Marigolds, particularly French Marigolds, are known for having pest-repelling qualities and are considered to be very valuable to a vegetable gardener. There is not a lot of scientific evidence that they actually repel animals except for nematodes. However, they will still add a bright pop of color to your vegetable garden. You may even notice your Marigolds will help deter away rabbits if they are planted around the border of your vegetable garden.