Category: Organic Farming

  • A Beginner’s Guide to Growing Marigold from Seeds at Home

    Growing your own marigold plants at home is one of the simplest ways to bring colour and life into your space. Whether it’s a balcony, a small backyard, a container on your window, or a sunny corner indoors, marigolds are incredibly forgiving plants. They grow quickly, bloom generously, and reward even first-time gardeners with bright, cheerful flowers.

    If you’ve never planted anything before, this warm beginner’s guide will walk you through growing marigold from seeds at home, step by step — from preparing the soil to enjoying your first bloom.

    Why Marigold Is Perfect for Beginners

    Marigolds are known for being hardy, adaptable and fast-growing. They don’t demand complicated tools or specialised care. With enough light, the right soil and simple watering habits, marigolds can thrive with very little effort.

    They are also versatile perfect for:

    • home gardens
    • borders and walkways
    • flower pots and containers
    • balcony gardening
    • brightening indoor spaces near windows

    To get started, you can order Marigold Seeds – High-Germination from the Green Unison shop.

    What You Need to Grow Marigold at Home

    • Marigold seeds
    • A pot or container with drainage holes
    • Loose, well-draining soil (garden soil + compost works well)
    • Watering can or spray bottle
    • A sunny spot that receives 4–6 hours of sunlight daily

    Step-by-Step: How to Grow Marigold from Seeds at Home

    1. Prepare Your Pot or Garden Bed

    Choose a container with drainage holes so water doesn’t sit at the bottom. Marigold prefers loose, airy soil. If your soil feels heavy, mix in compost or coco peat to improve drainage.

    2. Plant the Seeds

    Make shallow holes about 1–2 cm deep. Drop one seed into each hole and cover lightly with soil. Avoid pressing down too firmly  the seed needs some breathing space.

    3. Water Gently

    Use a spray bottle or a light sprinkling to avoid displacing the seeds. The soil should feel moist but not soaked.

    4. Place in a Sunny Area

    Marigolds love sunlight. A balcony, windowsill or outdoor spot with 4–6 hours of sun is ideal.

    5. Watch for Sprouting (5–10 days)

    With the right warmth and moisture, your marigold seeds will begin to sprout in about a week. Keep the soil slightly moist during this stage.

    6. Thin Out the Seedlings

    If many seedlings sprout too close together, gently remove a few so the remaining ones have space to grow strong.

    7. Continue Watering Lightly

    Water when the top layer of soil feels dry. Overwatering can make marigolds unhappy, so less is often better.

    8. Expect Your First Blooms

    Marigolds usually bloom within 6–8 weeks. Their bright golden flowers bring warmth to any space and attract butterflies and pollinators.

    Extra Tips for Healthier Marigold Plants

    • Pinch early growth: Remove the first tip of new growth to encourage bushier plants.
    • Remove wilted flowers: This helps the plant produce fresh blooms.
    • Rotate pots: If only one side gets sunlight, turn your pot occasionally for balanced growth.
    • Feed lightly: A little compost every few weeks helps marigolds stay strong.

    Common Mistakes to Avoid

    • Overwatering: Marigold roots dislike soggy soil.
    • Deep planting: Seeds buried too deep struggle to sprout.
    • Too much shade: Without enough light, plants grow tall and weak.
    • No drainage: Always ensure your container has holes.

    Where to Buy Quality Marigold Seeds

    For healthy, vigorous plants, start with high-quality seeds. You can order Green Unison’s marigold seeds here:

    🌼 Marigold Seeds – High-Germination

    Prefer to order via WhatsApp?

    You can also explore related reads on the Green Unison blog:

    Growing flowers at home is one of the simplest joys. With marigold, the reward comes quickly bright petals, cheerful scents and the satisfaction of watching something you planted come to life.

    This article shares general gardening information only. It does not replace professional agricultural advice.

  • Marigold Seeds vs Seedlings: The Differences Every Beginner Should Know

    If you want to grow marigold at home but you’re not sure whether to start with seeds or seedlings, you’re not alone. It’s a common question—especially for beginners who want healthy, bright flowers without stress.

    Both seeds and seedlings can give you beautiful marigold plants, but they offer different experiences. This simple guide breaks down the differences so you can confidently choose the option that fits your time, space and gardening comfort level.

    What Are Marigold Seeds?

    Seeds are the starting point of the plant. They are tiny, lightweight, easy to store and perfect for gardeners who enjoy growing from scratch. With seeds, you get to watch every stage—from sprouting to blooming.

    You can order Marigold Seeds – High-Germination to start your journey from the very beginning.

