Parsnips are a cool-weather root vegetable with a creamy, tapered taproot, closely related to carrots and parsley. They develop a distinct sweet, earthy flavor, often enhanced after a frost. Companion planting involves growing different plants in proximity to enhance growth and productivity, creating a more thriving garden environment.
Why Companion Plant with Parsnips
Companion planting offers several advantages for parsnip growers. A significant benefit is natural pest deterrence. Aromatic plants can confuse pests, making it harder for them to locate parsnips, which are susceptible to issues like carrot rust flies. This approach can lower pest problems.
Another advantage is attracting beneficial insects. Certain companion plants provide nectar or pollen, drawing in helpful bugs.
Companion planting also improves soil health; some plants can fix nitrogen in the soil, providing essential nutrients. Plants with different root systems can improve soil aeration and nutrient uptake. This strategy also helps with optimizing growth conditions by providing shade for smaller plants or suppressing weeds.
Best Companion Plants for Parsnips
Selecting the right companion plants can significantly enhance parsnip growth and protect them from common issues.
Herbs
Herbs with strong scents are particularly effective for pest deterrence. Rosemary, with its pungent aroma, helps mask the scent of parsnips, deterring pests like carrot flies and aphids. Spreading cuttings of rosemary around parsnips can also offer protection. Dill, another aromatic herb, attracts beneficial insects that help control pests. Cilantro and mint also contribute to pest confusion and can attract helpful insects, but mint should be contained to prevent aggressive spreading.
Vegetables
Several vegetables make excellent companions for parsnips due to complementary growth habits or benefits. Radishes, with their shallow roots and quick maturity, can be interplanted with parsnips as row markers. They are harvested before parsnips need the space, also helping to break up soil. Lettuce provides ground cover, which helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds, and its shallow roots do not compete with parsnip taproots. Peas and beans are legumes that fix nitrogen in the soil, enriching it with this essential nutrient. Onions and garlic have strong odors that deter pests like carrot flies and aphids, and their shallow root systems do not compete with parsnips.
Flowering Plants
Flowering plants also play a role in a beneficial parsnip garden. Marigolds deter nematodes and other pests, while also attracting beneficial insects. Nasturtiums can serve as trap crops, drawing pests away from parsnips.
Plants to Avoid Near Parsnips
Certain plants can negatively affect parsnip growth and should be kept at a distance. Fennel inhibits the growth of many plants, including parsnips, due to allelopathic properties where it releases chemicals that hinder nearby plant development.
Carrots are another plant to avoid growing directly next to parsnips. Both belong to the Apiaceae family and are susceptible to the same pests, such as the carrot rust fly, and similar diseases. Planting them together can increase the risk of widespread infestation. Other Apiaceae family members, including celery and parsley, also share these vulnerabilities and can attract the same pests, making them less ideal companions for parsnips.
Maximizing Your Parsnip Harvest with Companion Planting
To effectively utilize companion planting for a robust parsnip harvest, consider practical application strategies. Proper spacing between plants is important; ensuring each plant has adequate room to grow prevents competition for light, water, and nutrients. Consider the mature size and root spread of each plant when planning your layout.
Soil preparation is another important factor. Parsnips thrive in deep, stone-free soil, so preparing the bed thoroughly before planting benefits both parsnips and their companions. Observing plant health and interactions throughout the growing season allows for adjustments if certain combinations are not performing as expected. Keeping a garden journal can help track successful and unsuccessful pairings for future seasons.
Integrating crop rotation with companion planting further enhances garden health. Rotating crops by family helps prevent the build-up of pests and diseases in the soil and ensures balanced nutrient use over time. For instance, avoid planting parsnips or other Apiaceae family members in the same spot for several years. Combining these strategies creates a resilient and productive garden ecosystem for your parsnips.