October in the Garden: Marigolds vs. Nematodes (and Why Guilds Save the Day)
Nematodes got you down? It did here, so this October, we’re fighting back with marigolds, guild planting, and regenerative soil care—right here at Clemson Tea Farm.
Fall Reflections: From Damage to Defense
September left us a little bruised: nematode damage showed up in some of our beds. Those microscopic soil pests are notorious for attacking roots, weakening plants just when they should be thriving. But instead of reaching for chemicals, we reached for allies.
Enter marigolds. These sunny little flowers don’t just look cheerful; they release compounds from their roots that suppress nematodes. It’s like throwing a “no vacancy” sign in the soil.
Tea/Life/Farm example: Just like we limb up tea plants to reduce fungus, we’re now planting marigolds to reduce nematodes. Different pest, same principle: prevention through smart planting.
Building Guilds: Nature’s Teamwork
We didn’t stop with marigolds. This month we’re expanding guilds—plant communities designed to support each other above and below ground. Think of it as regenerative soil therapy with built-in beauty.
Here’s what went into October’s planting:
Marigolds (Pest Repellent): Fight nematodes with root-secreted compounds.
Clover (Nitrogen Fixer): Adds fertility to the soil while smothering weeds.
White clover acts as a ground cover. We are seeding with Red Clover to help feed the bees, too.
Allums, some better known as garlic and onions we planted in the Magnolia garden area.
Here are some other viable options during the warmer weather:
Chicory & Dandelion (Taproots): Punch through our South Carolina clay and aerate the soil.
Chamomile & Yarrow (Dynamic Accumulators): Pull up hidden minerals and feed the compost later.
Thyme & Oregano (Groundcovers): Living mulch that keeps soil cool and moist.
Together, they’re not just plants—they’re a soil-saving squad.
October To-Do’s on the Farm
October isn’t only about patching up damage.
Here’s what else is happening at Clemson Tea Farm right now:
Tea Plants: Slowing down for dormancy. We’re easing irrigation and shifting toward prep for winter pruning.
Berry Rows: Mulching and Pest checks continue, but harvests are winding down.
Orchard Guilds: Mulching around apple, pecan, and mulberry trees to protect roots and feed soil life.
Cover Crops: Seeding rye and vetch in open spaces—future compost in the making.
Bee Hives: Checking food stores before colder nights settle in.
Pro tip: October is less about planting veggies and more about setting the stage. Think soil, structure, and systems.
October’s Theme = Protect & Prepare
This October, the soil is our focus. From marigolds that chase away nematodes to cover crops that feed next year’s growth, we’re investing in the unseen. Healthy soil now means thriving tea plants, berries, and orchards come spring.
