Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Parsley

Parsley is a biennial
so I sow seed every year.



I gather the seed when it is ripe and dry it for next year.




I grow the parsley for the Black Swallowtails.
It is one of the host plants the butterflies need for their caterpillars.


After washing the seed in a mild detergent,
(I use lavender water)
I soak the seed for 24 hours.

I strain off the water and I am ready to sow.
I direct sow parsley after danger of frost
and the soil has warmed.
I like the triple curled leaf but all types of parsley are pretty.
I sowed enough seed today for the butterflies and for me!

4 comments:

Cheryl said...

So so interesting.....

Rusty at Dragonfly Garden had Swallowtail caterpillars on his parsely....unfortunately the lizards ate them.......you might be interested to visit that site Sherry.

Q said...

Dear Cheryl,
I also have caterpillars every year. I so enjoy watching them.
I will check out Rusty's blog! Great name too.
Thanks for the introduction.
Sherry

meggie said...

Parsely is my absolute favourite herb! I love all varieties, & try to have it growing all year round. My husband often ruins my endeavours, but I keep trying.
He has just uprooted my Freesias- "I thought they were onion weed"
No idea!

Q said...

Dear Meggie,
Husbands are wonderful helpers in the garden! I do the flowerbeds ~ and he does the lawn. Sometimes I do need help in the beds and I am always watchful of his feet since he is not! Your GOM is very entertaining!
Parsley is a great herb for garnishing. Years ago I grew huge hedges of parsley. I used the parsley for entertaining. Now it is the birds and bugs I entertain!
Sherry