Parsleys in Pitsmoor

Sow seeds thinly on the surface of moist seed compost around 21st February - 7th July. 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 14th May, 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 21st May once roots have filled the module or seed tray. Handle the seedlings gently and keep them in bright light so they do not stretch.

From 9th April, put plants outside for a few hours a day and bring them back in at night. Build this up over about 10 days so they adjust before planting out.

Set plants in their final position from 7th 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 20th June, pinch off the growing tips regularly to stop plants becoming leggy and to encourage fresh leafy growth. Remove any flower stalks as soon as they appear, because flowering makes the leaves tougher and less useful.

Start picking from 16th July when plants are well established, then cut outer stems as needed through to 22nd December. Take leaves little and often, and never strip a plant bare so it can keep producing.