Parsley

Q. I just started some flatleaf parsley from a pot. It is coming in. How to I take care of them? When to fertilizer? Do they like a lot of sun?

A. Parsley is a biennial growing about 16" high. It prefers a well-drained deep soil in sun or part shade. Space plants about 10" apart. Sow from spring till late summer or purchase plants at regular intervals to ensure a constant supply. Plants are available year round from nurseries. Parsley is ideal for container growing and can also be planted as a hedge. The Italian flatleaf variety you have is much better suited to cooking than the curly leafed [more decorative].

Use sharp shears to cut herbs. Remove any damaged leaves and any insects. Aphids are the main insect problems with herbs. Treat immediately [consider Safer's Insecticidal Soap] but wash carefully before consuming or discard until new growth appears.

Be careful that the afternoon sun does not burn the leaves. Keep protected or grow with east sunlight. Cut back dead and yellow stems and discard.

Regular light waterings when the soil surface is quite dry to the touch. Do not overwater and be sure they are planted in well-drained mix.

Fertilize periodically about monthly as they do not require much at all.

Do not let the roots dry out or the system will be damaged and the foliage wilt and brown.

Pick parsley leaves at any time during the year. Always pick the outer leaves.

Parsley leaves are best used fresh in home cuisine. Drying is not recommended but they freeze well. You can freeze herbs on the stem or take off the leaves and freeze them whole.  Place the herbs one layer thick on a flat tray uncovered and freeze. After they are frozen you may chop or crumble the herbs and the label and put them in frozen containers.

Some herbs can be placed in pots and grown indoors during the winter months. Place in a sunny east or south window and use care similar to houseplants. Either dig up herbs toward the end of the growing season and place in pots or start from seed indoors.