Parsley Botanical name: Petroselinum crispum
Parsley is from the dill family, is an additive for soups(lessens the need for salt), sauces and salads. It makes an excellent garnish and is rich in iron, Vitamin
A and C.

Sun exposure: Full Sun, Part Sun
Soil type: Loamy

Planting

Start seeds in individual pots indoors 10 to 12 weeks before the last spring frost (May 9). Plant the seeds 3 to 4 weeks before the last spring frost because parsley is a slow starter. (The plants can handle the cold weather.) It can take up to 3 weeks for the plants to sprout.
Plant the seeds in moist, rich soil about 6 to 8 inches apart. For thinner plants, plant about 6 to 10 inches apart.
To ensure the best growth, the soil should be around 70ºF.
Plant parsley near asparagus, corn, and tomatoes in your garden.

Care

Be sure to water the seeds often while they germinate so that they don't dry out.
Throughout the summer, be sure to water the plants evenly.

Pests

Stem rot
Leaf spots
Black swallowtail larvae
Carrot fly and celery fly larvae

Harvest/Storage

Cut leaves from the outer portions of the plant whenever you need them.
One method of storing the parsley fresh is to put the leaf stalks in water and keep them in the refrigerator.
Another method of storage is drying the parsley. Cut the parsley at the base and hang it in a well-ventilated, shady, and warm place. Once it's completely dry, crumble it up and store it in an airtight container.
If you want fresh parsley throughout the winter, replant a parsley plant in a pot and keep it in a sunny window.

Recommended Varieties

Flat-leaf varieties in cooking because they have better flavor and are easier to work with than curly-leaf parsley
Curly-leaf varieties when you want a pretty garnish

Add a parsley infusion to bathwater to soothe and cleanse

Information from: The Old Farmers Almanac www.almanac.com


High Temperature:
Actual: -3°C cloudy flurries trace amt Wind NNW25km/h P.O.P.45%
Average: 1°C
Record: 11°C in 1954

Low Temperature:
Actual: -6°C mostly cloudy Wind NNW27km/h P.O.P.31%
Average: -8°C
Record: -23°C in 1938