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The Online Magazine FOR and ABOUT Southside Virginia |
2/27/2021 |
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Parsley in your Herb Garden(Herb of the Month)Submitted by the Southside Virginia Herb Society
Parsley is a must for your herb garden Parsley is a favorite culinary herb of the carrot family (apiaceae). It is a biennial herb meaning that the plant will grow foliage one year and foliage, flowers and seeds the next then die. Originally a wild herb found around the eastern Mediterranean and Europe, it is now cultivated and grown around the world. The bright green-leafed parsley will generally overwinter in the Southside. The second year it produces its seeds so there are fewer leaves. The nearly white carrot-like roots are long and slender. The plants will grow about 18 inches high and spread out two or three feet in circumference. Parsley seeds will germinate best after a 24-hour soak in water and are slow to germinate.
Wait until the plant is sizeable and the leaves are well formed before harvesting. Early morning after the dew has dried is best for harvesting all herbs. Leaves may be dried but cut-up leaves frozen in ice trays with a small amount of water are more flavorful in soups and sauces. Parsley, rich in Vitamin C, A, E and a number of minerals, adds flavor and zest to salads, soups, broths and a variety of pesto and sauce recipes. An essential oil can be made from the seeds as well as a tea from leaves.
The name April is derived from the Latin Aperire, meaning “To Open”. One morning we wake up and suddenly it is green! That first green is neon to our eyes. April is called the “cruelest” month because we are convinced spring is here and then we get a hard frost that can kill fruit bearing buds. Since the peach blossoms are already open, this could be a reality this year. We need to spend our time cleaning up the winter accumulation of debris. Let the garden rest a bit longer. Everyone has his or her fingers crossed that the generally accepted last frost date of May 1 will hold. An old garden journal recommends you hold off planting tender plants until ten days after the dogwoods start blooming.
__________ The Southside Virginia Herb Society is a group of local enthusiasts interested in learning and sharing
knowledge of gardening, crafting and cooking with herbs. Members come from Halifax, Mecklenburg, Lunenburg and
Charlotte Counties.
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