Highlights
familiar planting is a hundred - old practice that involves strategically geminate differentplant speciesin a garden to heighten their maturation and overall health . One particularly beneficial compounding is borage and tomato . Borage , with itsvibrant dispirited flowersand medicative properties , volunteer numerous advantages when set alongside Lycopersicon esculentum , leading to a more productive and resilient garden .
Benefits of Planting Borage with Tomatoes
1. Attracts Beneficial Insects
Borage is a attraction for pollinator , such as bee and butterflies , which wager acrucial rolein tomato pollenation . By attracting these insect to your garden , you increase the fortune ofsuccessful yield setand a more bountiful harvest .
2. Repels Pests
The firm aroma of borage is a natural balk to blighter that commonly plague tomato , include aphids , hornworms , and whitefly . Thesepests findthe aroma ofborage unappealing , fix it less likely for them to overrun your tomato flora .
3. Improves Soil Health
Borage is have it away as a “ green manure ” crop , meaning that it can be left to decompose in the stain after the growing season is over . This process enriches the filth withorganic matter , improving its fertility and weewee retention mental ability .
4. Companion Planting Multiplier
Borago officinalis act well with other good fellow traveller plants , such as marigold and St. Basil . When constitute together , thesespecies createa synergistic effect , enhancing the overall growth and productiveness of the entire garden .
How to Plant Borage with Tomatoes
1. Choose a Suitable Location
Select asunny spotin your garden with well - drained dirt . Borage prefer more or less acidic toneutral pH levels , grade from 6.0 to 7.0 .
2. Prepare the Soil
better the grunge withorganic matter , such as compost or manure , to improve its rankness and drainage .
3. Start Seeds or Transplant Seedlings
Borage can be started fromseeds directlyin the garden or graft from seedlings . If jump from seeds , sow them about 1/4inch deepand 12 inches apart . Iftransplanting seedlings , space them approximately 18 inches asunder .
4. Companion Planting Time
plant life borage alongside your tomato plant when thetomato seedlingsare about 6inches magniloquent . This timing assure that the Borago officinalis plants have established themselves and can set about attracting pollinator and repelling pestis .
5. Intercropping
Intercropping is a proficiency where differentplant speciesare grown inalternating rowsor blocks . In the case of borage and tomatoes , set a wrangle of Borago officinalis every three to four rows of Lycopersicon esculentum .
6. Mulching
Spread a bed of organic mulch , such as straw orshredded leaves , around the radical of the plant . Mulching helps retain wet in the soil , suppress weeds , and order grime temperature .
Other Companion Plants for Tomatoes
In addition to borage , othercompanion plantsthat benefit tomatoes include :
Wrap-Up: The Power of Companion Planting
Bycompanion planting boragewith tomatoes , you may make a reciprocally beneficial ecosystem in your garden . Borage draw in pollinator , repels pests , improves grime wellness , and enhances the overall productivity of yourtomato plant life . Embrace the wisdom of companion planting and reap the benefits of a healthier , more abundant harvest .
Frequently Asked Questions
1 . Can Iplant boragein containers with tomatoes?Yes , borage can be grown in container with tomatoes , offer the container is large enough to admit both plants . see to it that the container hasdrainage holesto preclude waterlogging.2 . How long does it take for borage to flower?Borage typically begin flowering 6 to 8 weeks after planting.3 . Can I eat borage flowers?Yes , tailwort flowersare edible and can be used in salad , tea , and otherculinary app . They have amild Cucumis sativus - alike savor .
