Comfrey Companion Plants: 10 to Love & 5 to Avoid!

Welcome to our guide on maximizing the benefits of companion planting with comfrey! If you’re looking to supercharge your garden’s productivity while fostering a harmonious plant ecosystem, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of comfrey companion plants, exploring which botanical allies thrive alongside this powerhouse herb, as well as which ones to steer clear of. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, get ready to unlock the secrets of successful companion planting with comfrey. Let’s dig in!

What are Comfrey Companion Plants?

Comfrey companion plants are those botanical partners that thrive when grown alongside comfrey, a versatile and nutrient-rich herb. Comfrey, scientifically known as Symphytum officinale, is renowned for its deep-rooted nature and ability to accumulate minerals from the soil.

When selecting companion plants for comfrey, it’s essential to consider species that can benefit from its unique properties, such as its high levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. By strategically pairing comfrey with compatible plants, gardeners can create symbiotic relationships that enhance overall garden health and productivity.

The Best Comfrey Companion Plants

Roses

Roses and comfrey make excellent companions due to comfrey’s ability to enrich the soil with nutrients essential for robust rose growth. Plant comfrey near the base of roses to provide them with a natural source of nitrogen, potassium, and other minerals. Ensure adequate spacing to prevent overcrowding and competition for resources.

To plant roses alongside comfrey, ensure you have adequate spacing between each rose bush. Dig a hole for your rose bush, making sure it is deep and wide enough to accommodate the roots. Mix some well-rotted compost or aged manure into the soil at the bottom of the hole. Place the rose bush in the hole, making sure the graft union is slightly above the soil level. Backfill the hole with soil, gently firming it around the roots. Water the rose bush thoroughly after planting, and then apply a layer of comfrey mulch around the base of the bush. This will help retain moisture and provide a steady supply of nutrients to the roses as the comfrey breaks down.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes thrive when planted near comfrey as they benefit from its nutrient-rich soil. Consider interplanting comfrey between tomato rows to improve soil structure and provide essential nutrients like potassium and calcium. Avoid planting comfrey too close to tomato stems to prevent competition for water and nutrients.

For planting tomatoes with comfrey, start by preparing your planting area with well-draining soil enriched with compost. Dig holes for your tomato plants, spacing them according to the recommended distance for the variety you’re growing. Place a handful of compost or well-rotted manure in each hole before planting. Set the tomato seedlings in the holes, burying them up to their first set of true leaves. Water the plants well after planting, and then apply a layer of comfrey leaves around the base of each plant. This will help nourish the tomatoes throughout the growing season as the comfrey decomposes.

Potatoes

Comfrey can boost potato yields by enriching the soil with potassium, phosphorus, and other nutrients crucial for tuber development. Plant comfrey around the edges of potato beds or as a green mulch between rows to enhance soil fertility. Ensure proper spacing to prevent shading and overcrowding.

When planting potatoes alongside comfrey, choose a sunny location with well-draining soil. Prepare the soil by loosening it to a depth of about 8 inches and mixing in compost or aged manure. Plant your seed potatoes about 4 inches deep and 12 inches apart in rows. As the potato plants grow, hill up soil around the base of the plants to encourage tuber formation. Once the potato plants are established, apply a thick layer of comfrey mulch between the rows. This will help suppress weeds and provide a slow-release source of nutrients to support healthy potato growth.

Beans

Beans benefit from comfrey’s ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, promoting healthy growth and high yields. Interplant comfrey with beans or use comfrey leaves as mulch around bean plants to improve soil fertility. Avoid planting comfrey too close to bean stems to prevent competition for nutrients and water.

To plant beans with comfrey, select a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Prepare the soil by loosening it to a depth of about 6 inches and incorporating compost or aged manure. Plant your bean seeds or seedlings according to the spacing recommendations for the variety you’re growing. Water the plants well after planting, and then apply a layer of comfrey leaves around the base of each plant. This will help retain moisture in the soil and provide a steady supply of nutrients to support healthy bean growth throughout the season.

Cucumbers

Comfrey can improve cucumber growth and fruit production by supplying essential nutrients like potassium and phosphorus. Plant comfrey near cucumber plants or use comfrey leaves as mulch to enhance soil fertility and moisture retention. Ensure proper spacing to avoid overcrowding and competition for resources.

For planting cucumbers alongside comfrey, choose a sunny location with fertile, well-draining soil. Prepare the soil by incorporating compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility and structure. Plant your cucumber seeds or seedlings in mounds or hills spaced about 3 feet apart. After planting, water the cucumbers thoroughly and then apply a layer of comfrey mulch around the base of each plant. This will help conserve moisture in the soil and provide a slow-release source of nutrients to support healthy cucumber growth and fruit production.

Peppers

Peppers thrive when grown alongside comfrey as they benefit from its nutrient-rich soil and enhanced soil structure. Plant comfrey near pepper plants or use comfrey leaves as mulch to provide essential nutrients like potassium and calcium. Ensure adequate spacing to prevent overcrowding and competition for resources.

When planting peppers alongside comfrey, choose a sunny location with well-drained soil. Prepare the soil by incorporating compost or aged manure to improve soil fertility. Plant your pepper seedlings about 18-24 inches apart in rows. After planting, water the peppers thoroughly and apply a layer of comfrey leaves around the base of each plant. This will help retain moisture in the soil and provide a steady supply of nutrients to support healthy pepper growth.

Chives

Chives and comfrey make excellent companions as they both thrive in nutrient-rich soil and benefit from each other’s presence. Plant chives near comfrey to enhance soil fertility and deter pests. Alternatively, use comfrey leaves as mulch around chive plants to suppress weeds and retain soil moisture.

