Borage (Borago officinalis) is an herb that has a variety of uses in the garden. It can be planted as a companion plant to help other plants thrive, but there are some plants that should not be planted alongside borage. This article will discuss which plants should not be planted with borage and explain why.It is not recommended to plant other plants alongside borage due to its tendency to spread and take over garden beds. Other plants that should not be planted with borage are sunflowers, tomatoes, maize, peppers, lettuce, melons, squash, eggplants, and cabbage.
Vegetables and Herbs Not Suitable for Planting With Borage
Borage is a herbaceous annual plant that is native to the Mediterranean region. It produces edible flowers and has been used as an herbal remedy for centuries. Borage can be a great addition to your garden, but it should not be planted alongside certain vegetables and herbs. The following vegetables and herbs should not be planted with borage:
Tomatoes – Borage has a tendency to take over and can overshadow tomato plants, reducing their yields significantly.
Marigolds – Marigolds are known to attract predatory insects, which can interfere with the pollination of borage flowers.
Cabbage – Cabbage is sensitive to boron, which is a mineral found in high concentrations in the soil around borage plants. This can lead to stunted growth of cabbage plants.
Basil – Basil plants are susceptible to root rot when planted too close to borage, which could cause them severe stress or death.
Chamomile – Chamomile is very sensitive to competition from other plants and will not thrive if planted too close to borage.
It’s important to be mindful of what plants you choose to grow near each other in your garden so that they all have the best chance at growing healthy and strong. If you decide to plant borage in your garden, make sure you choose companion plants that will help it thrive without compromising the health of other nearby vegetation.
Avoid Planting These Plants With Borage
It is important to take note of what plants should not be planted with borage. Borage is a popular herb that is known for its medicinal benefits, however, if it is planted with certain other plants, it can cause harm or inhibit growth. It is best to avoid planting borage with cabbage, tomatoes, strawberries, and peas.
Cabbage and borage can be planted together, but they will compete for nutrients and sunlight. This can ultimately lead to the cabbage not growing as well as it should. Tomatoes are also susceptible to the same issues as cabbage when planted near borage. The leaves of both plants will compete for sunlight and space, which can stunt the growth of the tomato plants.
Strawberries should also not be planted with borage as it will suffer similar issues as both tomatoes and cabbage. Borage’s vigorous growth rate can outcompete strawberries in terms of resources such as light, water, and soil nutrients. Lastly, peas should also not be planted with borage due to the fact that they have different root systems. Peas require a deep root system while borage prefers shallow roots. Planting them together may cause damage to both crops.
Overall, it is important to take note of which plants should not be grown alongside borage in order to ensure optimum growth of all plants in the garden or field. The above-mentioned vegetables should be avoided when planting borage in order to minimize competition for resources such as light and soil nutrients.
Location
When planting borage, it is important to choose a location that receives full sun. Borage prefers moist, well-draining soil and is best planted in an area that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. To ensure adequate drainage, raise the planting bed or use raised beds. If planting in containers, make sure the container has adequate drainage holes.
Soil Preparation
Once you have selected an appropriate location for your borage plants, it is important to prepare the soil properly before planting. Loosen the soil and add organic matter such as compost or aged manure to help improve drainage and provide nutrients for the plants. Borage does not require fertile soil, so fertilizers are usually not necessary.
Watering
Borage plants require regular watering during dry periods to ensure proper growth and development. Water deeply and consistently throughout the growing season to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Mulching around the plants can help conserve moisture in the soil. Be sure to water early in the day so that any excess moisture can evaporate before nightfall.
Pests & Diseases
Borage is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but there are a few common problems you should be aware of when growing this herb. Aphids, spider mites, whiteflies and caterpillars can all feed on borage leaves and stems, causing damage if left unchecked. To prevent damage from these pests, keep an eye out for signs of infestation and take action if necessary. Additionally, borage is susceptible to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and downy mildew which can cause foliage discoloration or wilting if left untreated.
By following these simple tips when planting borage, you can ensure healthy growth and a successful harvest!
Borage: Companion Planting to Avoid
Borage is a wonderful herb to grow in your garden, but it’s important to remember that not all plants make good companions. When growing borage, it is best to avoid planting it near certain other types of plants. These include tomatoes, strawberries, pole beans, and squash. All of these plants are sensitive to the borage’s chemical properties and may be damaged if planted too close together. Additionally, brassicas such as cabbage and broccoli may also be affected by the presence of borage in the garden.
It is also important to remember that some herbs are not good companions for borage either. These include oregano, dill, and fennel. They tend to compete with one another for resources such as water and nutrients from the soil which can lead to stunted growth or even death in some cases. As such, it is best to keep these herbs separated from borage whenever possible.
Finally, many gardeners have found that planting borage near flowering plants can actually be beneficial. This is because the bright blue flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies which can help increase crop yields in those other plants. However, it is still important to be aware of what other plants you are growing near your borage so that you can avoid potential problems caused by companion planting issues.
What to Avoid When Planting Near Borage
When planting near borage, it is important to avoid certain plants and weeds that can be harmful. Plants like creeping charlie, dandelion, and ground ivy are known to compete with borage for water and nutrients and can be difficult to remove once they become established. Furthermore, these plants are known to spread quickly and can overtake the garden if not kept in check.
Borage is also sensitive to some types of herbicides, so it is important to avoid using any kind of chemical weed killers near the plant. If herbicides must be used for weed control, make sure to use a product specifically labeled as safe for borage.
It is also important to avoid planting trees or shrubs too close to borage plants as their roots can grow deep into the soil and compete with the borage for resources. Trees and shrubs should be planted at least five feet away from any existing borage plants in order to ensure they have enough space and resources to thrive.
Unsuitable Plants for Growing Alongside Borage
Borage is a hardy annual that will grow in most soil conditions and can be sown directly into the ground or planted in a pot. However, not all plants make suitable companions for borage; some may be too aggressive or have very different growing requirements. Here are some of the plants that should not be grown alongside borage:
Tomatoes: Although borage is a very hardy plant, tomatoes require much more care and attention. Tomatoes need much more water and fertilizer than borage, so it is best to keep them in separate containers or beds.
Squash: Squash can easily overwhelm a garden bed with its sprawling vines and leaves, and can also compete with borage for resources such as water and nutrients. The two plants should not be grown together as they will struggle to thrive in the same growing conditions.
Beans: Beans are nitrogen-fixing plants, meaning they take nitrogen from the air and deposit it into the soil to help other plants grow. Unfortunately, this can have an adverse effect on borage as it requires high levels of nitrogen to thrive.
Brassicas: Brassicas such as kale, cabbage and broccoli require high levels of nitrogen in order to grow well. As borage also needs high levels of nitrogen, planting these two together could lead to competition over resources which could cause one or both plants to suffer.
Roses: Roses are highly susceptible to pests which can easily spread to nearby plants including borage if planted too close together. It is best to keep them several feet apart from each other in order to avoid any potential issues arising from cross contamination.
