Parsley is so useful that over the years a pot has evolved that bears it's name. I'm a great fan of the Parsley pot in all it's various forms whether Terracotta, Glazed, Plastic or Resin. Why does it merit it's own pot? Because it's a simple way to get a lot of Parsley where you need it...by the kitchen door.
Herbs should always be growing close to where you need them but it can be difficult so why not make sure the herb you use the most is always on hand.
Here's how:
Grow or buy some really healthy Parsley plants, get ones that are green all over with no feeble looking yellow bits. Supermarket plants will do but only in the natural season, in the N. Hemisphere that will be April until September.
Find a good sized Parsley pot, there are little ones on sale but they are not ideal because they dry out too quickly.
Start off by adding a layer of good quality, fresh compost at the bottom of the pot then carefully knock your plants from the pots and place the first layer of plants wiggling them through the holes from the inside. The root-ball of the plant will stop it from falling out through it's hole. Make sure all the plants of the first layer are resting comfortably on the compost. Then add more compost for the next layer to rest on.
Carry on adding plants layer by layer until you reach the top, then plant three
or more plants into the space at the top. Be sure to leave about an inch space at the top to make watering easy otherwise the water will run off. You could add some other herbs as well but there's something special about a green column of lovely Parsley
.
How to care for your Parsley pot.
Three things to remember:
- Use it
- Feed it
- Water it
After a few weeks you will be able to start picking the young leaves, they'll keep coming as long as you remember the other two essentials.
Watering will be necessary every day in the growing season. It's easiest if you sit the pot in a large saucer, then
any water that drains through will get 'sucked up' by the roots of the plants at the bottom.
Feeding is essential to get a prolonged harvest from your pot.
If you want to be organic use a seaweed based liquid feed, other wise Miracle Gro or similar product will be fine....don't forget, every week!
Your pot will crop for a whole season, don't expect it to crop for a second year. Although the plants might over-winter they will not do well and will probably go to seed. So go through the process each year, it's well worth the effort.
If you find you want a rest from Parsley you can plant Primroses, Heucheras or Summer annuals in the same way and all will thrive.
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