Parsley
Parsley is well known for its use as a garnish or as
a flavoring in many dishes and salads. The curly varieties also make a
nice addition to most gardens, planted with other herbaceous plants or
used in a border. Parsley is biennial in nature. Chefs prefer Italian
flat-leafed parsley, but curly-leafed types are good for garnishes. Flat
or curly green leaves grow in clumps. Flat-leafed types grow 2 to 3 feet
tall, curly types to 1 foot. Biennial often grown as an annual. Grow three
plants of each.
Culinary uses: Bouquets garnis, casseroles, fish, meats, omelets,
poultry, sauces, soups, stews, vegetables, and as a garnish. Add parsley
to fresh vegetables at the end of cooking to avoid overcooking it.
Growing Parsley
Parsley does best in a sunny area which receives
direct light for 6-8 hours a day, although it can tolerate some light
shade. Plants will be more productive if grown in well drained soil that
is fairly rich in organic matter.
Seeds can be started indoors in the late winter
approximately 6-8 weeks ahead of time for outdoor planting. Seeds can also
be sown directly in the ground where they are to be grown, after danger of
spring frosts has passed. Sow evenly, covering seeds with 1/8 inch of soil
and keep them moist. Thin to 3 inches apart when the seedlings are 2-3
inches high. Transplant to stand 8-10 inches apart.
Do not allow the plants to dry out completely
between watering in the garden. Water deeply at least once a week to
insure the roots are receiving enough moisture during the growing season.
A light mulch of ground up leaves or grass clippings will help retain
moisture and keep weeds to a minimum.
Fertilize those plants in garden beds once or twice
during the growing season, using a 5-10-5 commercial fertilizer at a rate
of 3 oz per 10 feet of row. Use a liquid fertilizer at one half the label
recommended strength every 3-4 weeks for container grown plants outside
and every 4-6 weeks for parsley grown indoors.
Parsley is an easy herb to grow indoors as long as
it has a bright location and holes in the bottom of the planter to insure
good drainage.
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