What kind of marigold are we talking about here.  The classic French 
Marigold, the Pot Marigold, or the African Marigold?  
    I don't happen to like Okra, personally, but marigolds are great around 
Tomatoes and around brussels sprouts too.  I grow Calendula Officianalis 
every summer to make a salve out of, and it seems to keep all sorts of bugs 
off the tomatoes.  Not the least of which is the horn worm.  The worm will go 
for the marigold every time.  And one packet of seed can sprout quite a few 
Marigold plants.  
    But you're right.  You need to give whatever you are growing them with a 
chance to get set and established before you grow the marigold.  After all 
the marigold is actually a weed.  It is listed in both the flower and weed 
category, and will act just like a weed.  Crowding out most domestic 
vegetables that are not well established.  
                                  Bright Blessings
                                  Kat
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