Parsley is one of my favorite herbs (and it’s not because I’m Italian) not only for its fantastic taste but also for its surprising benefits in the garden.
When planting in my garden, I’ve discovered that parsley companion plants can provide some remarkable advantages, such as improving overall plant health and deterring pests.
There are specific plants that make excellent companions for parsley, enhancing its growth as well as offering protection from harmful insects.
Throughout this article, I’ll share some noteworthy parsley companions that I’ve had success with and explain why they work so well together. This information will hopefully make your experience in the garden even more enjoyable and fruitful.
Parsley Companion Plants Basics
As a gardener, I love to incorporate parsley in my garden because it not only adds flavor to my dishes, but it also works well with other plants!
The practice of companion planting, which refers to planting certain types of plants together, is commonly used for the mutual benefit of each plant.
By including parsley as a companion plant, I’ve seen improvements in the growth, health, and pest control of my other plants.
I’ve noticed that parsley attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and hoverflies, which are natural predators of common garden pests.
They help with controlling aphids, whiteflies, and other pests that can harm both my parsley and other plants in the garden.
Parsley prefers well-drained soil and is quite versatile, meaning it can grow alongside many other plants.
I find that parsley does especially well when planted with other herbs and vegetables like tomatoes, asparagus, and carrots. These combinations can help improve the flavor of each plant while enhancing overall growth.
Growing parsley near certain herbs is also a great idea. For instance, I plant parsley near basil, chives, and cilantro.
Together, these herbs create a lovely aromatic environment that keeps pests away, and they also help each other thrive by sharing nutrients through the soil.
The Best Parsley Companion Plant Choices
I’ve found that there are several great companion plants for parsley that can help with pest control, improve soil health, and even enhance flavor. These are veggies; in the next section, we will explore other herbs if you are planning on growing an herb garden.
Here are some excellent choices to consider when planting parsley in your garden:
- Tomatoes: Planting parsley near tomatoes can help to attract beneficial insects, like hoverflies, that feed on pests such as aphids. Plus, the parsley can serve as a ground cover to keep the soil moist and reduce weeds.
- Carrots: These two veggies are great friends in the garden. Parsley helps to repel carrot flies, while carrots can benefit from the nutrients released by parsley’s strong roots.
- Corn: This might sound like a weird combo but the two can work well together as parsley attracts natural predators of common corn pets like cutworms.
- Beans: Beans are good friends for parsley, as they can fix nitrogen in the soil, providing essential nutrients for your parsley plants. Plus, they work well together in culinary dishes.
- Peppers: Peppers tend to deter pests that love to munch on parsley. They also add color and variety to your garden.
- Lettuce: These leafy greens can form a living mulch around your parsley, helping to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
- Onions: Planting onions near your parsley can help to deter pests like carrot flies and aphids.
Keep in mind that it’s best to rotate your garden crops each year, in order to prevent the buildup of diseases and pests in the soil.
Adding a diverse mix of parsley companion plants can greatly benefit your garden and keep your parsley happy and healthy.
Parsley Companion Herbs
I’ve found that parsley grows really well with a variety of herbs as companions. Here’s a bullet point list of some of the most popular herbs that thrive next to parsley, along with a few key reasons why they make great companion plants:
- Chives: These help to repel pests and attract beneficial insects like bees for better pollination.
- Mint: Planting mint near your parsley can ward off pests like spider mites and aphids. Just be sure to keep mint in pots, as it can spread vigorously and become invasive.
- Dill: Dill and parsley have similar requirements in terms of soil, sun, and moisture, making them great neighbors in the garden.
- Cilantro (coriander): Both are cool-season crops, so they can be planted together and harvested around the same time. Cilantro also attracts beneficial insects.
- Oregano: Provides ground cover and helps to retain moisture for parsley, while its strong scent helps deter pests.
- Thyme: This herb has similar growing conditions to parsley and can be planted nearby without competing for resources.
- Rosemary: Acts as a natural insect repellent and also contributes a lovely aroma to the garden.
- Sage: Its strong scent keeps pests away and makes it a suitable companion for parsley.
- Tarragon: Adds a unique flavor to the garden and can grow beside parsley without competing for resources.
- Marjoram: Both marjoram and parsley can benefit from growing together as they have shared soil and sunlight requirements.
All of these herbs have their own unique properties and benefits, and when placed next to parsley, they can create a beautiful, thriving, and diverse garden. So go ahead, try planting a mix of these herbs alongside your parsley and watch them grow together in harmony.
Benefits of Parsley Companion Planting
When I started with parsley companion planting, I noticed some significant improvements in my garden.
One of the main benefits I’ve experienced is the natural pest control it offers. Aphids, cutworms, beetles, asparagus beetles, cabbage worms, and gypsy moths can be a real headache in the garden, but parsley seems to help keep them at bay.
