How to Raise Parsley

Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) adds charm as a garnish, depth as a seasoning and even makes a neat, mounding border plant. It's the preferred plant of black swallowtail butterflies and, as a member of the carrot family, is also high in vitamin C, vitamin A and iron. Parsley is a short-lived plant, however, and is best replanted annually.

Water bowl or cup
Seed starting mix
Peat pots or seed starting flats
Soil amendments (if necessary)

Instructions

- 1
  Choose a sunny garden location with moderately rich, well-drained soil. Parsley grows best with six to eight hours of sunlight. If the soil is heavy or low in organic matter, amend the area with 2 to 3 inches of aged compost.
- 2
  Soak the seeds in water for 24 hours before planting. Start the seeds indoors six weeks before the last frost date, planting each seed 1/8 inch deep. Keep the soil evenly moist and be patient, as parsley may take nearly a month to germinate.
- 3
  Thin the seedlings to 8 inches apart once they reach 3 inches in height. Transplant the young plants into the garden once the danger of a late frost passes. The seedlings are often thin and easily overlooked -- mark the planting site.
- 4
  Mulch the seedlings well to prevent dehydration and keep the soil moist until the parsley establishes. Unlike sage oregano and other drought-tolerant herbs, parsley does not tolerate dry conditions. Water established plants deeply once each week.
- 5
  Fertilize parsley with a balanced garden fertilizer (5-10-5) once during the season. This herb is usually ready to harvest two and a half to three months after planting.

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