Read everything in detail about the Best Borage Companion Plants and how they are good for each other in this guide.
Borage Companion plants are great strategic plant neighbors that not only boost the flavors of vegetables and fruits but also protect them from nasty pests.
Read: Nasturtium Companion Plants
Best Borage Companion Plants
Borage (Borago officinallis) is a good companion plant. Plants that grow well with borage are as follows:
- Cabbage
- Tomatoes
- Strawberries
- Squash
Borage is a great companion plant that can deter cabbage worms and tomato worms, as borage attracts beneficial insects like tiny wasps and bees. These pollinators also ward off pests from the garden. Moreover, borage performs well near a variety of flowers and herbs. So, it’s a good idea to add borage as a companion plant.
Companion Planting with Borage
Companion planting beside borage offers numerous benefits. Borage is popular for improving the taste and growth of strawberries, possibly as it enriches the soil with trace minerals. Borage leaves have potassium, calcium, and Vitamin C, which makes them ideal mulch for a variety of vegetables. Use older, larger, and fading leaves for this purpose. Additionally, borage plant material is a valuable addition to compost bins, providing nutrients and bulk to enrich the compost.
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Tips to Begin Companion Planting with Borage
For companion planting with borage, purchase the borage seeds, which germinate easily. Alternatively, you can buy borage seedlings from local nurseries or farmers’ markets. Do remember that borage self-seeds vigorously, but it’s simple to remove unwanted plants from your garden beds. Borage leaves are coarse, thick, and covered in fine hairs. Its main attraction is its tiny lavender or blue star-shaped flowers, which bloom continuously throughout the growing season. In milder climates, borage may even flower during the winter months.
Borage is a versatile companion plant that grows well in both sunny or partially shaded areas and prefers moist soil. Both the flowers and young leaves of borage are edible. The flowers add a hint of spiciness and are visually appealing in salads, iced lemonades, or stir-fries (add them at the very end).
Note: Pregnant and nursing women are suggested to avoid consuming borage as it is not beneficial for their health or the well-being of their babies.