Last updated on October 25th, 2023 at 08:12 pm
To harvest fresh parsley, you do not need a garden. Grow the popular seasoning herb easily on the balcony or in a pot on the windowsill. If you follow a few things, fresh herb will be available even in winter.
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Window sill or balcony? Which is better?
If you have the opportunity, plant parsley in the balcony box and put it in a semi-shaded place on the balcony.
In the box the plant is better supplied with nutrients than in the pot. In addition, the water requirement can be well regulated and waterlogging avoided.
Buy pregrown plants
In the supermarket you can get pregrown pots of parsley for little money. However, these are only for immediate consumption. If you plant these parsley plants in a balcony box, in most cases you will experience disappointment because they will die within a short time.
Simply sow parsley for balcony or windowsill. Here, too, there are disappointments, but if the seed sprouts, you will get much more vigorous plants.
Pre-grown parsley for the balcony is better to buy directly in the specialized garden store. There you will get particularly vigorous plants that produce a lot of leaves.
- Care parsley on the balcony
- Partial shade location
- Avoid direct sunlight
- Fertilize once a month
- Water carefully on a regular basis
If you grow parsley on a windowsill, make sure the pots have large drainage holes to allow excess water to run off.
Do not place parsley directly behind the glass in a south or west window. It will get too much sun there and burn.
How to harvest parsley properly
You can continuously harvest fresh leaves from a vigorous parsley plant.
Cut the stems just above the ground and don’t just pluck the leaves.
Never cut the heart of the parsley, which you can recognize by the thicker stem and developing leaves on it. Without heart leaves, the plant will die.
Tips & Tricks
To harvest parsley from your garden in the winter, simply dig up a few plants in the fall and place them in a pot. Place it in a cool but frost-free location and be careful with watering.
Growing parsley on a balcony or windowsill is a relatively simple and rewarding endeavor. Parsley is a versatile herb that adds flavor and freshness to a wide range of dishes. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to grow parsley in a small space:
1. Choose the Right Parsley Variety:
- There are two common types of parsley: curly leaf parsley and flat-leaf parsley. Flat-leaf parsley, also known as Italian parsley, tends to have a stronger flavor and is often preferred for culinary use.
2. Select a Suitable Container:
- Choose a pot or container that is at least 6-8 inches deep and has drainage holes to prevent waterlogged soil. A 12-inch diameter pot is a good choice for parsley.
3. Use Quality Potting Mix:
- Fill the container with a well-draining potting mix enriched with organic matter. Parsley prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil.
4. Planting Parsley Seeds:
- You can either start parsley from seeds or buy young plants from a nursery. If starting from seeds: a. Sow the seeds about 1/4 inch deep in the potting mix. b. Keep the soil consistently moist until the seeds germinate, which can take 2-3 weeks. c. Thin out the seedlings, leaving 2-3 inches of space between each plant.
5. Sunlight:
- Place the container in a location that receives at least 6 hours of indirect sunlight daily. Parsley can tolerate partial shade, especially in hot climates.
6. Watering:
- Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid overwatering. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between watering. Water the base of the plant to prevent fungal issues.
7. Fertilizing:
- Feed your parsley every 4-6 weeks with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer, or use a slow-release granular fertilizer.
8. Pruning and Harvesting:
- Regularly prune your parsley to encourage bushier growth. You can start harvesting parsley when the leaves are large enough, typically after 70-90 days from planting. Use sharp scissors or pruning shears to snip the outer leaves and stems, leaving the inner ones to continue growing.
9. Pest and Disease Control:
- Watch out for common pests like aphids and caterpillars. Neem oil or insecticidal soap can help control these pests. Good air circulation and well-draining soil can also prevent fungal issues.
10. Overwintering:
- Parsley is a biennial plant. In its second year, it may produce flowers and seeds before dying. If you want a continuous supply, start new plants from seeds in the second year.
11. Companion Planting:
- Parsley can benefit from companion planting with vegetables like tomatoes and carrots while deterring certain pests.
Remember that parsley benefits from regular care and maintenance. It’s a versatile herb that can be used in a variety of dishes, so growing it on your balcony or windowsill is a great way to have fresh herbs at your fingertips for cooking.