Can Borage And Comfrey Be Planted Together?

It’s easy to see why borage is also called ‘bee bread’. Bees, hummingbirds, and other pollinators flock to this plant that is so rich in nectar. Pro Tip: Grow this triple combo for superb pollination: Borage, bee balm, and comfrey. The dense plants shade the soil below, keeping it cool.

What should not be planted with borage?

Avoid planting near Brassicas or potatoes. Borage is said to improve the growth and flavour of squash. Marigolds and nasturtium repel numerous squash pest insects.

Are borage and comfrey the same plant?

Though they are members of the same plant family (Boraginaceae), perennial comfrey (​Symphytum officinale​, USDA zones 4-8) and annual borage (​Borago officinalis​) are two different plants. These cousins both boast dark green foliage and fuzzy leaves.

What plants go well with borage?

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 cabbage whites.

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.

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 as good as comfrey?

While comfrey (a perennial) tends to be a good companion for perennial crops, borage (an annual) makes a good companion to both annual and perennial crops.

Does borage come back every year?

While not as common as thyme or basil, borage herb (Borago officinalis) is a unique plant for the culinary garden. It grows quickly as an annual but will colonize a corner of the garden by self-seeding and reappearing year after year.

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.

Where should I plant borage?

Best location: Plant borage in full sun; it will tolerate partial shade. Soil preparation: Grow borage in well-drained but moisture-retentive soil rich in organic matter. Add aged compost to the planting bed and turn it under to 12 inches before planting.

How far apart do you plant borage?

Borage – Key Growing Information
Plant 1/4- 1/2″ deep, 3 seeds per foot in rows that are 24″ apart. Thin to 12″ spacing for individual plants. Transplant: Starting borage for transplanting is possible, but not recommended, as it develops a taproot and is somewhat difficult to transplant.

Is borage good for compost?

Borage adds trace minerals to the soil it is planted in, and is good for composting and mulching. It is an annual, but readily self-seeds and thrives in full sun.

What should you not plant next to each other?

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 animals eat comfrey?

The extensive hairs on comfrey leaves restricts its use as a forage. Fresh leaves are eaten by pigs, sheep, and poultry, but are frequently unpalatable to cattle and rabbits. Cattle and rabbits will eat the wilted forage. Horses, goats, chinchillas, and caged birds are also fed this forage.

Should I plant comfrey in my garden?

Ecological Benefits of Growing Comfrey
Provides habitat for beneficial insects under huge leaves, which helps to keep the garden pest-free. Fertilizes with nutrient-rich mulch. Use the fast-growing leaves as a fertilizing green mulch or green manure.

What pests does borage deter?

Borage – This plant is a real workhorse in the garden. It repels tomato hornworms and cabbage worms and attracts beneficial bees and wasps.

Does borage repel aphids?

Too, borage makes a fantastic black aphid lure trap. So, when you grow borage, they may help keep pests off of other crops. Plus, wild birds and wasps will feast on the pest insects. Also, once an annual borage plant fades for the season, it’s easy to pull out of the soil.

Can you eat borage flowers raw?

Borage is a versatile herb to cook with or use raw in the kitchen; its leaves, stalk and flowers are edible.

Does borage repel slugs?

Borage is a super healer in the garden. Warding off pests like cabbage worms and moths, adding vigor and strength to tomatoes, and acting as a slug and snail trap with its hairy leaves, borage is truly one of the Wunder-Kind plants.

How do you keep borage from falling over?

You might want to stake your plants to keep them from falling over. They are not fussy about soil or water. The leaves are large, 2 to 5 inches long, gray green and covered with stiff hairs making them plant deer resistant.

Does borage reseed itself?

Borage is easily grown from seed and will readily reseed itself. This plant does best in dry, sunny places. Although it is difficult to transplant, you can stretch out the harvest by sowing three times at 4-week intervals. Spacing: 18″ between rows and 12″ between plants.