Common problems with borage can vary look on the specific growing conditions and realm , but here are a few issues that gardeners may encounter :
1 . Powdery mildew : Borage is susceptible to powdery mould , a fungous disease that appear as a white , powdery app on the leaves . This can damp the works and reduce its overall health . To prevent powdery mildew , provide just air circulation by space the flora properly and avoiding overcrowding . Water at the alkali of the plant and not over the foliage , as wet leaves can promote the spread of the disease . If powdery mould does appear , you could try spraying the plant with a smorgasbord of urine and neem oil or a antimycotic judge for powdery mildew control .
2 . Aphids : Borage can appeal aphid , modest sap - sucking insects that can cause damage to the works . These pests can be controlled by spray the affected plant life part with a inviolable flow of H2O to dislodge them . instead , you could use insecticidal soap or a homemade solution of water and dish goop to kill the aphid . Ladybugs and lacewings are innate predators of aphids , so attract these good insect to your garden can facilitate keep the aphid universe in check .
3 . Caterpillars : While tailwort is known to repel certain caterpillars like spell cabbageworm and love apple hornworm , it may still draw other species of caterpillars that can eat on the leaf . Handpicking the cat and expend them into a bucket of soapy urine is one constitutive method of ascendency . If the plague is stark , you may consider using a biological control method such as Bacillus thuringiensis ( Bt ) , a innate bacterium that specifically targets caterpillars .
4 . Self - seeding : Borage has a disposition to ego - seed , which can be a trouble if you do n’t want it to spread too aggressively . The plants can scatter their seeds around the garden , and the next yr you may get hold borage popping up in unexpected place . To preclude excessive self - seeding , you could deadhead the flowers before they go to seed . Alternatively , you could designate a specific area in your garden for borage and contain it by hit any seedlings that seem outside of that designated area .
5 . Soil Issues : Borage prefers well - draining dirt and can be sore to waterlogged conditions . If the filth is too heavy and continue too much moisture , it can lead to stem guff and other diseases . To better drain , you could remediate the soil with constitutional affair such as compost or well - rotted manure . Additionally , borage prefer a slenderly acidic to neutral pH range of around 6.0 - 7.0 . If your ground is too acidulous or alkalic , you may demand to aline the pH by adding calcium oxide or S consequently .
By being aware of these common problems and taking appropriate measures to address them , you may bask the welfare of tailwort in your garden while minimizing any potential issue .
Caroline Bates
