Ummm, they reduce the pesky leaf eating bugs more, the marigolds do not taste very good to them and therefore they don't return to eat there again-(this is what I was told) there are many gardeners who plant them in their veggie gardens around here anyways and also mum flowers. but no guarantees on that- LOL
I just looked it up & read that mosquitoes don't like them because of the strong smell. Don't know if that's true, but if it bothers the leaf eaters it's def. worth a shot to save my poor tomatoes! Thanks for the info, & if nothing else they're still beautiful to look at. (: Thanks again!