Growing Parsley

A lot has been written and said about parsley's germination!

That of course doesn't stop parsley from being parsley - taking its own sweet time to germinate just about whenever it pleases...

Anyway, parsley is a biennial and dies away after blooming in early summer of its second year. To keep the steady supply, it is wise to treat it like an annual and sow parsley every year.

Seeds might take weeks to germinate (up to six!) or they may sprout as early as in a week or so.

• Some sources suggest soaking the seeds in warm water for 24 hours before planting.
  



• Others recommend soaking seeds in water, freezing for two days, thawing and then planting.
  



• Third ones advise pouring boiling water in drill before planting.
  

However, I personally know three generations of successful gardeners (my great-grandmother, my grandmother and my mother) who never bothered to do any of the procedures, mentioned above.

They simply planted rows of parsley in the garden when the ground got warm enough in spring. Although, every row of parsley was, as far as I remember, always next to the row of carrots - every year. Also, they were only growing Hamburg parsley (parsnip) becuase its root was a-must-ingredient of the soups or stews.

One thing is for sure, though: I don't remember parsley ever being scarce in their kitchens.

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