Parsley is a versatile culinary herb that brings fresh flavor to many dishes. But did you know that planting certain companion plants near your parsley can help it thrive?
In this complete guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about companion planting with parsley.
What is Parsley?
Parsley is a biennial herb that produces curled, brightly colored green leaves during its first year of growth. It is one of the most widely used herbs in the kitchen.
There are a few main varieties of parsley
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Curly leaf parsley – With its ruffled, tightly curled leaves, this is the most common parsley variety used as a garnish. It brings a fresh, mild flavor.
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Italian flat leaf parsley – With flat wide leaves, it is more robust in flavor than curly leaf varieties. It stands up well to cooking.
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Hamburg parsley – Grown for its parsnip-like root. Both the root and leaves have a delicate flavor.
All parsley varieties prefer full sun and well-drained soil. During its second year, parsley produces flowers and sets seed before dying back.
Why Companion Plant with Parsley?
Companion planting is the strategic placement of plants together so they can benefit each other. Some key benefits include:
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Pest control – Certain plants repel pests or attract beneficial insects that prey on harmful pests. This reduces the need for pesticides.
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Enhanced growth – Some plants provide shade, nutrients, or root structure that improves the growth of their companions.
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Pollination – Plants that attract pollinators can improve fruit set and productivity.
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Complementary harvesting – Pairing plants with different harvest times makes the most of garden space.
When allowed to flower in its second year, parsley attracts hoverflies, tachinid flies, and other beneficial insects that help control pests.
The Best Parsley Companion Plants
Many vegetables, herbs, flowers, and fruits make excellent companion plants for parsley. Consider adding some of these to your garden:
Vegetables
Asparagus – Parsley stimulates asparagus foliage growth. Its scent deters asparagus beetles.
Beans – Bean plants fix nitrogen, benefitting parsley growth. Parsley repels bean beetles.
Carrots – Parsley’s scent hides carrots from carrot flies. It also enhances carrot flavor.
Corn – Parsley attracts insects that prey on armyworms, earworms, and other corn pests.
Lettuce – As a low-growing plant, lettuce doesn’t compete for space with parsley. Parsley repels pests.
Onions – Parsley deters onion flies and maggots. Onion odor masks carrots from carrot fly.
Tomatoes – Parsley attracts predatory insects that control tomato hornworms and other pests.
Herbs
Basil – Basil and parsley deter pests like mosquitoes, flies, and aphids when planted together.
Chives – Chives ward off carrot flies. Parsley protects chives from onion maggots.
Thyme – Thyme repels cabbage moths, flea beetles, and other pests harmful to parsley.
Flowers
Cosmos – Its bright blooms attract ladybugs, lacewings, and other beneficial insects.
Marigolds – Marigolds secrete compounds that deter nematodes and other soil-dwelling pests.
Nasturtiums – This edible flower deters aphids, squash bugs, and other herb pests.
Fruits and Trees
Apples – Parsley attracts predatory flies that control apple pests like codling moths.
Grapes – Parsley’s scent deters grape pests. Both flourish in similar conditions.
Strawberries – Parsley acts as a living mulch around strawberry plants, suppressing weeds.
Plants to Avoid Planting Near Parsley
Some plants should not be planted close to parsley, as they will compete for resources or hinder growth:
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Carrots – These roots secrete chemicals that inhibit parsley.
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Cilantro – Can cross-pollinate, altering flavor.
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Dill – May also cross-pollinate with parsley.
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Lettuce – Grows aggressively, shading out parsley.
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Mint – Mint rapidly takes over garden space and uses resources.
When and How to Plant Parsley
Parsley thrives when planted in the right conditions:
Sun: It requires at least 6 hours of direct sun per day. Plant it where it will get sun.
Soil: Parsley needs moist, well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0-7.0. Amend soil with compost.
Timing: Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last spring frost. Transplant seedlings outside after hardening off.
Spacing: Allow 6-12 inches between plants. Consider interplanting with companion plants.
Care: Consistent watering is key. Allow soil to dry out between waterings. Apply a balanced fertilizer or compost tea monthly. Cut off flower heads to prolong leaf production.
The Takeaway
Parsley’s pest-fighting properties and soil-enhancing capabilities make it a great companion plant for many garden vegetables, herbs, and flowers. Pay attention to sunlight, drainage, and harvesting needs when pairing it with other plants.
Use this guide to help plan your parsley companion planting to get the most out of your garden space. With the right companions, your parsley will thrive!
What Is Companion Planting?
Companion planting is the strategic planting of a crop with another crop to gain a mutual advantage in production, flavor, or protection from pests.
Like most herbs, parsley grows best in full sun, and can tolerate some light shade. When looking for companion plants, its best to look for ones that thrive in the same conditions. Learn which herbs, vegetables, fruits, and flowers make the best parsley companion plants.
The Perfect Match: Herb Garden Guide – A Guide to Companion Planting Your Herb Garden
FAQ
What should you not plant next to parsley?
- Alliums: Garlic, onions, shallots, and other alliums can stunt the growth of parsley.
- Lettuce: When planted too close to lettuce, parsley can cause lettuce to bolt (go to seed) too early in the growing season.
Does parsley like full sun or shade?
- Ideal Light: Aim for 6-8 hours of sunlight per day, especially in cooler climates.
- Warm Climates: In hotter regions, providing some afternoon shade can help protect parsley from scorching temperatures.
- Indoor Growing: If growing indoors, place parsley near a sunny window or use grow lights.
- Shade Tolerance: While full sun is preferred, parsley can still grow well in partial shade, though it might not be as vibrant.
- Soil: Parsley needs well-drained, fertile soil that is rich in organic matter
- Water: Keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged
What pairs with parsley?
- Tomatoes: Parsley is a classic companion plant for tomatoes, as its strong scent is believed to enhance tomato health and deter pests.
- Asparagus: Parsley and asparagus are great companions, with parsley repelling asparagus beetles and parsley and asparagus encouraging each other’s growth.
- Carrots: Parsley is a member of the carrot family and is known to intensify the flavor of carrots.
- Onions: Parsley is a good companion for onions.
- Other Herbs: Parsley pairs well with many other herbs, including basil, chives, dill, fennel, lavender, lemon balm, lovage, marjoram, oregano, rosemary, sage, summer savory, and thyme.
- Roses: Parsley is a good companion for roses.
What herbs cannot be planted together?
- Mint and other herbs: Mint is known for its invasive growth habit, which can quickly overtake other herbs and even spread to other parts of the garden.
- Dill and Fennel: Dill and fennel can cross-pollinate, which can affect the flavor of both herbs, and they are also known to compete for resources.
- Sage and Basil: Sage prefers drier soil, while basil needs consistently moist conditions, so they don’t thrive together.
- Fennel and other herbs: Fennel releases compounds into the soil that can suppress the growth of nearby herbs and vegetables.
- Rue and Basil: Rue can inhibit the growth and flavor of basil.
- Chives and Garlic or Onions: Chives compete for nutrients with garlic and onions, potentially stunting their growth.
- Parsley and Mint: Mint’s invasive growth habit can overwhelm parsley.
- Parsley and Rue: Rue can inhibit parsley’s growth.
- Cilantro and Fennel: Fennel can stunt the growth of cilantro.