shortly afterwards some african marigolds. Here is the result...
(http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k167/jackdaw3/092006Allotment009e.jpg)
The PSB surrounded by marigolds is almost untouched, the other two have been chomped but hardly touched since the marigolds really took over, so in this case companion planting seems to have worked (so far). On the other hand this approach doesn't leave a lot of space for the veggies - I had no idea marigolds got so big and I don't want to end up eating them instead. ' :-\
Tagetes are much smaller plants and seem to have a similar effect... they keep down greenhouse whitefly...
;D
Not being an experienced gardener, I picked up a packet in the local garden centre in the spring without doing any homework - should have read the back of the packet.
I've just looked up Tagetes on the internet and it seems all marigolds belong to the family.
There are a huge number to choose from: Mexican, African, French and all growing to a variety of heights - just seen a Mexican one that grows to 6 feet!
As you say, a shorter variety is needed, but presumably to work it'll have to be pungent - any suggestions for a specific one?
Suggest French for the right size and smell 8)
I grew Mr Majestic this year and they were dead cute :D
Put a jolly assortment on my plot, (thanks to MrsKP)They look really bright and cheerfull and did the job too. What with the sweet peas amongst the beans to help pollination and the dahlias ('cos I love them) and the flowers on the comfrey- it's looked very colourful. More in the planning for next year. I just don't like the regimental rows of dull green things on their own.
Thanks for all the advice - we'll go for lots more colour and variety next year!
Barnowl, if you would like some seeds from my m'golds pm me and I will send some.
Maggie