Growing Parsley And Parsnip

Known to every human being to bear its seed the second year, and, after that, to die away. It may be sown at any season when the frost is out of the ground. The best way is to sow it in spring, and in very clean ground; because the seed lies long in the ground, and, if the ground be foul, the weeds choke the plants at their coming up.

A bed of six feet long and four wide, the seed sown in drills at eight inches apart, is enough for any family in the world. But, every body likes parsley, and
where the winter is so long and so sharp as it is in this country, the main thing is to be able to keep parsley through the winter.

It can not be preserved dry, with success, like Mint, Marjoram, and the rest of the pot herbs. It is possible to preserve it green, because I have done it; but, it loses its smell and flavor. Therefore, to have Parsley in winter, you must keep it alive. If you have a Green house (or you may do it even in any of the window seats of a house) half a dozen flowerpots, planted with stout plants in September, and taken into the house in November, will be sufficient.

As soon as winter breaks up, put them out in the natural ground; and thus you have plenty of Parsley all the year round. However, Parsley may be preserved in the natural ground. You have only to put straw, or leaves of trees, or long litter, six inches thick on the bed, and to lay on something to prevent the covering from being blown off. (See Endive.)

This will preserve its leaves from being destroyed; and, when you go to get it, you must lift up the covering, of a part of the bed, and put it down again.

PARSNIP

As to season of sowing, sort of land, preparation of ground, distances, and cultivation and tillage, precisely the same as the Carrot. But, as to preservation during winter, and for spring use, the Parsnip stands all frost without injury, and even with benefit.

So that, all you want is to put up for winter as many as you want during the hard frost; and these you may put up in the same manner as directed for Carrots and Beets. The greens of Parsnips are as good for cow feed as those of Carrots; but, if the Parsnips be to stand out in the ground all the winter, the greens should not be cut off in the fall.

To learn about pineapple sage and mexican sage, visit the Plants And Flowers website.

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