Best Planting Times for Arugula and Parsley

Table of Contents

When Is the Best Time to Plant Parsley?

It is recommended to plant parsley outdoors 3 to 4 weeks before the last spring frost, as parsley needs time to establish and begin growing. You can also start parsley seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the final spring frost date.
Parsley grows best when the soil temperature is around 21°C (70°F).

How to Plant Parsley Seeds

Here are the steps to plant parsley correctly:

1. Prepare the soil by mixing it with compost or rich organic matter.
2. Plant parsley seeds in a sunny location, in fertile, well-draining soil. Sow seeds 1 cm deep, leaving 15–20 cm between each seed.
3. Cover the seeds with a layer of soil and water gently.
4. Keep the soil consistently moist; water whenever the top 2.5 cm of soil feels dry.
5. Feed the plants regularly with water-soluble plant food.
6. Harvest parsley once it reaches a suitable size, but avoid cutting more than one-third of the plant at a time.

---

When Is the Best Time to Plant Arugula?

Arugula grows best when planted in early spring or early fall, as it prefers cool soil. Young arugula seedlings can tolerate light frost, especially when protected with row covers. Therefore, it is recommended to plant arugula seeds outdoors as soon as the soil is workable in early spring.

To enjoy a continuous supply of arugula, sow new seeds every 2 to 3 weeks until temperatures rise in summer or frost arrives in fall.

How to Plant Arugula Seeds

Follow these steps for proper arugula planting:

1. Choose a sunny spot with fertile, well-draining soil.
2. Mix compost or other rich organic materials into the soil before planting.
3. Plant arugula seeds 6 mm deep, leaving 2.5 cm between seeds and 15 cm between rows.
4. Add a layer of organic mulch to retain moisture and prevent weed growth.
5. Water gently and keep the soil consistently moist throughout the growing season.
6. Begin harvesting once the plants develop a set of large leaves. Do not pull the entire plant—simply pick some leaves to encourage continuous growth.
7. For best flavor, harvest leaves before the plant begins to flower.

Note: Arugula can be grown in raised beds, containers, or traditional garden soil.