I had never associated marigold flowers with growing tea plants until I received an E-newsletter from Glenburn Tea Estate a few days ago.
Glenburn Tea Estate is located high in the Himalayan mountain region of India, near Kolkaka. Doesn't it look like a beautiful estate to visit?
According to Glenburn's newsletter, the pest resistant properties of marigolds make it a good companion plant for tea [as well as other crops]. Marigolds produce bioactive compounds that are very effective against plant parasitic nematodes [worms] that cause root knot and cysts. The presence of marigolds, especially due to its dense growth, suppresses weeds that are adverse to tea. Marigolds are very shallow rooted, so they don't compete with tea roots for nutrients. Also the biomass generated once the plant has matured is invaluable as organic matter contributed to the soil.
[Photo courtesy of Glenburn website]
According to Glenburn's newsletter, the pest resistant properties of marigolds make it a good companion plant for tea [as well as other crops]. Marigolds produce bioactive compounds that are very effective against plant parasitic nematodes [worms] that cause root knot and cysts. The presence of marigolds, especially due to its dense growth, suppresses weeds that are adverse to tea. Marigolds are very shallow rooted, so they don't compete with tea roots for nutrients. Also the biomass generated once the plant has matured is invaluable as organic matter contributed to the soil.
[Photos courtesy of Glenburn E-newsletter]
So as you sip your tea, be grateful for marigolds and their role in the growth of tea plants!