    What Are Marigold Seedlings?

    Seedlings are young marigold plants that have already sprouted and passed the delicate early stage. They are transplanted into your garden or pots, making the process faster and more convenient.

    If you prefer an easier start, you can order ready-to-grow Marigold Seedlings from the Green Unison shop.

    Seeds vs Seedlings: What’s the Difference?

    Here’s a simple breakdown to help you choose:

    Feature Seeds Seedlings
    Difficulty Level Beginner-friendly but requires patience Very easy, great for busy gardeners
    Growth Speed Slower — starts from scratch Faster — you skip the sprouting stage
    Cost More affordable Slightly higher due to early care
    Control You see every growth stage You take over when the plant is stronger
    Space Needed Can start in small pots or trays Needs space for direct planting or transplanting
    Best For People who enjoy growing from scratch People who want quick blooms with little effort

    Which One Should You Choose?

    Here’s the simplest way to decide:

    • Choose Seeds if you want the full experience of nurturing your plant from the very beginning.
    • Choose Seedlings if you want fast results, less waiting and an easier process.

    Both options lead to beautiful marigold flowers — the choice depends on how hands-on you want your gardening journey to be.

    Where to Buy Quality Seeds and Seedlings

    You can get both seeds and seedlings directly from Green Unison:

    Prefer WhatsApp?

    Want to learn more about marigold? Here are helpful reads:

    Growing marigold at home is easier than many people think. Whether you start with seeds or seedlings, marigold rewards you with bright, cheerful blooms that light up your space.

    This article provides general gardening information only. It is not a substitute for professional agricultural advice.

  • African Marigold (Tagetes erecta): One Plant for Your Cup, Routine & Garden

    In our October 29 Instagram carousel, we showed how African marigold quietly works in three areas of your life:

    • In your cup
    • In your routine
    • In your soil

    This blog post is the “extended version” of that story, focused on the exact marigold we grow at Green Unison:

    African marigold – Tagetes erecta

    Tall plants, bold yellow blooms, strong leaf scent. That’s the one.

    1. Meet African marigold (Tagetes erecta)

    African marigold is a tall, branching marigold from the daisy family (Asteraceae). It originally comes from Mexico and Central America, but it thrives beautifully in warm climates like Nigeria.

    The bright golden colour of the petals comes from natural pigments called carotenoids (especially lutein). These give marigolds their sunny colour and make the petals useful for:

    • natural colour in food and oils
    • herbal tea blends (caffeine-free)
    • natural dye for crafts and textiles

    Researchers also pay attention to African marigold because its roots release natural compounds that can help reduce certain root-knot nematodes in the soil when marigolds are used as part of an integrated planting plan.

    At Green Unison, the variety we grow and dry is African marigold (Tagetes erecta), and it is the same plant behind all our marigold-based products.

    2. In the garden: marigold as a working companion

    On the farm, African marigold isn’t just decoration. We treat it as a working plant that supports the rest of the garden.

    Companion planting and soil support

    Farmers and gardeners have used marigold around vegetables for years because:

    • Marigold roots can help reduce pressure from certain soil nematodes over time when planted densely.
    • The natural scent of marigold foliage can make beds less attractive to some pests.
    • The bright flowers attract pollinators and beneficial insects, which support fruiting crops.

    Realistic expectations:

    • Marigolds won’t stop every pest.
    • They work best as one tool in a wider organic strategy (crop rotation, mulching, composting, healthy soil care).

    How you can use them:

    1. Ring your vegetable beds with marigold plants, especially near tomatoes, peppers, okra and pumpkins.
    2. Space plants 25–40 cm apart so they can fill out properly.
    3. Allow blooms to mature, then chop and incorporate dried plant residue at the end of the season.

    If you’d like to try this:

    🌼 Nature Powered Marigold Seeds – High-Germination

    You can also find marigold seedlings and other seedlings we have available.

    3. For your routine: dried petals, infused oil & hydrosol

    In the October 29 IG post, we showed marigold transitioning from garden to routine. At Green Unison, we keep this side of marigold cosmetic, culinary and craft-based only—never medical.

    a) Dried African marigold petals

    Our Nature Powered Dried Marigold Petals – Pure & Vibrant are carefully dried African marigold petals with preserved colour and aroma.

    You can use them as:

    • A gentle herbal tea ingredient
    • Natural colouring for oils, foods and drinks
    • An ingredient in DIY crafts (bath salts, wax melts, soap, potpourri)

    Basic marigold petal tea

    • 1–2 teaspoons dried petals
    • 1 cup hot water
    • Steep 5–10 minutes
    • Sweeten if desired

    This creates a warm, golden herbal drink with a soft flavour that pairs well with peppermint, spearmint, lemongrass or lavender.

