Best Parsley Companion Plants
Parsley is more than just a garnish—it’s a hardworking herb that plays a powerful role in your garden. Not only is it flavorful and rich in nutrients, but it also makes a wonderful companion plant. When grown alongside the right neighbors, parsley can improve the health, flavor, and growth of surrounding crops. However, there are also a few plants it doesn’t get along with.
Whether you're growing curly or flat-leaf parsley, choosing the right parsley companion plants—and avoiding the wrong ones—can make a big difference in your garden’s productivity.
The Benefits of Companion Planting with Parsley
Companion planting is the practice of growing certain plants together for mutual benefit. Parsley is known to attract beneficial insects like hoverflies and parasitic wasps that feed on garden pests such as aphids and caterpillars. It also improves microclimates for nearby plants and can enhance flavors when planted near compatible herbs and vegetables.
When thoughtfully placed, parsley can serve as a living pest repellent, a pollinator magnet, and even a space saver in tight garden beds.
Best Companion Plants for Parsley
Parsley does well when grown near a wide variety of vegetables, herbs, and flowers. Among its best garden allies are tomatoes, asparagus, and chives. Tomatoes benefit from parsley's pest-repelling abilities, and parsley, in turn, enjoys the dappled shade taller tomato plants provide.
Asparagus and parsley are classic companions—some gardeners even believe parsley enhances the vigor of asparagus plants when interplanted around their base. Meanwhile, parsley and chives can help each other by confusing pests with their contrasting scents, making it harder for unwanted insects to find their preferred host.
Parsley also thrives near onions, carrots, corn, and peppers. These crops won’t compete heavily for nutrients or root space, and in many cases, parsley helps deter common pests.
Herbs and Flowers That Grow Well with Parsley
Parsley pairs beautifully with herbs like basil, thyme, and marjoram. These herbs prefer similar growing conditions—well-drained soil and full to partial sun—making them natural companions. Basil and parsley in particular are believed to enhance each other's flavor and growth when planted nearby.
In the flower bed, parsley is a favorite among pollinator-friendly gardeners. Planting it with marigolds can provide a one-two punch against aphids and nematodes, while pairing it with nasturtiums helps attract predatory insects that reduce pest populations naturally.
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What Not to Plant Near Parsley
While parsley is generally a friendly garden neighbor, there are a few plants it doesn’t get along with. Mint is one of the main offenders. Both mint and parsley spread aggressively, and mint's rapid underground runners can quickly take over an area, crowding out parsley and robbing it of nutrients.
Lettuce is another plant to keep at a distance. Parsley may slow the growth of lettuce, especially if they’re planted too closely. Some gardeners also report that parsley attracts pests that are harmful to lettuce, making the pairing risky in smaller garden spaces.
It’s also best to keep parsley away from other members of the Umbelliferae family—like dill, fennel, and carrots. These plants are closely related and may cross-pollinate or compete for similar nutrients and attract the same pests, which can lead to overcrowding and weakened growth.
Smart Garden Planning for a Healthy Harvest
Parsley can be an excellent team player in the garden, especially when paired with crops that benefit from its pest-repelling properties and compact size. By planting it near helpful companions and steering clear of its few adversaries, you can create a healthier, more productive garden that thrives with minimal input.
Whether you're growing parsley in a pot, raised bed, or mixed garden plot, keeping its favorite neighbors in mind will help your “green garnish” give back in more ways than one.