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Companion planting is based on the idea that some plants perform better if they are located near a strategic plant partner. This partner may attract beneficial insects, improve soil quality, or even share root space in a mutually beneficial manner. Read on to learn about borage and companion planting.
Borage is a relatively easy-going herb that can thrive alongside most plants. However there are a few exceptions that are not ideal companions. In this complete guide we will cover what not to plant with borage and why.
Overview of Borage
Before jumping into incompatible plants, let’s first go over some key facts about borage itself:
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Borage (Borago officinalis) is an annual herb with edible leaves and flowers. It has a cucumber-like flavor.
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The plant grows 2-3 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide. It has bristly stems and leaves.
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Bright blue star-shaped flowers bloom from early summer into fall. These flowers attract bees and other pollinators.
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Borage is known for being hardy, low-maintenance and drought-tolerant once established.
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The leaves and flowers have culinary medicinal and ornamental uses.
Benefits of Borage as a Companion Plant
When planted near other crops, borage offers several benefits:
- Repels pests – helps deter insects from nearby plants
- Attracts pollinators – improves pollination and fruit set
- Adds nutrients – brings minerals like potassium to the soil surface
- Provides shade – towers over lower-growing plants
What Not to Plant Near Borage
While borage makes a great companion for most plants, there are a few exceptions. Here are the top plants to avoid planting near borage.
Strawberries
Borage is known to inhibit the growth of strawberries when planted in close proximity. Some studies have shown up to a 50% reduction in strawberry plant size and berry yields when borage was grown nearby.
The exact mechanism behind the inhibition is unclear but may be related to allelopathic compounds released by borage into the soil. To prevent issues, plant borage and strawberries at least 3 feet apart.
Tomatoes
Similar to strawberries, some research indicates tomatoes may struggle when borage is planted too close. Growth of tomato transplants can be stunted. Yield of ripe tomatoes may also decrease.
Tomatoes are very sensitive to ethylene, a natural plant hormone. One theory is that a substance emitted by borage triggers excess ethylene production in tomatoes.
Avoid planting borage right next to your tomatoes. Leave 1-2 feet of space between them to prevent potential conflicts.
Potatoes
Potatoes and borage are not a good match. Borage is susceptible to potato blight, a devastating fungal disease. If blight is present, borage can act as a host and spread the disease to potatoes and tomatoes.
Additionally, borage and potatoes prefer different soil conditions. Potatoes need acidic soil while borage thrives in more neutral or alkaline conditions.
To prevent disease transmission and soil incompatibility, keep borage away from potatoes and other nightshade crops.
Fennel
Fennel and borage both attract similar beneficial insects like ladybugs, lacewings, and hoverflies. Planting them side by side may lead to competition where neither plant receives adequate pollinator visits.
For the best results, situate fennel and borage in separate garden areas. That way, each can benefit from the full range of pollinators and predatory insects they invite.
Black Walnut Trees
Borage does not grow well near black walnut trees (Juglans nigra). These trees produce juglone, a substance that inhibits growth of some plants. Roots, leaves, and nut hulls all contain juglone.
Even after a black walnut is removed, juglone can linger in the soil for years, stunting or killing other plants. Do not plant borage anywhere near the dripline of a black walnut.
Ideal Companion Plants for Borage
While the above plants should be avoided, borage has many excellent companion options, including:
- Herbs – basil, chives, mint, thyme
- Flowers – cosmos, marigolds, sunflowers
- Fruits – berries, grapes, citrus trees
- Vegetables – beans, cabbage, cucumbers, lettuce, melons
Interplanting borage with these crops provides pest control, enhanced pollination, and soil nutrient benefits.
Tips for Planting Borage
Here are a few quick tips for successfully growing borage:
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Start seeds in spring after the last frost
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Plant in full sun (at least 6 hours)
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Amend soil with compost to improve drainage
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Space plants 12-18 inches apart
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Water regularly to keep soil consistently moist
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Harvest leaves and flowers as needed
When used strategically in the garden, borage can boost the growth and productivity of many vegetable, herb, and flower crops. While compatible with most plants, keep borage away from strawberries, tomatoes, potatoes, fennel, and black walnuts. Focus on interplanting borage with herbs, flowers, and fruits that will benefit from its pest-repelling, pollinator-attracting properties. With a little planning, you can harness borage’s full potential as an amazing companion plant.
Plants That Grow Well with Borage
Using borage (Borago officinalis) as a companion plant is a good choice. Plants that grow well with borage include:
The borage companion plant is said to repel tomato worms and cabbage worms because borage attracts beneficial insects, such as bees and tiny wasps. As we know these are great plant pollinators, they also repel garden pests. Additionally, borage works well in the garden alongside many types of herbs and flowers. So, bring on the borage as a companion plant!
