Author Topic: Borage  (Read 2046 times)

caroline7758

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Borage
« on: May 29, 2008, 20:15:41 »
I have got a lot of borage seedlings coming up in my veg plots, self-seeded from last year. I love these plants and so do the bees, but I'm wondering whether they will hinder the growth of the veg when they get bigger. They are mostly in with my sprouts and broccoli.

manicscousers

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Re: Borage
« Reply #1 on: May 29, 2008, 20:29:43 »
they're great added to the compost heap, I just pull them out if they're in the way, I always leave a few  ;D

Emagggie

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Re: Borage
« Reply #2 on: May 29, 2008, 20:42:43 »
Me too, if it's in the way remove it, otherwise enjoy it. ;)
Smile, it confuses people.

Robert_Brenchley

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Re: Borage
« Reply #3 on: May 29, 2008, 22:53:32 »
Same here. I planted some ten years ago and it's gone native. Same with the feverfew and the great mullein.

manicscousers

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Re: Borage
« Reply #4 on: May 30, 2008, 07:39:34 »
and the tomatoes and sunflowers  ;D

BAK

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Re: Borage
« Reply #5 on: May 30, 2008, 08:06:25 »
We sowed a packet of seed 18 years ago ... any advance on 18? ... primarily to attract bees and other beneficial insects.

Yes it comes up like mustard and cress every year. We keep about 6 each year, planting them where we want them (they will transplant) ... we give some away ... and we simply remove and compost the rest.

saddad

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Re: Borage
« Reply #6 on: May 30, 2008, 08:57:41 »
Land Cress is similiar, if not as pretty, Nigella has been a weed, along with double Poppies for the 15 years we have had one plot.....  ;D

froglets

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Re: Borage
« Reply #7 on: May 30, 2008, 08:59:48 »
Coriander & cherry toms.  Only 3 years, but I've only had this garden for 3 years.....
is it in the sale?
(South Cheshire)

manicscousers

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Re: Borage
« Reply #8 on: May 30, 2008, 09:03:53 »
ah, yes, coriander, nasturtiums, makes me wonder why we plant anything, just harvest the volunteer crops  ;D

caroline7758

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Re: Borage
« Reply #9 on: May 30, 2008, 09:27:39 »
Didn't know coriander was a self-seeder- just sown my first lot so look forwardto that! Foxgloves are another one.

froglets

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Re: Borage
« Reply #10 on: May 30, 2008, 09:41:02 »
...and verbena bonariensis, but never where you put the seed and always in the middle of something else.  Now looking suspiciously at my first packet of land cress.  Hmmmmmmm
is it in the sale?
(South Cheshire)

Paulines7

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Re: Borage
« Reply #11 on: May 30, 2008, 10:05:08 »
I have got a lot of borage seedlings coming up in my veg plots, self-seeded from last year. I love these plants and so do the bees, but I'm wondering whether they will hinder the growth of the veg when they get bigger. They are mostly in with my sprouts and broccoli.

I too have a lot of young plants in the area where I grew my borage last year but I don't know if that is what they are.  They have prickly leaves and I can't remember the original ones having prickles. 

caroline7758

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Re: Borage
« Reply #12 on: May 30, 2008, 10:17:26 »
Borage leaves are very distinctive. I wouldn't call them prickly exactly but certainly soft and hairy.

maddles

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Re: Borage
« Reply #13 on: May 30, 2008, 10:18:14 »
Borage can grow to a couple of feet in height so about the same height as your sprouts and broccoli, they get quite bushy/sprawling as well.  I normally weed them out but leave two or three plants because I love the flowers.  They're great for the bees as you say and you can also freeze the flowers in ice cubes to put in your summer drinks, or press the flowers if you like to do crafty things!

Must go and weed out some calendula (pot marigold), feverfew and salad burnet seedlings, they're threatening to take over!

calendula

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Re: Borage
« Reply #14 on: May 30, 2008, 14:36:23 »
I always welcome self seeders - ones that I like that is  ;D especially red orach, double poppies and borage - the white borage is also pretty

tonybloke

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Re: Borage
« Reply #15 on: May 30, 2008, 14:53:18 »
the leaves taste nice in a Pimms!! ;D ;D ;)
You couldn't make it up!

manicscousers

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Re: Borage
« Reply #16 on: May 30, 2008, 15:49:23 »
oh, yes, verbena bonariensis, in the cracks in the pavement, 5' tall outside the living room window  ;D

 

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