Borage is great for attracting pollinators and helping out insects. It’s tough and has beautiful blue flowers. On top of that it’s a great companion plant as it helps to keep pests away and improves the soil.
But borage doesn’t get along with every plant. Some species will fight with it for nutrients or attract pests that can cause problems in the garden.
So to make sure you your garden is a success you don’t want to plant borage with certain plants. If you’re not sure which ones to avoid then this list is 12 plants that don’t work well with borage and why.
Why Some Plants Don’t Work Well With Borage
Getting the right combinations of plants makes a big difference in your garden. Borage is great and will do things like attract bees, improve the soil, keep away pests etc. But it can also have issues with plants.
Some of the main problems include:
- Nutrient competition: Borage is grows quickly its roots take nutrients from deep in the soil. This can make it clash with other plants that need similar amounts.
- Allelopathy: Certain plants release chemicals into the soil that stop other plants growing.
- Pest attraction: Borage can keep away certain insects but it can also bring in pests that hurt plants close by.
- Shade issues: Borage grows tall and can stop the light from getting to other plants.
- Soil incompatibility: Some plants need different types of soil and will struggle when planted together.
With that in mind let’s look at the plants you should keep away from borage.
1. Potatoes
Potatoes and borage may seem like they would be good with each other but they sadly don’t work well.
- Allelopathic Effects: Borage and potatoes can release chemical substances that stop each other growing which makes them both struggle.
- Pest Attraction: Potatoes can be affected badly by things like Colorado potato beetles, and borage can bring in other insects that might also hurt potato plants.
- Fungal Issues: Both plants are prone to getting fungal diseases when they’re grown in higher humidity.
2. Fennel
Fennel is known for being a terrible when planted with most plants and borage is no exception.
- Allelopathic Effects: Fennel puts chemicals into the soil that stop lots of plants from growing, including borage.
- Competition for Space: Both plants have big roots and will compete for space underground, stopping each other growing well.
- Pest Issues: Fennel brings aphids and other insects to gardens and they could spread to borage and cause problems.
3. Black Walnut
Black walnut trees are also notorious for being terrible to plant most plants near.
- Juglone Production: Black walnut trees release juglone, a substance that stops most plants growing properly.
- Root Competition: Black walnut trees have large roots that take up lots nutrients and water, leaving little for borage.
- Shade Issues: Black walnut trees will block the light getting to other plants and stop growing well.
4. Carrots
Borage works well alongside lots of vegetables but carrots are definitely not one of them.
- Root Competition: Both borage and carrots have deep roots, and will fight for space and nutrients in the soil.
- Pest Attraction: Carrots attract pests like carrot flies and borage can bring in insects too, so they are likely to both get an infestation.
5. Turnips
Turnips and borage should be kept apart for the same reasons as carrots.
- Competition for Resources: Both plants take up a lot of nutrients which can make both their growth poorer.
- Possible Allelopathic Effects: Some gardeners report that turnips and borage don’t grow well together due to the chemicals they release.
6. Spinach
Spinach grows in the colder weather and struggles planted close to borage.
- Shade Competition: Borage grows tall and means the light doesn’t veto the spinach which needs it.
- Nutrient Competition: Borage’s roots can take all the nutrients and water from the soil and spinach won’t get enough.
7. Arugula
Arugula is another one that doesn’t do well near borage.
- Sunlight Issues: Like spinach arugula needs full sun and borage grows so high that it will block that sun.
- Pest Attraction: Arugula is prone to flea beetles which can also attack borage.
8. Lettuce
Lettuce won’t grow well next to borage.
- Shade Problems: Borage will grow so tall it stops sun getting to lettuce.
- Water Competition: Both plants need consistent moisture which can make them more competitive in dry conditions.
9. Onions
Onions and borage are not good next to one another in the garden.
- Root Competition: Both plants have roots that fight over nutrients and water.
- Pest Issues: Onion flies and other pests can spread between the two plants.
10. Garlic
Garlic, like onions, doesn’t work well with borage.
- Allelopathic Effects: Garlic releases chemicals into the soil that will stop borage growing fully.
- Root Competition: Both plants take the same nutrients from the soil.
11. Leeks
Leeks and borage don’t complement each other well.
- Competing for Space: Leeks need a lot of room for their roots and borage can get in the way of them.
- Pest Attraction: Leeks attract thrips which can also affect borage.
12. Parsnips
Parsnips have similar problems when planted close to borage.
- Root Competition: Parsnips and borage have big roots m that will fight under the ground.
- Pest Problems: Parsnips attract carrot flies which can do damage to borage.
Final Thoughts
Borage is a good companion for many plants but it doesn’t work well with everything. Try not to plant it near these 12 plants and you’ll get a more successful garden.
Instead look at the likes of tomatoes, strawberries, cucumbers or squash to plant it with as these will benefit from the pests it keeps away.
