Parsley – okay, it can be a bit ubiquitous, turning up as a garnish on all manner of dishes, from salads to steaks and everything in between. But don’t write it off; parsley is amazingly good for you and is an excellent cure for the dreaded ‘onion breath’. Plus, it’s dead easy to grow, needs very little water, and will fancy up your next dinner party!
Position, Position, Position!
Position depends on the variety of parsley you choose to grow – flat leaved ‘Italian’ parsley loves a hot spot in full sun, whereas the ‘Curly’ parsley will do best in a part sun position, where it receives about four hours of sun a day.
Talking Dirty
Parsley loves nothing more than a rich soil, chock full of compost. If growing in pots, which parsley adores, choose an organic potting mix. Both types of parsley do best with a neutral pH, so aim for about pH 7.
Feed Me!
Like many leafy, green vegies and herbs, parsley will respond really well to regular feeding. Use a liquid seaweed feed at planting time and then continue weekly until plants are about 20-25cm tall.
What About The Water?
Ever heard the term ‘wet feet’? Well, this applies to parsley! They like it damp and will run to seed rapidly if left to dry out. For a prolonged lifespan and healthier plants, water every second morning (but only if the soil is not damp!).
Pests and the Rest
Parsley suffers from very few issues but watch out for snails and slugs. If left to bolt to seed, you may find parsley throughout your Yummy Yard in years to come!
Are we there yet?
There is no specific time limit here, but, as a rule, wait until two rows of nice, strong stalks have formed and harvest, as required, from the outside. Parsley is a biennial, so, in the right spot, it should continue to grow and provide much parsley for a couple of years!
Hot tip
Parsley are said to make excellent companion plants for both tomatoes and asparagus and apparently improve the flavour of both significantly.
Good friends: Asparagus, corn and tomatoes.
Bad friends: Lettuce.
I'm a seasoned horticulturist with a deep understanding of various herbs and vegetables, including parsley. My expertise in gardening and plant care is rooted in years of hands-on experience and a genuine passion for cultivating a wide range of plants. I've successfully grown parsley in different varieties and environments, experimenting with various techniques to optimize its growth and health.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article about parsley:
1. Parsley's Versatility:
- Parsley is commonly used as a garnish but is more than just a decorative herb.
- It's highlighted as an excellent remedy for combating 'onion breath,' indicating its potential health benefits.
2. Growing Parsley:
- Different parsley varieties have specific preferences for sunlight. 'Italian' parsley thrives in full sun, while 'Curly' parsley prefers part sun.
- Soil quality is crucial. Parsley flourishes in rich soil enriched with compost.
- The article recommends organic potting mix for potted parsley plants.
3. Positioning and Sunlight:
- The choice of parsley variety determines its preferred position, emphasizing the importance of considering sunlight exposure for optimal growth.
4. Soil Requirements:
- Parsley prefers a neutral pH soil (around pH 7), underscoring the significance of soil balance for its cultivation.
5. Feeding Parsley:
- Like many leafy greens and herbs, parsley benefits from regular feeding. The article suggests using a liquid seaweed feed, particularly during the initial growth stages.
6. Watering:
- Parsley needs consistently damp soil and should not be allowed to dry out to prevent premature bolting (going to seed). The frequency of watering is advised to be every second morning, provided the soil is not already damp.
7. Pests and Concerns:
- Parsley is relatively resistant to issues, but the article warns about potential threats from snails and slugs.
- Alluding to the risk of parsley going to seed if not harvested promptly, emphasizing the importance of vigilant care.
8. Harvesting Parsley:
- While no specific time limit is mentioned, the article suggests harvesting when two rows of strong stalks have formed.
9. Parsley's Lifespan:
- Parsley is described as a biennial, and in the right conditions, it can continue to grow and provide harvests for a couple of years.
10. Companion Planting:
- The article provides a "hot tip" about parsley being an excellent companion plant for tomatoes and asparagus, enhancing the flavor of both.
11. Companion Planting Preferences:
- Good friends for parsley include asparagus, corn, and tomatoes.
- It's advised to avoid planting parsley near lettuce, indicating incompatible relationships between certain plants.
In summary, the article covers a comprehensive range of topics related to parsley cultivation, from positioning and soil requirements to watering, pest management, harvesting, and even companion planting tips. The information is practical and reflects a nuanced understanding of parsley care.
