Question
I have planted marigolds both in the ground in my garden and in pots.  The buds are dying off before they open.  What do you think is the problem?

Answer
Rose,
It could be one of several things - I'll give you a list and you can decide which applies to your plants.
1. Getting sprinkled with water. If the plants are being rained on frequently, or if they are hit with water from a hose or sprinkler every day, this can cause a fungus that will cause the buds to brown and not open.
2. Too little water. Just the opposite of #1! If the plants are drying between waterings, the buds will dry as the plant tries to save the foliage.
3. Fertilizer burn. If the plants have gotten too much fertilizer, or if they've been fertilized with a synthetic liquid (the blue powders) when the plant is dry, this can cause the buds or tips of the leaves to turn brown.  Never fertilize a thirsty plant, don't spray the fertilizer over the leaves or buds unless it's really, really dilute, and always mix the amounts according to directions.
4. Slugs. It's kind of rare only to see slug damage on the buds - that would mean that they are only eating the tissues around the stems that end in the buds. But I suppose it's possible. Slugs love marigolds - I just sprinkled Diatomaceous Earth over mine because they were being eaten by slugs - usually, however, the slugs eat the leaves first.

I hope this helps!
C.L.