When to plant Parsley in Durham

Sow seeds thinly on the surface of moist seed compost around 29th March - 12th April. Cover very lightly with compost, because parsley germinates slowly and unevenly. Keep the compost evenly moist while you wait for shoots to appear.

When seedlings are large enough to handle, from 19th April, thin them so the strongest plants have space to develop. If several have been sown close together, lift extras carefully rather than disturbing the roots too much.

Move each plant into its own small pot from 26th April once roots have filled the module or seed tray. Handle the seedlings gently and keep them in bright light so they do not stretch.

Harden plants off from 17th May to 24th May. Put them outside for a few hours a day at first, bring them back in at night, then increase the time outside so they are ready to plant out.

Set plants in their final position from 24th May, spacing them 20 cm apart in moist, well-drained soil. Water them in thoroughly straight after planting, then keep the soil evenly moist while they settle.

From 23rd June, check plants every 14 days and remove any flower stalks as soon as they appear. Flowering makes the leaves tougher and bitter, so cutting the stalks away keeps plants productive. Keep picking outer leaves to encourage new growth.

Start picking from 28th June when plants are well established, then cut outer stems as needed through to 30th November. Take leaves little and often, and never strip a plant bare so it can keep producing.