Parsley: The Perfect Herb for Your NYC Windowsill or Balcony

Curly parsley harvest held up by hand with the New York City skyline in the background on a rooftop garden

Where it Fits in NYC

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Why I Grow It

I grow parsley because I want to end those last-minute grocery runs for a single handful of greens. Having it right at home, I always have that vibrant, fresh flavor at my fingertips. I also use it as a companion plant for my tomatoes, carrots, and peppers. These crops love living together because parsley helps keep certain pests away, maximizing my star crop harvests.

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Growth Essentials

Light

Parsley prefers 6-8 hours of direct sunlight. Partial shade in hot climates.

Indoors: Grow in pots with bright light or hydroponically using grow lights for 12-14 hours.

Water

Keep the soil evenly moist, watering when the top inch dries out. Indoors, check more frequently due to dry air; outdoors, water regularly, especially in full sun.

Temperature

Parsley is a cool weather crop and favors 50-85°F, ideally 60-70°F. Plant outdoors in March-June and August-September in NYC zone 7b. Indoors, ensure 60-70°F year-round.

Containers

Indoors: 6-8" wide, 6" deep, 1 gallon.

Outdoors: 8-10" wide, 10" deep, 2-3 gallons

Soil

Parsley prefers rich potting mix with plenty of organic matter, such as compost from kitchen scraps or well-rotted manure. Keep the soil evenly moist for lush growth.

Fertilizer

Use 10-10-10 fertilizer every 4-6 weeks.

Organic Options: fish emulsion, compost tea. Heavy feeder; ensure sufficient nutrients throughout the growing season.

Harvesting Tips

Harvest outer parsley leaves regularly, avoiding the central stem. Regular harvesting encourages new growth and maintains the plant’s productivity.

Harvest Time

Perennial: 10-12 Weeks

Curly parsley harvest resting in hands in an urban garden
Curly parsley harvest held up by hand with the New York City skyline in the background on a rooftop garden

Common Growing Issues

Why are my leaves turning yellow?

Why It's Happening:

Parsley needs the soil to stay damp but not soaked. NYC humidity or pots that do not drain well can drown the roots.

How to Fix It:

Make sure your pot has drainage holes. Let the top of the soil dry out just a little before watering again. Adding worm castings can help the soil stay healthy.

Why are the leaves looking pale?

Why It's Happening:

Parsley is a heavy feeder. In the city, plants in containers quickly use up all the nutrients in their soil.

How to Fix It:

Use a balanced 10-10-10 plant food every few weeks. You can also mix in some compost to give the plant a steady supply of energy.

Why is my parsley wilting?

Why It's Happening:

Parsley hates the intense heat from NYC concrete and bricks. It will wilt quickly if the sun gets too hot.

How to Fix It:

Move your plant to a spot that gets some shade during the hottest part of the afternoon. Water it in the morning so it stays cool all day.

What are these tiny bugs on the stems?

Why It's Happening:

Aphids are very common in NYC gardens. They suck the energy out of the plant and make the leaves curl.

How to Fix It:

You can buy ladybugs to release on your plant to eat the aphids. You can also wash the bugs off with a strong spray of water in your sink.

Why are there spots on the leaves?

Why It's Happening:

This is leaf spot fungus. It happens because city air is often sticky and does not move well between tall buildings.

How to Fix It:

Trim off the leaves with spots and throw them away. Move the pot to a spot with better airflow. Use beneficial nematodes in the soil to keep the roots strong.

Grows Together With (Companion Planting)

Health & Nutrition Spotlight

Just a small amount of parsley provides over 100% of your daily Vitamin K, along with Vitamin C to support a strong immune system.

Curated Gear For Growing

Still have questions?

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