Parsley

Parsley is a versatile herb known for its fresh flavor and culinary uses. Whether used as a garnish or a key ingredient in various dishes, parsley adds brightness and depth to meals. Growing parsley at home ensures a ready supply of this flavorful herb for your kitchen, while also enhancing your garden with its vibrant green foliage.

Preparing for Growing:

• Selecting a planting location: Choose a location with partial shade to full sun, depending on your climate.
• Soil preparation: Prepare well-draining soil enriched with organic matter.
• Purchasing or preparing containers/pots: If growing in containers, choose pots with good drainage.

Starting from Seeds Indoors:

• Seed preparation: Soak parsley seeds in warm water overnight to improve germination.
• Choosing suitable pots/containers: Use seed trays or small pots filled with seed-starting mix.
• Sowing and caring for seeds indoors: Sow seeds thinly on the surface of the soil, cover lightly with soil, and keep the soil consistently moist. Place containers in a warm location with plenty of sunlight or under grow lights.

Starting from Seeds Outdoors:

• Soil preparation: Prepare the outdoor planting area as described earlier.
• Selecting appropriate timing and method for outdoor sowing: Sow parsley seeds directly into the garden bed in early spring after the last frost date.
• Caring for seeds outdoors: Keep the soil evenly moist until seeds germinate, typically within 14-21 days.

Growing in Containers/Pots:

• Selecting suitable plants for containers: Parsley grows well in containers of various sizes.
• Container and soil preparation: Use well-draining containers filled with potting soil mixed with compost.
• Sowing or transplanting plants into containers: Sow seeds or transplant seedlings into containers following the same procedure as outdoor planting.
• Caring for container plants: Place containers in a location with partial shade to full sun, water regularly, and fertilize every 4-6 weeks with a balanced fertilizer.

Transplanting to Garden:

• Soil and planting site preparation: Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil.
• Correct timing and method for transplanting: Transplant parsley seedlings outdoors after the last frost date, spacing them 6-8 inches apart.
• Post-transplant care: Water the transplanted seedlings thoroughly and provide shade for a few days to help them acclimate to outdoor conditions.

Plant Care:

• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry.
• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season to promote healthy growth.
• Weeding: Keep the area around parsley plants weed-free to reduce competition for nutrients and water.
• Pest and disease management: Parsley is relatively pest and disease-resistant but may occasionally attract pests like aphids or caterpillars. Monitor plants regularly and treat infestations promptly with organic remedies if necessary.

Harvesting:

• Determining when plants are ready for harvest: Harvest parsley leaves when the plant has reached 6-8 inches in height.
• Harvesting and storage guidelines: Cut outer stems with a sharp pair of scissors or pruners, leaving the inner stems to continue growing. Use fresh parsley immediately or store it in the refrigerator wrapped in damp paper towels for up to two weeks.

When to Start from Seeds by USDA Plant Hardiness Zones:

• Start parsley seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date in your area or sow them directly outdoors after the danger of frost has passed.

Fast Facts:

• Planting depth: Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep or scatter them over the soil surface.
• Seed spacing: Thin seedlings to 6-8 inches apart.
• Plant spacing: Space plants 6-8 inches apart.
• Number of seeds per pot/container: Sow several seeds per container and thin to the strongest seedling.
• Water preferences: Parsley prefers consistently moist soil.
• Sun preferences: Partial shade to full sun.
• Soil type and other important factors: Well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0.
• Companion Planting: Plant parsley near tomatoes, peppers, or roses to attract beneficial insects and repel pests.
• Temperature Preference: Parsley prefers cool to moderate temperatures and can tolerate light frosts.
• Days to Germination: Parsley seeds typically germinate in 14-21 days.
• Days to Harvest: Harvest parsley leaves when the plant is well-established, usually after 70-90 days.