An annual herb used for flavouring and garnishing salads, savoury dishes, and stuffing.

It is a difficult herb to dry, but it freezes quite well.

It grows up to 600mm (24") high, and can be harvested from June onwards, and with successional sowings can be harvested all the year round.

Week 21; Sow thinly in drills 250mm (10") apart in a previously prepared bed in a sunny or partially shaded position.

Germination should take around two weeks.

Thin the seedlings first to 75mm (3") apart then to 250mm (10") apart.

alternatively; an earlier sowing can be made (say Week 16) in pots of multi purpose compost, and germinated at a temperature of 10°C(50°F).

Thin out seedlings when large enough to handle then gradually harden off in a cold frame.

Either plant direct into the garden 250mm (10") apart, or in containers, growbags, or if kept trimmed they can be grown in pots on the windowsill.

Parsley perform best in semi shade in moist soil conditions.

Ensure that soil does not waterlog, especially during Winter.

Trim foliage as necessary throughout the season to keep plants in shape.

Week 37; Make another sowing in pots of multi purpose compost, and place in a cold frame to germinate.

To give winter protection, grow on in the coldframe.