Guest post by Katrina & Clayton
Parsley is well-suited to the Scottish climate, this herb prefers cooler weather, especially during the germination period, and can be grown almost year-round in many parts of Scotland. Parsley is a biennial plant, meaning it will produce leaves during the first year and then flower and set seeds in the second year.
Growing Parsley in Scotland
Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) is a versatile and hardy herb that thrives in cooler climates, making it an excellent choice for Scottish gardens. Whether you’re growing curly parsley (Petroselinum crispum var. crispum) for its decorative, frilly leaves or flat-leaf parsley (Petroselinum crispum var. neapolitanum) for its more robust flavour, this biennial herb is easy to cultivate, highly nutritious, and an essential kitchen staple. Both the curly and flat-leaf varieties are rich in vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, vitamin K, and iron, making them a nutritious addition to many dishes.
Climate Considerations:
Cool temperatures: Parsley prefers temperatures between 10°C and 21°C, making Scotland’s temperate climate ideal for growth.
Frost tolerance: While parsley can tolerate light frost, it is not completely frost-hardy. If planted early in spring or late autumn, some protection, such as a cloche or fleece, may be necessary to shield young plants from freezing temperatures.
Long growing season: Scotland’s long daylight hours during the summer months help parsley to flourish, while the cooler climate reduces the risk of bolting (premature flowering).
Planting Parsley
Parsley can be grown from seeds or transplanted as seedlings. In Scotland, it’s best to start parsley indoors during early spring (March) or sow directly outdoors from late spring (April to May) once the risk of frost has passed.
Planting from Seed:
Soak the seeds: Parsley seeds have a tough outer coating, which makes them slow to germinate. Soaking the seeds overnight in warm water before planting can help speed up the process.
Indoor sowing: For an early start, sow seeds indoors in trays or pots about 6-8 weeks before the last frost. Plant the seeds about 1 cm deep in seed compost and keep the trays in a warm, light spot.
Transplanting: Once the seedlings have two sets of true leaves and the outdoor temperature is mild enough, harden them off by placing them outside during the day for a week before transplanting them into the garden or larger containers.
Direct sowing: Alternatively, sow the seeds directly into the ground in late spring. Thinly scatter the seeds in rows or broadcast in a patch, covering them lightly with soil.
Spacing and Depth:
Parsley plants should be spaced about 20-30 cm apart to allow for proper air circulation and root development. If growing in rows, space the rows 30 cm apart.
Plant seeds or seedlings at a depth of 1-2 cm. Parsley needs light to germinate, so avoid planting the seeds too deep.
Caring for Parsley
Pruning parsley is essential to encourage continuous growth, prevent bolting, and maintain a healthy plant. Regularly harvesting parsley also serves as a form of pruning, as it stimulates new leaves to grow.
Proper care is key to growing lush, healthy parsley in Scotland. While parsley is relatively low-maintenance, it does benefit from regular attention to ensure vigorous growth.
Watering:
Parsley thrives in consistently moist soil, so be sure to water it regularly, especially during dry spells. However, avoid water logging the soil, as this can lead to root rot. Container-grown parsley will require more frequent watering than plants grown in the ground.
Mulching:
Mulching with organic matter, such as compost or straw, helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and improve the soil’s nutrient content over time. Mulch also protects the roots from temperature fluctuations. Caledonian Green Goodness is great as a mulch, and for enhanced water retention.
Companion Planting with Parsley
Companion planting is a great way to enhance the growth of parsley while also benefiting nearby plants. Parsley can help repel certain pests and attract beneficial insects to the garden.
Good Companion Plants:
Tomatoes: Parsley helps deter harmful pests like aphids and improves tomato growth.
Carrots: Parsley and carrots are both members of the Apiaceae family and benefit from being planted together. Parsley can help repel carrot flies.
Asparagus: Parsley enhances the growth of asparagus and helps repel asparagus beetles.
Chives and onions: These plants share similar growing requirements and help deter common pests like aphids.
Brassicas (cabbage, kale, broccoli): Parsley can help attract predatory insects, such as ladybugs, which feed on pests like aphids and cabbage worms.
Bad Companion Plants:
Lettuce: Parsley can attract certain pests, such as aphids, that may also attack lettuce.Mint: Mint’s invasive growth habit can overwhelm parsley, so it’s best to avoid planting them together.
You can also grow parsley indoors all year round. Start by planting seeds or small plants in a pot with good drainage and nutrient rich, well draining potting soil. Parsley needs at least 4-6 hours of sunlight daily, so place it on a sunny windowsill, water the soil consistently, keeping it moist but not soggy. Rotate the pot occasionally to ensure even light exposure.
Parsley is an excellent herb to grow in the Scottish climate, thriving in cool temperatures and withstanding the region’s frequent rainfall.
Katrina & Clayton
Katrina & Clayton live with their family in East Ayrshire in Scotland and share their daily life in the garden on instagram @buildingfoodforest_scotland. They practice permaculture principles, reducing & repurposing waste whenever they can. Katrina shows how home educating in nature has helped Clayton thrive.
Clayton Completed The Grow and Learn Course with the Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society in 2022. This year he will be completing Level 2 Nurture Course. Clayton is 16, Autistic, Non Verbal & has been Home Educated for the last 6yrs. Both Katrina and husband Peter have studied the Permaculture Design Course PDC and PDC Pro over the last 5yrs, developing their garden from grass to an ongoing food forest.
They have featured on BBC Beechgrove Gardens, Gardeners World Magazine and write for Scotland Grows Magazine. Katrina has a series of children’s story books out following the life of Clayton in the garden. Available at Amazon.
See more and follow Katrina & Clayton at the links below:
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