How to get a good harvest of parsley

Parsley is native to the Mediterranean. Garden parsley is a rich source of vitamin C and iron, which is said to treat bad breath and cleanse the skin. Easy to grow, even in partial shade, parsley can be grown in garden plots, vegetable gardens, containers or curbs. Its freshly picked leaves will add depth and flavor to your dishes.

Sowing parsley seeds

Parsley seeds should be sown directly into well-prepared soil. Rows 1 cm deep and 30 cm apart. Cover the seeds lightly with earth and water. When the seedlings are large enough, they will need to be thinned up to 15 cm apart.
Alternatively, if you don't have enough free space, parsley can be grown in pots. Fill them with earthy compost and sow the seeds finely. Sprinkle them with a light layer of compost and water them. Make sure the compost does not dry out. It may take six weeks for the seeds to germinate. The sprouts must also be thinned out during the sprouting process. When replanting parsley in a large pot, a mixture of garden and soil compost should be used to prevent the young plants from drying out.
Experienced gardeners advise sowing lots of seeds at intervals of several weeks. In this case, you will always have a supply of fresh and aromatic herbs.

Parsley in the garden: care rules

Parsley needs a lot of water, especially in dry weather. It should also be periodically fed with conventional seaweed fertilizers to accelerate leaf growth. Any yellowing foliage must be removed.
In two-year-old parsley, flowers appear in the second year. Provided that the plants will not be cut regularly. If you want to preserve the seeds, some plants should be allowed to bloom.

Parsley picking

Parsley is best harvested as needed, cutting off the stems at the base to allow new leaves to grow back quickly. It is better to grow several plants at once. Then you can harvest from one bunch while the other grows further.

Storing parsley

The parsley leaves can be dried for later storage. However, the aroma will be less intense. With parsley plants that are so easy to grow and maintain, it makes more sense to use fresh supplies.

For flavor, it's best to finely chop the parsley in a food processor and freeze it if you want to save it for later use.

You can also split the plants at the end of the season, replant them in pots, and move them indoors for a consistent harvest of leaves throughout the winter.

Preparation and use

Parsley can be added to a wide variety of recipes, from soups and stews to omelets and Middle Eastern salads. It is best to chop it finely. Both leaves and stems can be used.

Parsley in the garden: problem solving

Parsley belongs to the carrot family and can therefore be affected by some pests such as the carrot fly. Therefore, precautions should be taken to preserve it. For example, plant a companion with it - garlic or onion. Also remember to protect your young seedlings from slugs and snails.