Parsley

Parsley prefers fertile, well-drained soil at pH 6.0-7.0 with steady moisture. Add compost before planting and feed lightly after repeated cutting; leaving the central growing point intact keeps new stems coming.

Sun

Full sun to part shade

Water

Even moisture; about 1 in/week including rain

Spacing

8 in

First harvest

70–90 days

Tips

• Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep, allowing 2-4 weeks for germination, and thin to 6-8 inches apart.
• Keep the seedbed moist and water established plants when the top inch of soil dries.
• Apply a light balanced fertilizer after heavy harvests if growth slows.
• Inspect for leaf spots and black swallowtail caterpillars, relocating caterpillars if you want to spare both them and the crop.
• Cut outer stems at their base instead of shearing off the tops, and remove flowering plants when leaf quality declines.

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