What do you think of having a vegetable garden at home with fresh spices always at your disposal? So start planting parsley!
This small aromatic herb is able to guarantee that final touch of flavor to the most different dishes.
Very easy to grow, parsley does not require much care, not even large spaces. That is, it is perfect to be grown even on apartment balconies or in that lit corner over the kitchen sink.
And guess what? Today we will teach you everything about parsley, from how to plant it to how to use it. Come and see:
Parsley: benefits and uses
It may not seem like it, but parsley is a food rich in several nutrients, such as iron and potassium.
Parsley is also a source of vitamins A, B1, B2, C and D, in addition to folic acid and antioxidants.
This whole range of nutrients makes parsley an ally in the treatment of urinary infections, kidney stones, hypertension, constipation and fluid retention. The plant can still be used as a means of preventing flu, colds, anemia and heart problems.
The most common way to consume parsley is to incorporate it into everyday recipes, from basic rice and beans to more elaborate preparations such as risotto, for example.
For those who are looking for the therapeutic effects of parsley, the most recommended is to consume it in the form of tea. However, pregnant women should avoid consuming the plant because of the risk of miscarriage.
How to plant parsley: tips and step by step
Parsley can be grown in flower beds, pots and planters, making it a very versatile option for those with little space at home.
See the tips on how to plant parsley correctly:
Prepare the soil
Parsley is a rustic plant that adapts well to different types of soil, but the more drained and rich in organic matter, the better the plant will develop.
The tip is to make a mixture between common soil and organic substrate before planting.
In the case of pots, always remember to ensure a good drainage system at the bottom.
Sow
Parsley should be planted using the seeds of an adult plant or those sold in garden stores.
With the seeds in hand, soak them in water for 24 hours. This immersion time makes the seeds germinate faster.
The next day, make dimples of half a centimeter in the prepared soil and distribute the seeds.
Remember to keep the dimples about 10 to 15 centimeters apart.
Cover the seeds with a light layer of soil. Germination should take place about 14 days after planting.
During this period water the seeds every day, avoiding the hottest hours and intense sun.
Tip: prefer to plant the parsley already in the final place, since the plant is not very tolerant to transplantation.
When is the best time to plant parsley?
Parsley can be planted at any time of the year, but it is recommended to avoid months of extreme temperatures, such as summer and winter. That's because parsley grows best at temperatures between 10º to 24º C.
Therefore, a good time for planting parsley is between April and June.
Light to measure
For your parsley to grow and develop well, it is necessary to offer at least 4 hours a day of exposure to the sun.
Parsley can even grow in shaded places, but it won't look as beautiful and lush.
The best time for the parsley to sunbathe is between morning and late afternoon. The intense midday sun can harm the plant.
Water
Parsley likes water, but without exaggeration. This means that you must take care to keep the soil slightly moist, not soggy.
Prefer watering in the morning or late afternoon, when the sun is cooler.
On warmer, drier days, you may need to increase the number of waterings. To be sure, check the moisture level of the soil by touching it with your fingertips.
Fertilize
Parsley is not demanding when it comes to fertilization, but it is always good to please your plant, isn't it?
The tip is to fertilize the plant every two months with natural organic fertilizer (after all, you won't want to feed on chemicals, right?).
Fertilization is also important to strengthen the parsley and prevent the attack of pests.
Time to harvest
Parsley harvest starts 90 days after planting. As the plant will always be there with you, it is not necessary to harvest everything at once. You can cut only the leaves you will be using.
That way you also guarantee new shoots and the plant's durability for longer.
In fact, when harvesting, it is always good to keep at least 1/3 of the plant, so it does not lose strength or vitality.
Care and important information about growing parsley
- The parsley planting pot must be at least 15 centimeters deep and 30 centimeters in diameter. In larger pots or gardeners, it is possible to plant parsley with other plants, such as coriander and chives, for example.
- Parsley lasts, on average, two years. At the end of the cycle, the parsley begins to produce flowers which then turn into seeds. You can dry these seeds and plant them, ensuring new plants in your garden.
- Thin out during seedling growth, keeping only those that are stronger and healthier.
- It is also important to remove weeds from the pot or flower bed. These plants compete for space and nutrients, making it difficult for your parsley to grow.
- To avoid the attack of pests on your parsley, always check that the watering is adequate (neither too much nor too little) and that the light is ok. If you notice the presence of fungi, aphids or scale insects, try to adapt your plant to a new watering and lighting routine. Also fight pests using homemade mixtures (water and detergent).
- Another good tip to avoid pests in your garden, be it parsley or other herbs, is to choose the variety of species. Plant rosemary, basil, rue, coriander, chives and whatever else you can. The more variety in the environment, the less chance of pests there. This is because each of these plants acts as a natural repellent, removing certain types of pests and insects.
Did you see how easy it is to plant parsley? Now just start your home garden and always have the best spices for your recipes.
