Growing parsley from cutting is very easy, but some people don’t find it as attractive as growing fresh parsley. If you are tired of running to the store for parsley stems and wanting to save money, growing your own parsley is a great alternative! Growing herbs from cutting is not as hard as you might imagine. Herbs can be grown from cuttings, too, which means you get the full flavor of the plant without all the trouble. There are a few things to consider when it comes to growing herbs from cutting instead of growing them from seeds.
The first entails sowing seed cuttings directly into the garden soil, and the second requires cutting clippings from an already grown parsley herb. Both methods have advantages, so think about your own needs before deciding which one to use. You can purchase seeds from almost any garden supply store and plant them either top-dressing or in the garden soil. If you live in an area with cold winters, then it is recommended that you cover the seed cuttings with plastic to protect them from frost.
When using seeds, you want to make sure they are very dry. Parsley is a perennial herb that has a long growing season; therefore, the plant needs to be sowed early in spring or late summer for optimal growth. Make sure you don’t plant parsley with other perennial plants as their roots will compete with your herb’s growing season. Once you have planted your herb cuttings, you will need to mulch them to keep the leaves off the ground. There are many mulching materials available at garden stores, but be sure to mulch your parsley herb in the fall, or use a good organic compost.
If you are planting your parsley from cutting, then your biggest concern is weeds. Parsley has many strong growing partners including the popular weed spider. If you are planning on growing your parsley from cutting, be sure to follow the growing requirements of the plants you are planting as some will require much more attention than others.
The best time to fertilize your parsley herb is during the growing season. However, since it is a perennial, you may have to apply it throughout the year if you want to get the best results. Parsley needs nitrogen and phosphorous, as well as B magnesium and potassium. All of these elements are found in various foods you can find at your local grocery store or farm market.
There are many advantages and disadvantages to growing your parsley from cutting. While you can certainly use the cuttings to replace the leaves on your table, it is much easier to just keep them on the window sill or other flat surface near your garden. Parsley is an evergreen herb that grows slowly and steadily, so replanting will result in new growth. You will not have to worry about fighting weeds all winter long, and you can enjoy the fresh herb flavors year-round.
When growing parsley from cutting, you must remember that you will also need to provide your herb with certain vitamins and minerals. These can include Vitamin C, which promotes the production of collagen, a natural substance that helps your body retain its youthful appearance. Another vitamin that helps promote health is Vitamin A, which strengthens your immune system. Folic acid and iron are also important for promoting good overall health and wellness. You can easily find a variety of supplements at your local grocery store that contain these minerals and vitamins for additional support.
If you grow parsley from cutting, be sure to keep the plant healthy by removing any fallen leaves that may be on the ground. When you are ready to harvest your herb, it will be healthier if the plants are kept under control of the insects and pests that can destroy them. For those who enjoy growing their own herbs, you might consider setting up an herb garden where you can regularly cultivate the plants. The key is being persistent – the beauty of growing your own herb from cutting is that you control the growth and harvest the plant whenever you like.