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Parsley Growing Guide🌿: Planting and Care for Continuous Harvests

Parsley Growing Guide🌿: Planting and Care for Continuous Harvests

Introduction

Parsley is a versatile, slow-bolting herb that thrives in SIPs, raised beds, and wicking beds. Whether you're growing curly or flat-leaf varieties, steady bottom-up watering ensures vibrant foliage and longer harvest windows. Using GardenWells inserts transforms any planter into a low-maintenance wicking bed, making parsley one of the easiest herbs to grow year-round.

When to Plant Parsley

  • Spring: Start seeds indoors in March or direct-seed in April after frost danger passes. See the March Gardening Guide for early seed-starting tips.

  • Summer: Plant parsley plugs or seeds through June for a full-season harvest; see the June Gardening Guide for hot-weather care.

  • Fall: In mild climates, sow parsley in August for cool-season growth — tips in the September Gardening Guide.

Square Foot Gardening Spacing

  • Spacing: 4 parsley plants per sq ft (~6” apart)

  • Depth: Sow seeds ¼” deep or transplant seedlings at the same soil level as nursery pots

  • Companions: Thrives alongside tomatoes, carrots, and basil.

How to Plant Parsley

Starting Indoors (Preferred)

  • Start seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before your last frost date.

  • Soak seeds overnight to speed up germination.

  • Harden seedlings off for 5–7 days before transplanting into SIPs or wicking beds.

Direct Seeding

  • Sow directly into SIP planters or raised beds in April or May once the soil is warm.

  • Parsley takes 14–28 days to germinate, so keep soil consistently moist during early growth.

Watering Your Parsley

Parsley prefers steady, consistent hydration:

  • Use your WaterStem to monitor levels: when the Hummingbird rises, your reservoir’s full; when it drops, refill.

  • Before establishment: Top-water lightly for 7–10 days until seedlings root into SIP moisture zones.

  • After establishment: Refill reservoirs every 1–2 weeks depending on heat and density.

  • Mulch lightly around plants to keep soil cooler in hot weather.

Harvesting Parsley

  • Timing: Ready to harvest 70–80 days after planting.

  • Method: Snip outer stems at the base, leaving the center to regrow.

  • Continuous Production: Regular harvesting encourages bushier plants and longer yields.

  • For summer pruning strategies, see the July Gardening Guide.

Common Issues & Fixes

Issue Likely Cause Solution
Yellow Leaves Overwatering or poor drainage Use SIPs or wicking beds for balanced hydration
Slow Germination Hard seed coats Pre-soak seeds and keep soil consistently moist
Aphids Warm-season pest Interplant basil or nasturtiums to deter pests

Companion Plants for Parsley

Best companions (with cross-links):

  • Tomatoes → Parsley attracts hoverflies and ladybugs that reduce tomato pests.

  • Carrots → Pair well in SIPs due to complementary root depths.

  • Basil → Adds pest control while sharing similar watering needs.

  • Chives & Onions → Great pest deterrents, especially near fruiting plants.

  • Strawberries → Low-growing companions that maximize SIP layering.

Avoid planting with:

  • Lettuce → Can bolt faster when planted too close to parsley due to shading.

  • Mint → Invasive roots can overtake SIP beds.

Layout Tip:

  • Plant 4 parsley plants per sq ft in LifeSpace Gardens or wicking beds.

  • Edge parsley around tomatoes or peppers for pest control.

  • Interplant basil, chives, or nasturtiums nearby to enhance pollinator activity.

Product Tips

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