    🌼Dried Marigold Petals – Pure & Vibrant

    If you have allergies—especially to daisy-family plants—or any health condition, check with a qualified professional before making marigold tea a regular habit.

    b) Marigold infused oil – soft, comforting body oil (external use)

    Infused oil is created by steeping dried marigold petals in a plant carrier oil so the colour and oil-soluble compounds gently release.

    Green Unison’s Nature Powered Marigold Infused Oil – Soft & Comforting is:

    • made from dried African marigold petals
    • filtered and bottled for external use only
    • a gentle herbal cosmetic oil for everyday body care and hair care

    How to use it:

    • As a body oil after bathing (on damp skin)
    • As a massage oil for tired muscles
    • Smoothed over dry elbows, knees and shins
    • Lightly applied to hair ends as part of a hair oil blend (external use only)

    You can also layer it with other infused oils like mint or lavender infused oil.

    Safety

    • Patch-test first
    • Avoid eyes, lips, broken skin
    • Discontinue if irritation occurs
    • Follow your dermatologist’s guidance for persistent skin concerns

    🌼Marigold Infused Oil – Soft & Comforting

    Explore more Infused Oils

    c) Marigold hydrosol – gentle floral water

    During steam distillation, plants release:

    • a concentrated essential oil
    • a gentler aromatic water called hydrosol or floral water

    Green Unison’s Nature Powered Marigold Hydrosol – Gentle & Soothing is:

    • pure floral water from African marigold
    • suitable for external use only
    • a soft way to enjoy marigold’s aromatic character

    Ways to use hydrosol:

    • As a face mist or toner
    • As a linen or pillow spray
    • As a gentle body mist (avoid eyes and mucous membranes)
    • As base water in simple DIY cosmetic blends

    🌼 Marigold Hydrosol – Gentle & Soothing

    Check out our Floral Waters

    d) Where essential oils fit into your routine

    Essential oils are concentrated aromatic extracts. Green Unison essential oils (lavender, mint, rosemary and more) are intended for:

    • diffusers,
    • very well-diluted blends,
    • and room aromatics.

    They are not for ingestion and should always be diluted before skin contact.

    Pairing ideas:

    • Use marigold hydrosol + marigold infused oil for a soft base
    • Add essential oils only in diffusers or diluted DIY blends
    • Keep essential oils far away from children, pets and vulnerable individuals

    Check out our Essential Oils

    4. Beyond routine: tea, colour & craft

    With dried African marigold petals in your pantry, you have multiple options:

    • Herbal teas – blend with mint, spearmint, lemongrass or lavender
    • Natural colouring – tint oils, syrups, broths or rice
    • Natural dye – colour cotton, wool or silk in warm golden tones
    • Decor & craft – sprinkle in candles (surface only), soaps, bath salts, and table décor

    Keep items clearly labelled for food, cosmetic, or craft use.

    Dried Marigold Petals – Pure & Vibrant

    5. Quick FAQs: African marigold, hydrosol & infused oil

    1) Is African marigold the same as calendula?

    No.

    • African marigold = Tagetes erecta
    • Calendula (pot marigold) = Calendula officinalis

    Green Unison’s marigold petals, hydrosol and infused oil all come from African marigold (Tagetes erecta).

    2) Can I drink marigold tea every day?

    African marigold petals are considered edible and are traditionally used in small amounts. We treat marigold tea as a culinary herbal drink, not medicine.

    Check with a qualified professional if you:

    • are pregnant or breastfeeding
    • have allergies (especially Asteraceae family)
    • have a health condition
    • or take medications

    3) Are marigold products medicine?

    No. Green Unison products are:

    • Dried petals – culinary & craft ingredient
    • Infused oil – cosmetic external-use oil
    • Hydrosol – external-use floral water
    • Seeds/seedlings – for gardening

    They are not drugs and not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.

    4) Can marigold replace chemical pesticides?

    Marigold helps, but it is not a complete replacement.

    Use it as:

    • a soil-supporting crop
    • a border flower for diversity
    • part of an integrated pest-management approach

    Combine with proper soil care, mulching, composting and crop rotation.

