Parsley is one of the best known herbs, but strangely probably one of the most under-used ones.

It’s generally used as a garnish and left on the side of the plate which is a shame because parsley is one of the few herbs that is high in iron content, as well as vitamins such as vitamin C.

In fact, gram for gram parsley contains more vitamin C than most citrus fruits.

There are various types of parsley. The most common home grown ones tend to be the curly leaved type and Italian flat leaved parsley. Both are equally delicious and nutritious.

Parsley is a great breath freshening herb and should be eaten, preferably chewed, after a meal containing garlic to dispel any lingering odours.

Chop fresh parsley leaves and mix them into salads and other dishes, or instead of using a sprig to garnish, finely chop the leaves and sprinkle over the meal. It will definitely get eaten then!

Parsley was used to adorn head-dresses as well as meals in Roman times, and was, and still is, a very decorative herb to have growing in a pot on your windowsill or outdoors in the garden.

Planting:

Parsley grows readily from seed but can take up to six weeks to germinate. Sow seed in well drained pots or trays in early spring and keep them warm and watered, but never waterlogged, until the seeds have germinated and the plants are large enough to handle.

When all danger of a frost has passed, the young plants can be put out into the garden or transplanted into larger pots or containers.

Parsley has a long tap root and tends to be fairly self-sufficient once established but it should never be allowed to dry out. Containers and pots tend to dry out very quickly in the summer months and should be watered regularly.

Parsley likes a sunny spot in the garden. Grow some near your garlic plants so you don’t forget to pick it when you’re making garlic bread! Dot a few plants around the garden. You won’t need huge quantities of parsley unless you are going into production.

Allow about 8 inches (20cm) between plants, but double check on your seed packet before planting.

Have a great day!

Linda x

P.S. This post has been taken from Growing Herbs at Home.

Growing Herbs at Home describes ten everyday herbs, how to grow them and a little useful information about each one….

Aloe vera, Basil, Chives, Coriander, Garlic
Mint, Parsley, Sage, Thyme, Watercress

The herbs in ’Growing Herbs at Home” can be grown either in pots, containers or in your outdoor herb garden.

This is my most popular herb download 🙂 and now available from:

Amazon US , Amazon (UK) , Apple Books , Barnes & Noble , Kobo , Etsy