Companion Planting with Borage
Companion planting with borage is a rich subject. Borage has a reputation for improving the flavor and growth of strawberries. This may be due to the fact that it adds trace minerals to the soil. Borage leaves are known to contain potassium, calcium, and Vitamin C. Since borage leaves are rich in minerals and vitamins, the leaves make nice mulch for almost any vegetable. Use the older, larger, fading leaves for this purpose. Borage plant material is also a rich contributor of nutrients and bulk for your compost bin. Buy borage seeds to start your companion planting endeavor. The seeds germinate quite easily. You can even buy borage seedlings at your local nurseries or sometimes at farmers’ markets. Please note that borage reseeds itself vigorously. If borage pops up in places you don’t want, they are very easy to weed out of your planting beds. Borage leaves are coarse, thick, and hairy. The flowers are the star of the show with this plant. Tiny, little lavender or blue colored, star-shaped flowers bloom on and on throughout the growing season. In mild climates, borage sometimes blossoms throughout the winter. The borage companion plant takes sun or part shade and prefers moist soil. Borage flowers and immature borage leaves are edible. The flowers are a tiny bit spicy and very pretty in salads, iced lemonade, or stir-fry (add at the very end). Note of caution: Pregnant and nursing women should not eat borage. It isn’t good for their health or the health of their babies.
This Plant Does EVERYTHING | Borage Growing Guide
FAQ
What is a good companion plant for borage?
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Kellogg Garden Productshttps://kellogggarden.comAll You Need to Know About Borage | Kellogg Garden Organics™
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Gardening Know Howhttps://www.gardeningknowhow.comCompanion Planting With Borage – Gardening Know HowJan 18, 2023 — Plants That Grow Well with Borage Using borage (Borago officinalis) as a companion plant is a good choice. Plants that grow well with borage include…
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Growing Spaceshttps://growingspaces.comGrowing Borage In a Greenhouse A Beautiful Bee Friendly PlantMar 4, 2024 — Plant a healthy garden with borage and these companions: Beans, Cucumbers and Peas – Choose climbing varieties and plant borage around the trellises.
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Midland Reporter-Telegramhttps://www.mrt.comMaster Gardeners: Borage makes excellent herb, companion plantMar 2, 2024 — Borage, which draws pollinators, is a companion plant for squash, strawberries and tomatoes. Borage, which draws pollinators, is a companion plant fo…
What are common problems with borage?
- Liver trouble. Borage leaves and flowers have a small number of compounds called pyrrolizidine alkaloids. …
- Bleeding. Gamma-linoleic acid in evening primrose oil can cause bleeding problems. …
- Seizures.
What does borage repel?
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Tomato Hornworms:Borage is often planted near tomatoes to deter these pests, and some gardeners believe it effectively keeps them away.
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Cabbage Worms:Borage is a good companion plant for cabbage, helping to repel these caterpillars.
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Other Pests:Borage can also deter slugs and snails, common garden pests that damage vegetables.
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Beneficial Insect Attraction:Borage attracts beneficial insects like bees, wasps, parasitic wasps, hoverflies, and lacewings, which help control other garden pests.
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Companion Planting:Planting borage with other vegetables, like tomatoes, cabbage, and squash, can provide additional benefits like attracting pollinators and deterring pests, as mentioned by Kellogg Garden Organics.
What does borage do to the soil?
Borage adds trace minerals to the soil it is planted in, and is good for composting and mulching.Jan 21, 2020
What plants grow well with borage?
Borage benefits from the nitrogen beans and peas put into the soil. The fifteen best companion plants for borage are basil, beans, cabbage, cucumbers, eggplant, grapes, marigolds, melons, peas, peppers, pumpkins, radishes, strawberries, squash, and tomatoes. Do not plant borage near potatoes, fennel, or black walnut trees.
What plants should not be planted near borage?
Here are three plants to avoid planting near the borage. Potatoes can spread potato blight to borage and kill it. Do not plant borage near potatoes. Tomatoes and eggplants do not spread potato blight to borage even though they can get it themselves. Fennel produces noxious chemicals that kill other plants.
How do companion plants help borage?
Here are some of the ways companion plants help borage. Borage is often planted near other plants to repel insects. These plants include basil, beans, cabbage, cucumbers, eggplant, grapes, marigolds, melons, peas, peppers, pumpkins, radishes, strawberries, squash, and tomatoes.
Can you plant borage with other plants?
Borage is a type of herb in which all its parts are useful from the leaves to the roots. They are all beneficial. You can accompany it with many plants and get maximum results. Some plants don’t promote their growth that’s why companion planting, an ancient and reliable practice, is important to learn.
Can borage grow with vegetables?
Borage is a beneficial companion plant for many vegetables due to its ability to attract pollinators and repel certain pests. Here are some good vegetables to grow alongside borage: Cucumbers: Borage and cucumbers have similar watering needs and can thrive together. Borage’s flowers attract bees, which can improve cucumber pollination.
Can you plant Tomatoes with borage?
Tomato is considered a bad companion for borage by some gardeners but it receives so many benefits from borage. Thus, it can be planted with tomatoes. Tomato hornworms and other major tomato pests are repelled by borage herb. Borage also beautifies the garden after your tomato vegetables have been harvested. 13. Eggplants