    6. Shop the African marigold range from Green Unison

  • 🌼 Unlock the Secret to Healthier Soil with Our Marigold Plants 🌼

    🌼 Unlock the Secret to Healthier Soil with Our Marigold Plants 🌼

    When it comes to gardening, marigold plants are more than just beautiful blooms. These vibrant flowers are natural soil improvers, offering a range of benefits that promote healthier, more fertile soil. Whether you’re an avid gardener or just starting out, marigolds can play a key role in sustainable gardening practices by enriching your soil and protecting it from harmful pests and diseases.

    Let’s explore how marigold plants contribute to soil health and how you can incorporate them into your gardening routine.

    How Marigolds Help Improve Soil

    1. Natural Pest Control with Root Exudates

    Marigold roots release natural compounds called thiophenes, which are toxic to certain soil-dwelling pests, like nematodes. These compounds help reduce nematode populations, preventing them from damaging your crops and maintaining a healthy balance in the soil.

    2. Organic Matter Contribution

    When marigold plants decompose, they enrich the soil with organic matter. This organic material:

    • Improves soil structure, making it looser and easier for roots to grow.
    • Increases the soil’s water retention capacity, ensuring your plants stay hydrated.
    • Enhances nutrient availability for future crops, promoting robust plant growth.

    3. Weed Suppression

    Marigolds are excellent at competing with weeds for nutrients and space. By planting marigolds, you can naturally suppress weed growth, reducing the need for chemical herbicides that can disrupt the soil’s natural balance.

    4. Enhances Microbial Activity

    When marigold residues are left in the soil, they promote the growth of beneficial microbes. These microbes:

    • Break down organic matter into nutrients.
    • Improve nutrient cycling, making essential minerals like nitrogen and phosphorus more available to plants.

    5. Natural Biofumigation

    As marigold plant material breaks down, it releases chemicals that act as natural biofumigants. These chemicals help suppress soil-borne diseases and pathogens, protecting your plants from infections and fostering a healthier soil ecosystem.

    6. Indirect Nitrogen Fixation

    While marigolds don’t directly fix nitrogen, their ability to attract beneficial insects and microbes indirectly supports nitrogen levels in the soil. This makes them an ideal companion plant for vegetables and other crops that rely on nitrogen-rich soil.

    Practical Tips for Using Marigolds to Improve Soil

    1. Crop Rotation

    Use marigolds as a cover crop or in rotation with vegetables. This practice helps reduce harmful nematodes and replenishes the soil’s organic content.

    2. Composting

    Add marigold plant material to your compost pile. Once decomposed, the nutrient-rich compost can be used to enrich garden soil, improving its structure and fertility.

    3. Interplanting

    Plant marigolds as companion plants alongside vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers. This strategy not only protects your crops from pests but also promotes a healthier soil ecosystem.

    Why Choose Marigolds for Soil Improvement?

    Marigold plants are nature’s solution to common soil challenges. They:

    • Reduce the need for chemical pesticides and herbicides.
    • Enhance soil fertility and structure through organic contributions.
    • Support sustainable, eco-friendly gardening practices.

    A Greener Planet with Every Plant

    At Green Unison, we’re passionate about sustainable gardening and empowering gardeners to work in harmony with nature. By incorporating marigolds into your garden, you’re not just improving your soil—you’re contributing to a healthier planet. Together, we’re creating a future where gardening thrives without harming the environment.

    Order Your Marigold Seeds Today!

    Ready to transform your garden? Start improving your soil naturally with the power of marigold plants. Whether you’re rotating crops, interplanting, or composting, marigolds are a game-changer for soil health.

    👉 Order marigold seeds from Green Unison today and join the movement toward sustainable gardening!

  • Protect Your Tomatoes with Marigold Plants (and Return the Favor!)

    Protect Your Tomatoes with Marigold Plants (and Return the Favor!)

    Did you know that planting marigolds alongside your tomatoes can create a powerful partnership in your garden? These two plants work together in a mutually beneficial relationship that enhances their growth and protects them from common pests. Let’s explore how marigolds can protect your tomatoes and how tomatoes can, in turn, support marigolds.

    How Marigolds Protect Tomatoes

    Marigolds are nature’s little protectors, offering several benefits to your tomato plants:

    🌼 Repelling Harmful Pests
    Marigolds release a strong fragrance that confuses and deters pests like aphids, whiteflies, and even tomato hornworms.

    🌼 Attracting Beneficial Insects
    Marigolds draw in pollinators like bees and predatory insects such as ladybugs, which feed on pests that harm tomatoes.

    🌼 Creating a Natural Barrier
    Planted as a border around your tomato patch, marigolds act as a living fence, reducing the likelihood of pests crossing over to your tomato plants.

