How to Grow Parsley

Biennial Herbs, Biennial Vegetables

  • Parsley seeds do not require soaking before planting.
  • Parsley seeds require darkness for germination, so cover them with a thin layer of soil.
  • Parsley seeds should be planted at a depth of 1/4 to 1/2 inch.
  • The ideal temperature range for germinating parsley seeds is between 60°F and 70°F (15°C to 21°C).
  • Parsley seeds typically germinate within 14 to 21 days.
  • Parsley can be started indoors 8 to 10 weeks before the last frost date in your area, or sown directly in the garden after the danger of frost has passed.
  • Parsley can be grown in USDA hardiness zones 4 to 9.
  • Parsley is frost hardy and can tolerate light frosts.
  • Parsley is a biennial plant, which means it lives for two years. However, it is usually grown as an annual.
  • Parsley seeds should be spaced 6 to 8 inches apart.
  • Parsley seedlings should be thinned to one plant every 6 to 8 inches.
  • Parsley plants should be spaced 10 to 12 inches apart.
  • Parsley prefers full sun to partial shade, with at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
  • Mature parsley plants can grow up to 1 to 2 feet tall.
  • Parsley can be transplanted outside once the seedlings have 3 to 4 true leaves and the danger of frost has passed.
  • Parsley produces small, greenish-yellow flowers arranged in clusters that bloom in the second year of growth. However, it is usually harvested before it flowers as the leaves become more bitter after flowering.

Carrots

Biennial Vegetables

How to Start Carrots from Seed

Carrots are not always as straightforward as other vegetables when it comes to growing them yourself. They prefer cooler temperatures, need to be sown very shallowly, but do not like to dry out. On top of it, they have a pretty long germination period. These factors can make growing carrots seem challenging to some, but there are some tricks of the trade that drastically increase your chances of success. 
When starting your carrots from seed, it’s important to sow them directly into the soil. Crops with taproots do not like to be transplanted, it will most likely result in death or underperforming plants. Watering the soil before planting the seeds will help prevent them from washing away. 
Carrot seeds need to be kept moist at all times, but since they need to be surface sown, this makes germinating carrots difficult. To increase your chances, you can place a board over the area you planted. This will stop them from drying out as fast, you can periodically check the moisture level and for germination. Once the seeds have sprouted remove the board. 
Growing and maintaining carrots in your garden is a rewarding and enjoyable experience. To grow carrots, choose a sunny location with loose, well-draining soil that has been amended with compost or other organic matter. Sow carrot seeds directly into the soil in early spring (or in late summer for a fall harvest) and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Thin seedlings to 1 inch apart once they have emerged, and continue to water and fertilize the carrots regularly. Keep the soil loose and free of weeds to encourage long, straight growth. Carrots are also vulnerable to pest attacks, so keep an eye out for pests like carrot rust flies and use appropriate measures to control them if necessary. Harvest the carrots when they are mature and fully grown, and store them in a cool, dry place. With proper care and maintenance, your carrot plants will produce a bountiful crop of sweet and delicious roots.