Companion planting is a technique of planting different crops together to achieve mutual benefits like pest control, nutrient absorption and increased yields. Parsley, a popular culinary herb, can also benefit from companion planting. In this post, I’ll share with you the benefits of parsley companion planting and some tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your garden
Best Companion Plants for Parsley
Tomatoes: Parsley and tomatoes are a great pair. Parsley can help keep away tomato hornworms and attract beneficial insects that feed on tomato pests. Tomatoes also provide shade to parsley plants, which is great during the hot summer months.
Chives: Chives can help repel harmful insects and attract beneficial ones like ladybugs and hoverflies. Plus planting parsley near chives can also improve the flavor of both plants.
Basil: Basil can help repel mosquitoes, aphids, and flies, while parsley can repel beetles. Planting these two herbs together can improve the flavor and aroma of both plants. Both of these herbs pair very well when planted with additional plants like brassicas and asparagus.
Spinach: Spinach is a great companion for parsley as it can provide shade and help retain moisture in the soil. It also contains high levels of nitrogen, which can benefit parsley’s growth and development. Plant spinach near parsley to help improve the health and yield of both plants.
Nasturtium: Nasturtium is a beautiful flowering plant that can repel aphids, whiteflies and cucumber beetles. It also attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, which can help control pest populations. Plant nasturtiums near parsley to help protect it from pests and add a fun pop of color to your garden.
Garlic: Garlic is a natural pest repellent and can help repel aphids, carrot flies, and other pests. It also contains sulfur compounds that can improve the flavor and aroma of parsley. Plant garlic near parsley to help protect it from pests and improve its flavor.
Why Companion Plant with Parsley?
Parsley, like most plants, can benefit from the presence of certain companion plants nearby. When grown with the right companions, parsley can become more resistant to pests, produce a higher yield, and even improve the taste and flavor of neighboring plants. Here are some of the benefits of parsley companion planting:
Pest Control: Parsley is known to repel harmful insects like aphids and beetles. Companion planting with other plants that repel or deter pests can help protect your garden from infestations and remove the need for chemical insecticides.
Increased Yield: Parsley, when grown with compatible companions, can produce higher yields of leaves and stems. Companion plants can help improve soil health, increase nutrient availability, and even provide shade to parsley plants.
Improved Flavor: Some companion plants can improve the flavor and aroma of parsley. For example, planting parsley with tomatoes or basil can enhance the taste of both plants.
Tips & Tricks for Companion Planting
Now that you know the benefits of parsley companion planting and some of the best companion plants for parsley, here are some tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your garden:
- Plan your garden layout carefully: Before you start planting, plan your garden layout. Consider the sunlight, soil type and drainage of each garden area. Make sure to group companion plants together and avoid planting plants with incompatible companions.
- Rotate your crops: To prevent soil-borne diseases and pests, rotate your crops every year. Avoid planting the same crops in the same area for more than one year. Plants take or even give back different nutrients to and from the soil so rotating will also provide you with a better yield.
- Use companion plants as living mulch: Some companion plants can help conserve moisture, suppress weeds and improve soil structure. Planting them as living mulch around your plants can be beneficial.
- Avoid planting certain plants near parsley: Parsley can be harmed by some plants like mint, which can outcompete parsley for nutrients and moisture. Avoid planting mint near parsley.
- Harvest parsley regularly: Regular parsley harvesting can help keep the plants healthy and productive. Don’t let the leaves and stems become too tall or bushy, as this can reduce the quality of the crop.