Parsley also attracts beneficial insects like braconid wasps. These tiny but mighty wasps help control earworms and other pests that can wreak havoc in the garden. As a bonus, they won’t bother any of the other plants.
Another cool thing I discovered is that parsley companion planting can improve the flavor of some vegetables. For instance, planting parsley near asparagus seems to enhance the taste of the asparagus, and they work together to keep pests away too.
Parsley also benefits the soil and other plants in the garden. Its deep roots help break up the soil and improve its structure, making it easier for water and nutrients to be absorbed by the other plants.
So, to recap here are some of the benefits I’ve seen with parsley companion planting:
- Natural pest control: Helps keep aphids, cutworms, beetles, asparagus beetles, cabbage worms, and gypsy moths in check.
- Attracts beneficial insects: Draws in braconid wasps, which help control earworms.
- Enhances flavors: Improves the taste of veggies like asparagus when planted nearby.
- Improves soil structure: The deep roots of parsley loosen the soil, making it easier for water and nutrients to reach other plants.
Incorporating parsley into my garden not only added an easy-to-grow and versatile herb, but also helped with pest control and overall garden health.
It’s been a game-changer, and I highly recommend giving it a try in your own garden.
Simple Growing Tips and Best Practices For Parsley
When it comes to growing parsley in my garden, I always start with germinating the seeds indoors.
I find out that it not only helps with faster germination but also keeps the seeds safe from pests like thrips and spider mites.
Parsley usually takes about three to four weeks to germinate. This can be true even if you grow them hydroponically. The last parsley plant I grew in my Aerogarden took 20 days to sprout.
I make sure the soil is well-draining and rich in organic matter. Regular watering is essential as well, but I avoid waterlogging to prevent diseases and root-related issues.
As time passes and parsley matures, I watch out for any signs of yellowing leaves or pests attacking the plants.
If I spot an issue, I make sure to address it right away, either by removing the affected parts or using organic pest control methods, like neem oil.
Finally, when it comes to harvesting my parsley, I’ve learned to be patient. Gardeners often advise waiting until the plants are at least 6 inches tall before starting to harvest.
By doing so, I found out that it allows the plants to establish a strong root system, ensuring a bounty of lush, green parsley leaves throughout the season!
Remember, just like me, you can enjoy fresh parsley by following these simple growing tips and best practices. Happy gardening!
What Not to Plant with Parsley
As a gardener who loves parsley, I’ve found that while it can be a great companion for many plants, there are a few that I need to make sure not to plant it with. Let me share what I’ve learned with you!
Firstly, I’ve noticed that certain plants, like broccoli and other Brassica-family plants, can attract pests that could be harmful to parsley; I avoid placing them together in the garden.
Although parsley attracts many beneficial insects, be mindful of which plants you plant near it.
If you are growing crops that require pollination, having parsley nearby could be a double-edged sword—luring pollinators away from those plants.
To make the best of my garden, here’s what I suggest:
- Avoid planting parsley near: cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, or other Brassica-family plants.
- Beware of planting parsley close to:
- Fennel: Fennel may inhibit the growth of parsley due to allelopathy, a process where one plant releases chemicals that negatively affect another plant’s growth.
- Anise: Similar to fennel, anise can also negatively impact parsley growth due to allelopathy.
- Fennel: Fennel may inhibit the growth of parsley due to allelopathy, a process where one plant releases chemicals that negatively affect another plant’s growth.
Remember, every garden is unique, and your parsley might react differently than mine. Use this information as a guide and adjust it based on your specific garden and geographic location.
Frequently Asked Questions about Parsley Companion Plants
Are cucumbers and parsley compatible in the garden?
Yes, cucumbers and parsley are compatible in the garden. I’ve found that parsley can help attract beneficial insects like hoverflies and ladybugs, which help control cucumber pests like aphids. Plus, parsley provides a bit of shade for the cucumbers, keeping their shallow roots cool and moist.
Do spinach and parsley work well growing together?
Spinach and parsley do work well growing together. Both plants prefer slightly moist soil and partial shade, creating a complementary environment. As a bonus, planting them together helps maximize the use of precious garden space.
Can parsley and basil be planted close?
Indeed, parsley and basil can be planted close together. They both enjoy similar growing conditions, with well-draining soil and full to partial sun exposure. Additionally, aromatic herbs like basil can help deter pests from attacking parsley plants.
What are the best companions for dill and parsley?
Some great companions for dill and parsley include lettuce, chives, and tomatoes. Lettuce shares similar growing requirements with dill and parsley, while chives help repel pests like aphids.
Tomatoes can offer support for dill, which tends to grow tall and may need assistance to remain upright. As you see, these companion plants can create a diverse and beneficial garden environment.