To plant chives with comfrey, select a sunny to partially shaded location with well-draining soil. Prepare the soil by incorporating compost or aged manure. Plant chive seedlings or divisions about 6 inches apart in rows or clumps. After planting, water the chives thoroughly and then apply a layer of comfrey leaves around the base of each clump. This will help retain moisture and enrich the soil with nutrients, promoting healthy chive growth and deterring pests.

Strawberries

Comfrey can enhance strawberry growth and fruit production by providing essential nutrients like potassium and phosphorus. Plant comfrey near strawberry beds or use comfrey leaves as mulch around strawberry plants to improve soil fertility and moisture retention. Ensure proper spacing to prevent overcrowding and competition for resources.

For planting strawberries alongside comfrey, choose a sunny location with well-draining soil. Prepare the soil by incorporating compost or aged manure to improve soil fertility. Plant strawberry runners or crowns in mounded rows spaced about 18 inches apart. After planting, water the strawberries thoroughly and then apply a layer of comfrey mulch around the base of each plant. This will help suppress weeds and provide a slow-release source of nutrients to support healthy strawberry growth and fruit production.

Calendula

Calendula and comfrey make excellent companions as they attract beneficial insects and improve pollination. Plant calendula near comfrey to create a diverse and vibrant garden ecosystem. Consider interplanting them to maximize space and enhance overall garden health.

When planting calendula with comfrey, select a sunny to partially shaded location with well-draining soil. Prepare the soil by loosening it and incorporating compost or aged manure. Plant calendula seeds or seedlings about 12 inches apart in rows or clusters. After planting, water the calendula thoroughly and apply a layer of comfrey leaves around the base of each plant. This will help retain moisture and enrich the soil with nutrients, promoting vibrant calendula blooms and attracting beneficial insects.

Borage

Borage is a beneficial companion plant for comfrey, attracting pollinators and enhancing soil fertility. Plant borage near comfrey to create a dynamic and biodiverse garden environment. Interplanting borage with comfrey can help maximize garden space and promote healthy plant growth.

To plant borage with comfrey, choose a sunny location with well-draining soil. Prepare the soil by incorporating compost or aged manure. Plant borage seeds or seedlings about 12-18 inches apart in rows or clusters. After planting, water the borage thoroughly and apply a layer of comfrey leaves around the base of each plant. This will help retain moisture in the soil and provide a steady supply of nutrients to support healthy borage growth and attract pollinators to your garden.

What Not to Plant with Comfrey

Mint

Mint is not an ideal companion for comfrey as it can quickly become invasive and compete with comfrey for space and resources. Additionally, mint’s aggressive growth habit may overshadow and inhibit the growth of comfrey. It’s best to plant mint in a separate area of the garden to prevent it from overtaking comfrey.

Grasses (e.g., Bermuda Grass)

Grasses like Bermuda grass are not recommended companions for comfrey as they can outcompete comfrey for nutrients and space. The vigorous growth of grasses may also make it challenging to maintain comfrey plants and hinder their growth. It’s advisable to keep comfrey away from areas prone to grass invasion.

Shallow-rooted Plants (e.g., Lettuce, Radishes)

Shallow-rooted plants like lettuce and radishes may struggle to compete with comfrey for water and nutrients due to comfrey’s deep root system. Planting shallow-rooted plants near comfrey may result in stunted growth and reduced yields. It’s best to allocate separate areas for shallow-rooted crops to prevent competition with comfrey.

Highly Acidic Soil-Loving Plants (e.g., Blueberries)

Comfrey prefers slightly alkaline soil conditions, whereas plants like blueberries thrive in acidic soil. Planting blueberries near comfrey may result in soil pH imbalances, leading to nutrient deficiencies and poor plant growth. It’s recommended to keep comfrey and highly acidic soil-loving plants in separate garden beds to maintain optimal growing conditions.

Plants Susceptible to Root Competition (e.g., Carrots)

Plants with delicate root systems, such as carrots, may struggle to compete with comfrey’s vigorous root growth. The presence of comfrey roots can inhibit the development of carrots and other susceptible plants, leading to reduced yields. It’s advisable to avoid planting root crops near comfrey to prevent competition and ensure healthy plant growth.

Comfrey Companion Planting Chart

Plant	Why They Make Good Companions	Planting Tips
Roses	Roses benefit from comfrey’s nutrient-rich soil.	Plant comfrey near rose bushes with adequate spacing.
Tomatoes	Tomatoes thrive with comfrey’s nutrient boost.	Interplant comfrey between tomato rows for improved soil.
Potatoes	Comfrey enriches soil with nutrients crucial for potatoes.	Plant comfrey around potato beds or as green mulch.
Beans	Beans benefit from comfrey’s ability to fix nitrogen.	Interplant comfrey with beans or use as mulch.
Cucumbers	Cucumbers thrive with comfrey’s nutrient-rich soil.	Plant comfrey near cucumber plants or use as mulch.
Peppers	Peppers benefit from comfrey’s nutrient-rich soil.	Plant comfrey near pepper plants or use as mulch.
Chives	Chives and comfrey enhance soil fertility and deter pests.	Plant chives near comfrey or use as mulch.
Strawberries	Comfrey enhances strawberry growth and fruit production.	Plant comfrey near strawberry beds or use as mulch.
Calendula	Calendula attracts beneficial insects and improves pollination.	Plant calendula near comfrey to enhance biodiversity.
Borage	Borage attracts pollinators and enhances soil fertility.	Interplant borage with comfrey for a diverse garden.