Borage: The Beeattracting Pestrepelling Companion Plant That Will

Borage: The Bee-Attracting, Pest-Repelling Companion Plant That Will Improve Your Garden

Borage is a beautiful, hardy plant that has many benefits for the garden. It is a magnet for bees and other pollinators, which helps to improve pollination and fruit set. Borage also has insecticidal properties, which can help to repel pests such as aphids, cabbage moths, and tomato hornworms. In addition, borage is a good source of nectar and pollen, which can be used to feed honeybees and other beneficial insects.

Introduction

Borage (Borago officinalis) is a member of the Boraginaceae family, which also includes forget-me-nots and comfrey. It is a hardy annual plant that is native to Europe and Asia. Borage is a tall, upright plant with blue or white flowers. The flowers are edible and can be used in salads or as a garnish. The leaves of borage are also edible and have a cucumber-like flavor.

Benefits of Borage for the Garden

• Attracts bees and other pollinators: Borage is a magnet for bees and other pollinators. The blue or white flowers of borage are very attractive to these insects, which helps to improve pollination and fruit set.
• Repels pests: Borage has insecticidal properties, which can help to repel pests such as aphids, cabbage moths, and tomato hornworms. The leaves and flowers of borage contain a substance called pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which are toxic to some insects.
• Improves soil health: Borage is a good source of nitrogen, which can help to improve soil health. The roots of borage release nitrogen into the soil, which can benefit other plants in the garden.
• Attracts beneficial insects: Borage is a good source of nectar and pollen, which can attract beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings. These insects help to control pests in the garden.

How to Grow Borage

Borage is a relatively easy plant to grow. It can be grown from seed or from transplants. Borage prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It is a drought-tolerant plant, but it will benefit from regular watering during hot, dry weather.

To grow borage from seed, sow the seeds directly in the garden in early spring. The seeds will germinate in about 1-2 weeks. To grow borage from transplants, plant the transplants in the garden after the last frost.

When to Harvest Borage

The flowers of borage can be harvested when they are fully open. The leaves can be harvested throughout the growing season. The seeds of borage can be harvested when they are brown and dry.

How to Use Borage

The flowers, leaves, and seeds of borage can be eaten. The flowers can be used in salads or as a garnish. The leaves can be used in salads, soups, or stews. The seeds can be used to make tea or to flavor food.

Borage as a Companion Plant

Borage is a good companion plant for many other garden plants. It is especially beneficial for tomatoes, strawberries, and squash. Borage can help to repel pests from these plants and can also improve pollination.

Conclusion

Borage is a beautiful, hardy plant that has many benefits for the garden. It is a magnet for bees and other pollinators, which helps to improve pollination and fruit set. Borage also has insecticidal properties, which can help to repel pests such as aphids, cabbage moths, and tomato hornworms. In addition, borage is a good source of nectar and pollen, which can be used to feed honeybees and other beneficial insects.

If you are looking for a plant that can improve your garden in many ways, then borage is a great option. It is easy to grow and care for, and it has many benefits for both the plants and the insects in your garden.

Borage is a beautiful and beneficial plant that can be a great addition to any garden. It is an annual herb that is known for its star-shaped blue flowers, which are a favorite of pollinators. Borage also has a number of other benefits, including:

• It attracts beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and hoverflies, which help to control pests.
• It releases calcium and potassium into the soil, which can help to improve the health of other plants.
• It can help to repel pests, such as cabbage worms and tomato hornworms.

If you are looking for a companion plant that can offer all of these benefits, then borage is a great choice. However, it is important to note that borage should not be planted near potatoes, fennel, or black walnut trees.

For more information about borage as a companion plant, I recommend visiting Gardenia Inspiration. This website has a wealth of information on the topic, including a list of the best companion plants for borage, as well as tips on how to grow and care for this beneficial plant.

FAQ of borage as a companion plant

Q: What are the benefits of using borage as a companion plant?

A: Borage is a great companion plant for many vegetables, flowers, and herbs. It has several benefits, including:

• Attracting beneficial insects: Borage attracts beneficial insects such as bees, butterflies, and ladybugs. These insects help to pollinate plants and control pests.
• Reducing the risk of pests: Borage is said to repel some common garden pests, such as tomato hornworms and cabbage worms.
• Improving soil health: Borage releases calcium and potassium into the soil, which can help to improve soil health and plant growth.
• Adding beauty to the garden: Borage is a beautiful plant with star-shaped blue flowers. It can add color and interest to any garden.

Q: What vegetables can I plant with borage?

A: Borage is a good companion plant for many vegetables, including:

• Tomatoes: Borage is said to repel tomato hornworms, which can be a major pest of tomatoes.
• Cabbage: Borage is said to repel cabbage worms, which can also be a major pest of cabbage.
• Strawberries: Borage is said to improve the flavor of strawberries.
• Squash: Borage can help to prevent blossom rot in squash.
• Peas: Borage can help to improve the nitrogen content of the soil for peas.

Q: What flowers can I plant with borage?

A: Borage is a good companion plant for many flowers, including:

• Marigolds: Marigolds and borage can help to repel pests from each other.
• Sunflowers: Borage can help to attract pollinators to sunflowers.
• Lavender: Borage and lavender can both attract beneficial insects.
• Calendula: Borage and calendula can both improve the health of the soil.
• Petunias: Borage and petunias can both add color and interest to the garden.

Q: How do I plant borage as a companion plant?

A: Borage is a relatively easy plant to grow. It can be planted from seed or from seedlings. When planting borage as a companion plant, it is important to consider the size of the plant. Borage can grow up to 3 feet tall, so it is important to plant it where it will not overshadow other plants.

Q: What are some common mistakes people make when using borage as a companion plant?

A: Some common mistakes people make when using borage as a companion plant include:

• Planting borage too close to other plants: Borage can be a large plant, so it is important to plant it where it will not overshadow other plants.
• Not harvesting borage regularly: Borage flowers quickly, so it is important to harvest them regularly. This will encourage the plant to produce more flowers.
• Not using the entire plant: Borage is an edible plant, and the entire plant can be used. The leaves, flowers, and seeds can all be eaten.

Image of borage as a companion plant

5 different images of "borage as a companion plant" from Pinterest:

• Image 1: Borage and tomatoes. Borage is a good companion plant for tomatoes because it helps to repel pests such as tomato hornworms and cabbage worms.
• Image 2: Borage and cucumbers. Borage also helps to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, which can help to improve the pollination of cucumbers.
• Image 3: Borage and strawberries. Borage can also help to improve the flavor of strawberries.
• Image 4: Borage and squash. Borage helps to repel pests such as squash bugs and cucumber beetles, which can be a problem for squash plants.
• Image 5: Borage and herbs. Borage can also be grown as a companion plant for herbs such as basil, mint, and oregano. These herbs benefit from the presence of borage, which helps to attract pollinators and improve the overall health of the garden.