Top Picks: Herbs that Sync Well with Parsley (Plus a Few to Steer Clear Of)
Parsley, a popular herb in many kitchens, is not just a flavour enhancer but also a valuable asset in the vegetable garden. Its aromatic qualities and ability to attract beneficial insects make it an ideal companion plant for various vegetables and even roses.
Pest Deterrence and Beneficial Insect Attraction
When planted with beans, peas, broccoli, carrots, corn, peppers, tomatoes, and roses, parsley offers several benefits related to pest deterrence, attracting beneficial insects, and soil enhancement.
Beans, Peas, and Broccoli
Beans and peas fix nitrogen in the soil, which boosts the growth of parsley. Parsley flowers attract beneficial insects like tachinid flies that prey on pests such as cutworms and other legume pests, helping protect these crops [1].
Broccoli (and other brassicas) benefit from parsley's ability to deter adult moths that lay eggs of caterpillars like cabbage loopers and cutworms. Its flowers attract predatory insects that feed on caterpillars that do appear, reducing pest damage [1].
Carrots, Corn, Peppers, and Tomatoes
Parsley's aroma can help hide carrots from carrot flies. While both belong to the same plant family and share some pests, the presence of parsley may help if carrot flies are a major problem [1].
Corn suffers from worm pests like earworms, cutworms, and armyworms. Parsley deters these worm pests and attracts beneficial insects that feed on any remaining worms [1].
Parsley repels many pepper pests and attracts predatory insects that feed on these pests. Its flowers attract beneficial insects to the garden when left in the ground for a second year [1] (Bonus fact).
Tomatoes and parsley grown together may enhance each other's growth and attract hoverflies, a common predator of aphids [1][2].
Roses
While less detailed in the sources, parsley is often grown near roses because it can attract beneficial insects that prey on aphids and other rose pests, thus helping reduce infestations [1].
Soil Nutrition
The nitrogen-fixing capability of beans and peas indirectly benefits parsley and possibly other neighbours by boosting soil fertility [1][3].
Companion Planting and Herbs
Herbs such as rosemary, lavender, oregano, and thyme prefer dry soil, while parsley, cilantro, basil, dill, and marjoram need consistent moisture. Therefore, it's essential to consider the watering needs of the herbs when planning the garden layout [4].
A Mutually Beneficial Garden Ecosystem
In all cases, parsley’s aromatic qualities and its flowers attract predatory insects that help control pests naturally, making it a valuable companion across these plants [1][2]. No significant pests are known to be attracted to parsley that would harm these companion plants, though the advice is to watch out when planting parsley and carrots together due to shared pests [1].
Overall, planting parsley with these vegetables and roses promotes pest deterrence, supports beneficial insect populations, and can enhance soil nutrition via legume companions, creating a mutually beneficial garden ecosystem.
[1] Cornell University Extension
[2] University of Illinois Extension
[3] University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources
[4] National Gardening Association
- Parsley, when planted with various vegetables like beans, peas, broccoli, carrots, corn, peppers, tomatoes, and roses, offers advantages such as pest deterrence, beneficial insect attraction, and soil enhancement.
- Parsley flowers attract predatory insects like tachinid flies, which feed on pests such as cutworms for legume crops.
- Broccoli benefits from parsley's ability to deter adult moths that lay caterpillar eggs, while its flowers attract predatory insects that feed on caterpillars that appear.
- Parsley's aroma can help conceal carrots from carrot flies, thus potentially reducing carrot fly infestations.
- Roses may benefit from parsley, as it attracts beneficial insects that feed on aphids and other rose pests, helping to reduce infestations.
- Composting and the use of organic fertilizers will support the growth and health of parsley and other plants in a home-and-garden lifestyle centered around gardening, creating a harmonious ecosystem.
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