Do you want to grow your own parsley?
Parsley is a hardy plant that grows well in most climates. It’s easy to care for and can be grown indoors or out, making it a great option for gardeners of all skill levels. Parsley is also an excellent source of vitamins A and C, iron, potassium, calcium, and fiber. It’s even been shown to help reduce cholesterol! Growing your own parsley ensures you get the freshest possible product with the highest nutritional value.
If you’re looking for fresh herbs but don’t have much space or time on your hands, growing parsley at home might be just what you need! With our simple guide below, we’ll show you how to grow healthy plants from seed in no time at all – without any fuss!
Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)
When is the Best Time of the Year to Plant Parsley
The best time to plant parsley is in the winter and the fall. Parsley grows best in well-drained, loamy soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. The soil should also be full sun to partial shade.
Because parsley is a biennial it should be planted in early fall or late summer, to allow for full development of its root system. Parsley also requires substantial amounts of phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium; if the soil lacks these elements it can be fertilized with bone or fish meal.
Where in the Garden Should You Plant Parsley
Parsley grows well in partial shade, so it can be planted in a garden where other vegetables are growing. It also grows well in containers, so if you only have a small garden, you can grow parsley in a pot on the porch or patio. Parsley prefers a soil that is rich in organic matter, so adding compost to the soil before planting is recommended. When planting parsley, be sure to leave enough space between plants so the leaves don’t touch. This will help ensure good air circulation and prevent the spread of diseases. If you are growing your parsley in a container, choose one that is at least 10 inches deep. Parsley does well when planted along with tomatoes and carrots, but it also thrives on its own, so you don’t need to plant it with other vegetables if you don’t want to. It’s very easy to grow! Parsley is a biennial, which means it grows leaves the first year and flowers and seeds the second year. If you would prefer to only have leafy growth in your garden, be sure to harvest or remove the flower heads before they bloom so parsley will continue growing throughout its lifetime.
How Often Should I Watering Parsley
You should water your parsley twice a week. If you are using a drip irrigation system which waters slowly, you may skip one weekly watering. It is important to keep the soil moist but not wet. Parsley will form new roots on its own if it has enough water so don’t worry about giving your parsley more water than necessary.
Parsley does best in full sunlight but can tolerate some shade. It will grow best if you water it regularly, especially during hot weather. You can tell if your parsley needs water if the leaves are wilting or the soil is dry.
If you live in a warm climate, you can plant parsley in late winter or early spring. If you live in a colder climate, you can plant parsley in the fall. Parsley is a cool weather herb and will bolt (go to seed) if it gets too hot.
There is no need to fertilize parsley because it doesn’t generally need much help growing. It has a taproot which allows the plant to gather the nourishment it needs from the soil. This type of root system makes parsley tolerant of nutrient poor soil and drought conditions.
When and How to Harvest Parsley
Parsley is a biennial herb that is easy to grow. The best time to harvest parsley is when the leaves are 3-4 inches long. You can either harvest the leaves or the entire plant. If you choose to only harvest the leaves, make sure you leave at least 2-3 inches of growth on the stem. If you want to harvest the entire plant, make sure there are several inches of stem below the top of the leaf canopy.
When harvesting parsley it is best to harvest often rather than let plants go to seed. Harvesting often prevents the plant from reaching full maturity and allows for continuous growth. This is especially important during hot summer months when growth slows to a halt.
Harvest parsley with scissors, leaving at least 2 inches of stem below the top of the leaf canopy. Parsley will grow back quickly when harvested this way.
Harvest from the outside of the plant in when harvesting leaves, or harvest from several branches on opposite sides when harvesting entire plants.
Once parsley has gone to seed you can let it go and collect seeds in fall for next year’s planting, or till under the plant before it goes to seed to add organic matter into your soil.
Different Ways to Store Parsley
There are many different ways to store parsley. One way is to wrap the parsley in a slightly damp paper towel and place it in a plastic baggie. Another way is to place the parsley in a vase with water. You can also place the parsley in a glass of water on the counter. The key is to keep the parsley in water or moist.
Storing Parsley Longer Than One Week
When you are ready to store your parsley for more than one week, remove the parsley from its water source and wrap it in a slightly damp paper towel. Place it back into the plastic baggie and place it in the fridge. The parsley will stay fresh for up to two weeks this way.
Freezing Parsley
To freeze your parsley, first remove it from its water source and wrap it in a slightly damp paper towel. Place it into a freezer-safe baggie and place it in the freezer. The parsley will stay fresh for up to six months this way.
Dehydrating Parsley
To dehydrate your parsley, first remove it from its water source and wrap it in a slightly damp paper towel. Place it on a baking sheet and place it in the oven at 200 degrees. Once the parsley is completely dry, place it in a glass container and store it in a cool dark place. The parsley will stay fresh for up to six months this way.
Other Things of Interest About Parsley
- Parsley is a healthy herb.
- It’s the third most popular herb in the world.
- The taste of parsley can be enhanced by adding garlic or blending it with other herbs and spices.
- Parsley can be used for cosmetic or medicinal purposes.
- You can also use parsley to make tea or as a food garnish.
- Parsley can be used to make a juice that relieves the symptoms of urinary tract infections.
- Parsley is a rich source of vitamins A, C and K, as well as minerals like potassium and iron. Source
- Parsley is easy to grow and can be harvested throughout the year.
- It’s one of the earliest culinary herbs to be cultivated and was used by the ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans.
Conclusion: Now you have a better idea of how to grow Parsley. You can start growing parsley in either or both spring and autumn. It’s simple to plant, maintain, and harvest your own parsley for use in your favorite recipes!