Top Choices for Parsley's Friendly Garden Buddies (and Potential Unfavorable Counterparts to Steer Clear Of)
Parsley, a popular herb in many kitchens, has a hidden talent that extends beyond seasoning food. When planted alongside certain companions, it can create a harmonious garden ecosystem that benefits both the parsley and its neighbours.
Parsley thrives in full sun, with at least six to eight hours each day. It prefers soil with plenty of organic matter and does well in a soil microenvironment enriched by legumes like beans and peas. These legumes fix nitrogen in the soil through their symbiotic bacteria, boosting the leafy growth of parsley and neighboring plants.
One of the most beneficial relationships is between parsley and asparagus. Parsley enhances asparagus growth and helps deter asparagus beetles, a common pest. This symbiotic relationship creates a healthier soil microenvironment for both plants.
Dill and chamomile are also great companions for parsley. They attract beneficial insects such as parasitic wasps and ladybugs, which prey on pest insects that might harm parsley and other nearby plants.
Parsley itself is a natural deterrent for many insect pests, with its scent keeping away adult moths of caterpillar pests like cabbage loopers and cutworms from laying eggs on brassicas. It also attracts beneficial insects with its flowers, enhancing overall garden health.
Companion planting can benefit parsley by fending off cabbage worms when planted with broccoli. Other beneficial companions include beans and peas, asparagus, and certain herbs and flowers like dill and chamomile.
However, it's important to note that not all plants play well with parsley. Alliums (such as onions and garlic) can stunt the growth of parsley, so they should be planted in different areas of the garden. Herbs such as rosemary, lavender, oregano, and thyme prefer dry soil, while parsley, cilantro, basil, dill, and marjoram need consistent moisture.
Mint, known for its fast-spreading nature, should be given its own space, preferably in a raised bed or large pot. Parsley can help hide carrots from carrot flies with its aroma, but some growers recommend against planting parsley and carrots together due to shared common pests.
In summary, the interplay of nutrient sharing, pest management, and insect attraction explains why these species are great partners in the garden. By choosing the right companions, gardeners can create a healthier and more productive garden.
Sources:
[1] The Old Farmer's Almanac. (2021). Companion Planting: Herbs. [online] Available at: https://www.almanac.com/plant/companion-planting-herbs
[2] The Spruce Eats. (2021). Companion Planting: The Benefits and Drawbacks. [online] Available at: https://www.thespruceeats.com/companion-planting-benefits-and-drawbacks-1412734
[3] Manickam, S. (2021). Fairydiddle Farm. [online] Available at: https://www.fairydiddlefarm.com/
[4] University of Illinois Extension. (2021). Companion Planting. [online] Available at: https://web.extension.illinois.edu/cfivtw/companionplanting/
[5] The National Gardening Association. (2021). Companion Planting. [online] Available at: https://www.garden.org/learn/article/companion-planting/
- Parsley, with its hidden talents, can promote a harmonious garden ecosystem when planted alongside certain companions, such as asparagus, dill, and chamomile.
- Asparagus benefits from parsley's growth-enhancing properties and pest-deterring capabilities, creating a beneficial relationship in the garden.
- Legumes like beans and peas enrich the soil for parsley, particularly by fixing nitrogen, which boosts the plant's leafy growth.
- Companion planting with broccoli can help protect parsley from cabbage worms, while dill and chamomile attract beneficial insects like parasitic wasps and ladybugs.
- Parsley’s scent deters many insect pests, keeping adult moths of caterpillar pests like cabbage loopers and cutworms away from brassicas.
- Carrot flies can be deterred from carrots by planting parsley nearby, although some growers recommend against planting parsley and carrots together due to shared common pests.
- The use of certain composts and organic matter is essential for parsley's preferred soil microenvironment, which thrives in full sun and has plenty of organic matter.
- For a healthier and more productive garden, gardeners should choose the right companions for their parsley, considering factors like nutrient sharing, pest management, and insect attraction.
){kind=link}