Why Planting Borage Is Good For Bees

Why planting borage is good for bees and for  your garden

Borage, in my book, is one of the most versatile plants you can grow in your garden. It's edible, medicinal, and perhaps best of all it's a powerhouse for supplying pollen and nectar for bees, wasps and other beneficial insects.

BORAGE, A HARDY GARDEN ANNUAL

Borage is an incredibly hardy, prolifically self-seeding annual herb that will come back year after year with very little effort (this last fact suits me to a "T"!).

BORAGE AS FOOD 

The pretty blue, star-shaped flowers and the young leaves are edible when organically grown, tasting similar to cucumber (they look great in a salad!).

THE MEDICINAL POWERS OF BORAGE

Borage is also well known for its wonderful medicinal values. It's been used as an anti-inflammatory, blood thinners, for treating rheumatoid arthritis and as a topical application for skin conditions, to name just a few! One ancient tale states that if you slip a bit of borage into a man's drink it will encourage him to propose! 

BORAGE IN THE VEGETABLE GARDEN

But the main reason I plant lots of borage in my vegetable garden (I already have a husband!), is because it's not only a great companion plant but it also produces an incredible amount of nectar and pollen, the perfect recipe for attracting all varieties of bees, wasps and other beneficial insects. 

BORAGE IN SMALL SPACES

Borage grows well in pots too, so if you don't have a lot of space you could still grow some for the bees and to put in your salads (or perhaps to lure your future husband??).