Last year I had a large tree removed (36-inch diameter). I want to plant in the currently empty area, but between the stump and large roots near the trunk, it is virtually impossible. I had the stump ground down to grade level, but the machine could not remove the stump below grade. I piled on leaves and compost last year to help accelerate the decomposition process, but I am guessing it will be at least several years before the stump and roots are well-rotted enough to be planted amongst. I heard that there are products to help speed up stump decomposing. Is this true, and if so, are they organic? I do not want to apply anything that would be harmful to the soil.

The use of purchased products to speed up stump decomposition is not much faster than what you have already started. You can speed up the process by drilling some holes in the trunk which will allow air and water down into the trunk. You could even take this one step further by putting fertilizer in the holes. Then cover with leaves and compost and wait. In the meantime, look for some clever ideas to hide and disguise the area until it is ready for use as you originally intended.

Does putting marigolds and nasturtiums in or near a vegetable garden deter pests from entering the garden area? Or is this an old wives’ tale; can it actually be harmful because those plants attract insects that will feed on the vegetables?

Native to Mexico, the sun-loving nasturtium (Tropaeolum) and French marigold (Tagetes patula) both attract and repel garden pests. While slugs devour both types of plants, especially immature French marigold plantings, many gardeners nonetheless use these species as companion plants to protect some of their vegetables. Not all marigold species, though, do the job. Only mature French marigold plants, likely grown in Mexican gardens long before Cortez arrived, emit insecticidal compounds that help control many garden pests. French marigolds are reputed to chase away white flies as well as keep tomato plants free from root nematodes and bean plants free from Mexican bean beetles. French marigolds are also unpalatable to meadow nematodes (eelworms).

Nasturtiums, once grown for the edible seeds that replaced capers when pickled, are considered by many gardeners, but not all, to be good companion plants to tomatoes, radishes, cabbage, and cucumbers. However, some gardeners think nasturtiums attract whiteflies, aphids, and viruses and should not be grown near plants that appeal to these pests. Other gardeners plant nasturtiums to attract these very pests so they will ignore nearby garden plants. Still other gardeners contend that the high sulfur content in nasturtium leaves repels pests such as aphids, squash bugs, striped pumpkin beetles, and woolly aphids.

The vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows of French marigolds and nasturtiums are a colorful addition to any garden. Moreover, both plants flourish in poor soil and full sun. However, while nasturtiums thrive on neglect, French marigolds need frequent deadheading for continuous bloom. Nasturtiums offer an added bonus: both their flowers and peppery-tasting leaves are edible.