Gardening Tips and Hints

Parsley:  Petroselinum crispum

   Parsley is another of the favorite herbs, most often used to garnish our roasts or to sweeten our breath.

Native to Mediterranean Europe and western Asia, parsley is found in most countries,  growing wild or in cultivation

A member of the carrot family, it has curly green, compound leaves, and grows  15 to 60cm [ 6 to 24in.] tall.

Parsley leaves contain vitamins A and C, and are rich in minerals and iron.

There are three main types of Parsley that can easily be grown in the garden:

1. Curled Parsley:  Bright green curly leaves with saw toothed edges.
2. Italian or French  Parsley:  Has dark green, flatter leaves, and a stronger flavor. An infusion of this parsley is claimed to revive poor appetites.
3. Hamburg Parsley:  Known as turnip root, is used as a root vegetable or as a tea to aid rheumatism.

During the first year parsley develops roots and leafy rosettes, and In the second year develops an upright stem. Parsley lives for two year, and starting new plants regularly throughout the year will ensure that you have plants available for harvesting all year round. Parsley is sensitive to frost, so you will need to protect your plant during the cold months, or try growing it in a pot on a window sill.

The seeds can be slow to germinate( up to 6 weeks). Sow the seeds into warm, moist soil, or soak them in lukewarm water for 2 hours to speed up germination.

Uses
Culinary;

1. The leaves are delicious in casseroles, salads, soups, stews, and sauces.
2. Add finely chopped parsley leaves to sandwiches, egg dishes, fish and potatoes.
3. Parsley is an ingredient of many classic sauces.
4. An ingredient of bouquet garni.

Medicinal;

1. Make an infusion of parsley leaves to aid digestion.
2. Use as a diuretic for fluid retention, and to help arthritis and osteoarthritis. ( 1 teaspoon of parsley leaves to 1cup boiling water, three times a day).
3. Parsley tea is an excellent treatment for Kidney and bladder  problems.
4. Chew fresh leaves to sweeten breath, and especially after eating garlic.

CAUTION: Parsley should not be taken in medicinal quantities by pregnant women or people suffering from stomach ulcers.

Cultivation

Light: Open sunlight or a bright windowsill.

Soil: Rich, moist and well drained.

Temperature: Preferred temperature range 10° to 27°C [50° to 80°F].

Water: Allow the surface of the potting mixture to dry out between watering.

Humidity: Average ( 25% or more).

Feeding: Give soluble plant food every three to four weeks (preferably organic)

Propagation: Seeds. Sow from spring to late summer. Protect plants through winter. Can be grown indoors.

Special Care: Cut off outside leaves allowing center leaves to continue growing. Remove flower stalks as they form to stimulate leave growth.

Common Problems:  If new leaves remain light green, move to higher light, check for spider mites on undersides of the leaves and if present spray with a solution of soapy water, then rinse off.

Preserving: Dry or freeze leaves. Dry the seeds for infusions.

Author: M. R. Abel
www.antspantsgardening.com

  Sage has been cultivated for centuries, is one of the favourite culinary herbs, and there are several varieties.

Sage has rough pointed leaves that vary in colour from grey green to red purple. When the plant is grown in the sun it will produce lovely tall blue or white flowers.

Sage is a long living plant that originated in Spain and Asia. Try using the dried leaves crushed and added to poultry stuffing, meat loaf and pork dishes. It is the traditional flavouring of English sausages.

Light: Grow in full sun or near a sunny window.
Temperature: Preferred temperature range 15-27C (60-80F)
Water: Allow the surface of the potting mixture to dry out between waterings.
Humidity: Average (25% or more)
Feeding: Apply every 1-2 months through summer only.
Propagation: Seeds, tip cuttings of 7.5-10cm (3-4inches)
Care: Remove flower stalks as they appear to stimulate leaf growth.Pinch back regularly to encourage new growth and bushiness.

Author: M. R. Abel
www.antspantsgardening.com