There is much talk of growing borage as a companion plant for tomatoes, cabbage, strawberries and squash, associated with a reduction in leaf-eating caterpillars such as tomato hornworms and cabbage worms.
What does borage go with?
It can be eaten raw in delicious mixed green salads, chopped into yoghurts, cheese and even added to stocks, soups and stews or simply added for garnish.
What grows well next to borage?
Borage deters tomato hornworm and cabbage moth caterpillars, and is particularly good planted near tomatoes and strawberries. Borage is very attractive to pollinators, so plant it around squash, melons, and cucumbers for improved pollination. It’s also excellent for the soil and compost.
Is borage a good companion plant for tomatoes?
Borage (Borago officinalisis) is a perfect companion plant for tomatoes because, when planted nearby, it deters tomato hornworms, a real pest for many tomato growers. Its bright blue flowers, shaped like tomato blossoms, are an attractive ornamental addition to the garden as well.
Is borage good for the garden?
In the garden, the uses of borage include repelling pests such as hornworms, attracting pollinators, and aiding any plants it is interplanted with by increasing resistance to pests and disease. It is also helpful to, and compatible with, most plants — notably tomatoes, strawberries and squash.
What does borage taste like?
Blue borage flowers are star-shaped, vibrant blooms that add beauty to the plate, along with a mild cucumber flavor that some describe as a sweet honey taste. It’s also mildly salty. The texture of these gorgeous edible flowers is delicate with very small hairs. The entire flower is deliciously edible.
Is borage toxic?
Although it has been suggested as an alternative source of GLA to evening primrose oil, borage seed oil can have toxic effects on the liver. Its chronic use should be avoided, especially by patients with liver disease or women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Why do farmers plant borage?
One of the main reasons for planting Borage here at Hillfarm is to boost our population of bees, and help them to make our delicious hillfarm honey. Bees absolutely love Borage, and when the flowers bloom they will start collecting the pollen.
Is borage invasive?
Borage is often referred to as invasive because of its rampant self-seeding habit. However, the seedlings are easy to identify and remove so it rarely becomes a major problem. Borage leaves and flowers are edible and have a cucumber flavor.
What should you not plant together?
Other commonly believed plant incompatibilities include the following plants to avoid near one another:
- Mint and onions where asparagus is growing.
- Pole beans and mustard near beets.
- Anise and dill neighboring carrots.
- Cucumber, pumpkin, radish, sunflower, squash, or tomatoes close to potato hills.
What are the worst companion plants for tomatoes?
What are bad companion plants for tomatoes? Broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, kohlrabi, and other brassicas. Brassicas, including broccoli, cabbage, rutabaga, and cauliflower, will compete for nutrients with tomatoes, as both brassicas and tomatoes are heavy feeders.
Can you plant marigolds and borage together?
Borage is an excellent companion, protecting these crucifers from some common pests. Other good companions are celery, chamomile, dill, mint, parsley, rosemary, sage, zinnias, asters and marigolds.
What should you not plant next to tomatoes?
What should not be planted with tomatoes?
- Brassicas (including cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli and brussel sprouts) – inhibit tomato growth.
- Potatoes – along with tomatoes are also in the nightshade family so they will be competing for the same nutrients and will also be susceptible to the same diseases.
What can you not plant near borage?
The borage companion plant is said to repel tomato worms and cabbage worms because borage attracts beneficial insects, such as bees and tiny wasps.
Plants That Grow Well with Borage
- Tomatoes.
- Cabbage.
- Squash.
- Strawberries.
Should I cut back borage?
Cut back borage plants by half their size in midsummer to encourage reblooming. Blossom clusters make beautiful but short-lived cut flowers or edible garnishes.
Is borage toxic to dogs?
Unfortunately, these plants are not good for your dog or other small animals, causing intestinal upset, respiratory distress, and can be fatal if not treated right away. If you think your dog has eaten borage, it is essential to take your furry friend to the veterinarian or animal hospital right away.
Can you eat borage raw?
Borage leaves and flowers have a mild cucumber flavor, and both are delicious in salads. Young leaves are best for eating raw, whereas older leaves can be cooked and served as you would any green leafy vegetable.
Is borage a nightshade?
Borage (/ˈbʌrɪdʒ/ ( listen) or /ˈbɒrɪdʒ/; Borago officinalis), also known as starflower, is an annual herb in the flowering plant family Boraginaceae. It is native to the Mediterranean region, and has naturalized in many other locales.
Borage | |
---|---|
Genus: | Borago |
Species: | B. officinalis |
Binomial name | |
Borago officinalis L. |
Can you cook borage leaves?
Borage Leaves as a Vegetable
Chop finely and cook in a little butter in a covered saucepan over a very low heat. Season to taste. The dampness of the washed leaves should be enough to keep them from sticking to the bottom; they should soon be tender and their hairy texture disappears when cooked.
What part of borage do you eat?
Both the leaves and flowers of the plant are edible and commonly used as a garnish, dried herb, or vegetable in a variety of drinks and dishes. The leaves are sometimes also ground up and steeped in hot water to brew herbal tea.
Is borage good for hair growth?
The benefits of Borage oil on hair
Borage oil is known to restore strength, shine and radiance to dry, brittle, dull and tired hair. Its composition also makes it very effective to boost hair growth and fight against hair loss. Borage oil can be applied as a hair care product on the ends and lengths of the hair.
Justin Shelton is a professional cook. He’s been in the industry for over 10 years, and he loves nothing more than creating delicious dishes for others to enjoy. Justin has worked in some of the best kitchens in the country, and he’s always looking for new challenges and ways to improve his craft. When he’s not cooking, Justin enjoys spending time with his wife and son. He loves exploring new restaurants and trying out different cuisines.