Companion Planting with Parsley: Tips and Tricks

Oleh Anonymous June 09, 2023 Post a Comment

Table of Contents

Parsley as a Companion Plant

Parsley is a versatile herb that has been used for centuries in cooking, medicine, and cosmetics. It's also an excellent companion plant that can enhance the growth and flavor of other plants in your garden. Here are some tips on how to use parsley as a companion plant:

1. Plant Parsley with Tomatoes

Tomatoes and parsley make a great companion pair. Parsley attracts beneficial insects like hoverflies and parasitic wasps, which prey on tomato pests like aphids and caterpillars. Moreover, the strong scent of parsley repels harmful insects like spider mites and whiteflies from tomatoes.

How to Plant:

Plant parsley seedlings around the base of tomato plants, leaving about 6-8 inches of space between them. Alternatively, you can interplant parsley and tomatoes in rows or zigzag patterns. Water both plants regularly, and fertilize them with compost or organic fertilizer.

2. Plant Parsley with Asparagus

Asparagus is another vegetable that benefits from parsley companionship. Parsley improves the soil quality by adding nitrogen and other nutrients, which asparagus needs to grow strong and healthy. Moreover, parsley attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, which feed on asparagus beetles and other pests.

How to Plant:

Plant parsley seeds or seedlings around the base of asparagus plants, leaving about 8-12 inches of space between them. Water both plants regularly, and mulch them with organic materials like straw or leaves to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

3. Plant Parsley with Roses

Roses and parsley may seem like an unlikely pairing, but they actually complement each other well. Parsley attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, which help roses produce more flowers and fruit. Moreover, the strong scent of parsley repels harmful insects like aphids and thrips from roses.

How to Plant:

Plant parsley seedlings around the base of rose bushes, leaving about 12-18 inches of space between them. Water both plants regularly, and prune rose bushes to improve air circulation and prevent disease. Fertilize the soil with compost or organic fertilizer every spring.

Other Companion Plants for Parsley

Parsley is not only a good companion plant, but also a good team player. It can grow well with many other plants that share similar growing conditions and nutritional needs. Here are some examples of other companion plants for parsley:

1. Basil

Basil and parsley make a flavorful combination in the garden and the kitchen. Both herbs thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, and benefit from regular pruning and harvesting. Basil also repels harmful insects like mosquitoes and flies, while attracting beneficial insects like bees and butterflies.

How to Plant:

Plant basil and parsley seedlings together in rows or clusters, leaving about 6-8 inches of space between them. Water both plants regularly, and fertilize them with compost or organic fertilizer. Harvest basil leaves frequently to stimulate new growth.

2. Chives

Chives and parsley are both members of the onion family, and have similar growth habits and nutritional requirements. Chives also repel harmful insects like aphids and thrips, while attracting beneficial insects like hoverflies and ladybugs.

How to Plant:

Plant chive bulbs or seedlings around the base of parsley plants, leaving about 6-8 inches of space between them. Water both plants regularly, and fertilize them with compost or organic fertilizer. Harvest chive leaves frequently to stimulate new growth.

3. Marigolds

Marigolds and parsley make a colorful and fragrant combination in the garden. Marigolds repel harmful insects like nematodes and whiteflies, while attracting beneficial insects like bees and butterflies. Moreover, marigolds add nutrients like potassium and phosphorus to the soil, which parsley needs to grow strong and healthy.

How to Plant:

Plant marigold seedlings around the base of parsley plants, leaving about 6-8 inches of space between them. Water both plants regularly, and deadhead marigold flowers to promote more blooms. Remove any damaged or diseased leaves from parsley plants to prevent the spread of disease.

Companion planting with parsley is a simple and effective way to improve the health and productivity of your garden. By pairing parsley with other plants that complement its growth and nutritional needs, you can create a thriving ecosystem that benefits both you and the environment. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a novice, give companion planting a try and see the amazing results for yourself!

FAQs

1. Can I plant parsley with cucumbers?

Yes, you can plant parsley with cucumbers. Parsley helps repel cucumber beetles and attracts beneficial insects like bees and parasitic wasps, which pollinate cucumbers and prey on harmful pests.

2. How often should I water parsley plants?

Parsley plants need regular watering, especially during hot and dry weather. Water them deeply once or twice a week, depending on the soil moisture level and the weather conditions.

3. Can I plant parsley in containers?

Yes, you can plant parsley in containers as long as they have good drainage and enough space for the roots to grow. Choose a container that is at least 8-10 inches deep and wide, and fill it with high-quality potting soil.

4. How do I harvest parsley?

To harvest parsley, snip off the outer leaves and stems with clean scissors or pruners. Leave the inner leaves and stems intact to encourage new growth. Store the harvested parsley in a plastic bag or container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

5. How do I prevent parsley from bolting?

Parsley may bolt (go to seed) when the weather gets too hot or dry. To prevent this, keep the soil moist and cool by adding mulch or shade cloth. Also, harvest the outer leaves frequently to stimulate new growth and delay bolting.