Parsley requires some tact if you want to plant the aromatic herb in the garden. If you find a good location and properly care for parsley, you will harvest many aromatic leaves.
What Location Does Parsley Need?
The requirements for the right location for parsley are easy to meet. Just pay attention to the following points:
- Bright
- No direct sun
- Well-drained soil
- Do not grow near umbelliferous plants
Parsley is incompatible with itself and other umbellifers. Therefore, establish new beds only where umbellifers have not grown there for at least three years.
In What Soil Should You Plant Parsley?
Parsley prefers humic, loose soil. Never incorporate fresh compost or manure, only mature organic fertilizer.
The soil must be really loose so that watering and rainwater can drain off well and no waterlogging occurs.
At What Distance Should You Grow Parsley?
When planting parsley, you also need to consider the proper spacing between the plants themselves and also from other plants. If you follow these values, your parsley will thrive:
- Row spacing 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm)
- Planting distance 4 inches (10 cm)
- Distance from other plants at least 12 inches (30 cm)
When is the Best Time to Plant Parsley?
You can sow parsley on the windowsill from February. Cultivation in the open ground should be done only when the soil has warmed up to at least 46 °F (8 °C).
However, it is advisable not to sow parsley outdoors before August. In this way, you reduce the risk that the plants will be attacked by pests and fungi.
When Can Parsley Be Harvested?
You can harvest parsley all year round. In the second year after cultivation, the plant begins to bloom. After that, the leaves are no longer used because of too high content of toxic apiol.
Is Parsley Really Poisonous?
Parsley does indeed contain the toxic substance apiol. The poison reaches particularly high concentrations after flowering.
You should then pull out the parsley plant and dispose of it.
You should always use the spice sparingly. During pregnancy, it is not recommended to eat parsley.
How Can Parsley Be Propagated?
Propagation is through the seed that develops from the flowers. The seed is very toxic and must be stored safely if it is to be used to grow new parsley.
What Plants Does Parsley Get Along Poorly With?
There are some plants with which parsley does not grow well. These include, in particular, the following plants:
- All umbellifers
- Cabbage
- Lettuce
- Lavender.
What Plants Are Suitable for Mixed Cultivation?
Radishes go particularly well with parsley. The small tubers are popular as marker seeds because parsley is very slow to germinate.
Other good neighbors are tomatoes, garlic, leeks, and some other aromatic herbs.
You can also plant marigolds between the rows of parsley. The roots of this plant are effective against nematodes and provide soil quality that is good for parsley.
If the location is not right, the parsley will stunt, not grow or get yellow leaves. So be careful when choosing a place to plant parsley. Care also plays an important role in growing parsley.
