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Borage is a beautiful, flowering herb that is cultivated in much of the world. The leaves, which taste slightly like cucumbers, are dried for use as an herb or eaten as other leafy-greens in salads and dishes. The bright-blue flowers are edible and taste similar to honey.
Borage is a strong repellent of the tomato horn worm. This long, green, caterpillar-type insect can ravage a tomato plant in as little as a day by stripping the plant of leaves. While the tomato horn worm has natural enemies, planting borage next to your tomato plants is an easy way to prevent infestation. -
This strong-smelling herb is characteristic of Italian and Asian dishes. It is extremely fast-growing and yields an abundant crop of tender leaves to use fresh or dry for storage.
When planted next to tomatoes, basil repels many flying pests, including common flies and mosquitoes. During wet summer months, a liberal planting of basil can help you move around your garden without insect repellent or constant swatting. -
Highly-fragrant marigolds add color and life to a dull garden. They sweeten the air and repel all forms of insects when planted in dense groups. For tomatoes, the marigold kills nematodes, which feast on root systems, and whiteflies, which strip the bottoms of leaves. Some small rodents may also be deterred by the strong scent.
Be careful when planting marigolds. While they are beneficial companions for most plants, they may kill beans or cabbage. Their dense root systems can also choke out plants with more delicate roots. - Like basil, chives are commonly used herbs that are easily dried and stored. They grow well in most climates and don't choke out other plants. Chives repel the Japanese beetle, which is a growing blight on home gardens. Plant chives anywhere in your garden, but try to keep a distance between chives and legumes, like beans or peas.
