Borage

[caroline7758]

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.

[caroline7758]

[manicscousers]

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]

Me too, if it's in the way remove it, otherwise enjoy it. ;)

[Robert_Brenchley]

Same here. I planted some ten years ago and it's gone native. Same with the feverfew and the great mullein.

[manicscousers]

and the tomatoes and sunflowers  ;D

[BAK]

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]

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]

Coriander & cherry toms.  Only 3 years, but I've only had this garden for 3 years.....

[manicscousers]

ah, yes, coriander, nasturtiums, makes me wonder why we plant anything, just harvest the volunteer crops  ;D

[caroline7758]

Didn't know coriander was a self-seeder- just sown my first lot so look forwardto that! Foxgloves are another one.

[froglets]

...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

[Paulines7]

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]

Borage leaves are very distinctive. I wouldn't call them prickly exactly but certainly soft and hairy.

[maddles]

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]

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]

the leaves taste nice in a Pimms!! ;D ;D ;)

[manicscousers]

oh, yes, verbena bonariensis, in the cracks in the pavement, 5' tall outside the living room window  ;D