Caring for curly parsley: 5 lush herb tips
Curly parsley, the unsung hero of the herb world, not only boosts dish flavors but also adds charm to your garden. Growing it requires some TLC, from soil prep to snipping those tasty leaves. This article offers five essential tips for raising robust, happy plants. Say hello to gorgeous greenery and goodbye to bland meals!
Select the right spot
Curly parsley loves a spot with six to eight hours of sun a day. While it can handle a bit of shade, sun is key for the best growth and flavor. Pick a place in your garden that gets plenty of light, and your parsley will be happy and full.
Prepare the soil properly
Curly parsley thrives in well-draining soil enriched with organic matter. Before planting, amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility and structure. This herb prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH, ranging from six to seven. If needed, perform a soil test and amend the pH with lime (to increase pH) or sulfur (to decrease pH).
Watering wisely
The secret sauce to growing curly parsley is maintaining consistent moisture. Strive for Goldilocks watering: keep it evenly moist but not waterlogged. Too much enthusiasm leads to root rot. Thirsty plants are a thing: during dry periods or hot weather, they'll need more frequent drinks. Pro tip: when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, that's your cue to water.
Fertilize with care
While curly parsley isn't particularly demanding, it appreciates a little extra nourishment now and then. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every four weeks during the growing season, but use only half the strength recommended on the product label. Be careful not to overdo it, though. Too much nitrogen can encourage leaf growth but reduce flavor.
Harvest regularly
Regular harvesting promotes new growth and keeps your curly parsley from getting woody or leggy. To do this, use scissors or garden shears to cut stems near the base of the plant. Always choose the outer leaves first, leaving the inner leaves plenty of time to fully mature before you harvest them later in the season.