    🌼 Improving Soil Health
    The roots of marigold varieties release natural chemicals into the soil that suppress nematodes and other harmful organisms, creating a healthier environment for your tomatoes to thrive.

    How Tomatoes Can Help Marigolds

    Tomatoes also bring benefits to their marigold companions, fostering a mutually beneficial relationship:

    🍅 Providing Shade
    As tomato plants grow tall, their leafy vines provide partial shade to marigolds, protecting them from intense heat during hot summer days.

    🍅 Diverse Ecosystem
    Tomatoes attract a range of insects, some of which may naturally prey on pests that attack marigolds. This shared ecosystem creates balance and supports both plants.

    🍅 Enhanced Growth
    The combination of marigolds and tomatoes in a companion planting system promotes biodiversity in the soil, leading to stronger, healthier plants.

    Tips for Planting Marigolds with Tomatoes

    • Spacing: Plant marigolds about 10–12 inches away from your tomatoes to allow enough room for both to grow without competing for nutrients.
    • Timing: Start marigolds a little earlier than tomatoes so they’re established by the time tomatoes are transplanted.
    • Rotation: Include marigolds in your crop rotation plan to keep soil-borne pests under control year after year.

    Why This Duo Works

    The partnership between marigolds and tomatoes is a shining example of how companion planting can enhance your garden’s health and productivity. Marigolds act as natural pest repellents, while tomatoes provide support and protection in return. Together, they create a thriving environment that benefits both plants—and rewards you with a bountiful harvest and a vibrant garden.

    🌱 Plant this duo today with our organic marigold and tomato starter kits, and watch your garden thrive—shop now to transform your garden into a naturally vibrant oasis!

  • 🌼 Grow Smarter with Green Unison’s Marigold Seeds! 🌼

    🌼 Grow Smarter with Green Unison’s Marigold Seeds! 🌼

    At Green Unison, we believe in the magic of nature working together to create a thriving, eco-friendly garden. Planting marigolds alongside pumpkins is a perfect example of how companion planting can benefit your garden, boosting productivity while protecting your plants naturally.

    Here’s why Green Unison’s Marigold Seeds are an essential addition to your garden:

    Why Marigolds and Pumpkins Make the Perfect Pair

    💛 How Marigolds Protect Your Pumpkin Plants:

    • Natural Pest Repellent: Marigolds release a unique scent that keeps common pumpkin pests like aphids, squash bugs, and whiteflies at bay. Plus, their roots produce thiophene, a natural compound that eliminates harmful soil nematodes.
    • Trap Crop Protection: Some pests are drawn to marigolds instead of pumpkins, safeguarding your pumpkin plants from damage.
    • Pollinator Magnet: Marigold blooms attract beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies, improving pumpkin pollination and boosting yields.
    • Weed Suppression: Dense marigold growth acts as a living mulch, reducing weeds around your pumpkin plants without harmful chemicals.

    🎃 How Pumpkins Support Marigolds:

    • Cooling Shade: As pumpkins grow, their broad leaves provide shade to marigolds, protecting them from excessive heat and helping retain soil moisture.
    • Enriching Soil: After pumpkin harvest, their decomposed vines naturally enrich the soil, preparing it for the next planting season.
    • Biodiversity Boost: A diverse garden with pumpkins and marigolds disrupts pest life cycles, reducing infestations and promoting healthier plants.

    Tips for Planting Marigolds and Pumpkins Together

    Regular Care: Deadhead marigold flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooms and maintain their protective benefits throughout the season.

    Spacing: Plant marigolds around pumpkin mounds or at the edges of the patch, leaving 12–18 inches of space for airflow and growth.

    Timing: Start marigold seeds a few weeks before pumpkin planting to ensure they establish early and protect your pumpkins right from the start.

    🌟 Why Choose Green Unison’s Marigold Seeds?
    When you plant with Green Unison, you’re investing in more than just seeds—you’re embracing a commitment to sustainability, quality, and eco-friendly gardening.

    💚 Quality You Can Trust: Our marigold seeds are carefully sourced to ensure maximum germination rates and vibrant blooms.
    ✨ Sustainable Practices: Green Unison’s seeds are cultivated with respect for nature, minimizing environmental impact.
    🌱 Empowered by Nature’s Wisdom: We blend traditional gardening knowledge with modern insights to bring you the very best products.

    🌼 Transform Your Garden Today! 🌼
    Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, Green Unison’s marigold seeds make it easy to grow a lush, productive garden. Pair them with pumpkins, or plant them anywhere for natural pest control and breathtaking blooms.

    👉 Shop now and let nature work its magic!