Growing Parsley Indoors

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World's most popular herb

The delicious and vibrant taste and wonderful healing properties of Parsley herb are often ignored in its popular role as a table garnish. Parsley, Petroselinum crispum, a member of the carrot family, is the world's most popular herb. It derives its name from the Greek word meaning "rock celery" (parsley is a relative to celery). The plant is of South European (probably East Mediterranean) origin and became popular in more Northern latitudes in the Middle Ages, when it was commonly grown in monasteries and Imperial gardens.
Parsley is prized both for its looks and for fresh, grassy flavor. There are two common varieties: the mild curly parsley and the more flavorful Italian parsley. Use curly parsley if you want looks and Italian parsley if you want flavor. It combines very well with other herbs (Dill, Cilantro and Thyme), and tends to enhance food flavors.
           
 Parsley herb grows well in a deep pot, which helps accommodate the long taproot. Parsley grown indoors requires at least five hours of sunlight a day.

Culture

Container Size              8" - 10" depth, 8" to 10" diameter (if planted alone).

Plant Height                  Parsley plants grow to a height of 12 to 18 inches (30 - 45cm).

Seed Spacing               Soak seeds overnight to improve germination. Sow about 1" apart and cover them with a ¼" layer of the moist soil.

Seed Germination         21 to 28 days. Darkness aids germination.

Plant Spacing                Parsley plants should be spaced 9 to 12 inches (22 - 30cm) apart.

Soil Requirements         Tolerates most soils, but rich, well-drained, moist, with pH between 6 and 7 is best.

Growing Mix                  Soilless peat based potting mix.

Fertilizer                        Use a liquid fertilizer. Fertilize parsley every other week during watering

Sun & Lighting                Parsley prefers full sun and can tolerate some shade. It requires at least five hours of sunlight a day.

Water Requirements   Average water needs. Keep parsley well-watered at all stages of growth; do not ever let it really dry out.
Uses

Fresh parsley photoWhen taking leaves for use (or freezing), snip stalks off close to the ground, starting with the outside ones (that practice best encourages new growth).
Parsley is often used for sauces; the famous German Green Sauce is an example. Chopped parsley and garlic in olive oil make for a wonderful Mediterranean sauce, to be served to broiled fish.

As an alternative, especially in France, chervil leaves may serve the same purpose. French cooks frequently combine parsley with other fresh herbs (e.g., chervil or lemon balm) or use a classical composition, the renowned fines herbes (see Chives); this mixture may substitute pure Parsley leaves for any application, thus giving the dishes a richer aroma and somewhat Mediterranean character. The famous French recipe sauce béarnaise also makes use of fresh parsley leaves.

As parsley aroma suffers from any prolonged heat treatment, parsley leaves should not be cooked if distinct parley fragrance is desired; quick frying in olive oil, though, is acceptable.

An excellent source of vitamins A and C, it also contains niacin, riboflavin and calcium. Rich in chlorophyll, Parsley is also a breath freshener. Parsley can also act as a medicinal herb for diuretic and digestion properties. Parsley is also known to purify the blood and strengthening the immune system. It is known to be good for bladder infections, kidney and gall bladder complaints, arthritis and it alsoaids blood circulation.


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Growing Sweet Marjoram Indoors

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Symbol of Happiness

Marjoram (Origanum marjorana) is a very close relative of Oregano, and is a member of the Mint family. It is native to North Africa and Southwest Asia. In ancient Egyptian culture, Marjoram was a symbol of happiness.

Marjoram is easy to grow as a houseplant. After your have enjoyed it all winter, plant it outdoors after all danger of frost. If you have limited space, try this herb in a container on your patio or deck.

Marjoram has milder, sweeter flavour than oregano with perhaps a hint of balsam. It is said to be “the” meat herb but compliments all foods except sweets. Common to Mediterranean and Middle Eastern foods, marjoram is grown domestically and imported mostly from Egypt.

Culture

Pot size                       6 to 8 inches.

Seed Spacing               Difficult to space because of tiny seeds, spread on the top of soil and scratch into surface (very shallow).

Seed Germination         8 to 14 days.

Plant Spacing                Plants should be spaced 15 to 18 inches (38 - 45cm) apart.

Soil Requirements          Rich and well-drained

Growing Mix                    Mix two parts of potting soil to one part of coarse sand or perlite.

Fertilize                          Do not add fertilizer to Marjoram, and it will produce stronger flavor.

Sun Requirements          Marjoram requires at least 5 hours of sunlight a day.

Water Requirements       Water on a regular schedule, do not overwater.
Uses

Sweet marjoram pictureMarjoram really shines in the kitchen. Marjoram combines well with other seasonings and will enhance so many different dishes. Consider it a natural for meat dishes but don't hesitate to use marjoram to season vegetables served cooked or raw, fish and chicken or dishes with eggs and/or cheese. It is especially good along with other cooking herbs in beef stew.

In China, Sweet Marjoram has traditionally been used both as a folk remedy and as a culinary herb. It is known for its soothing and warming properties and has been used to treat respiratory problems, nervous tension, menstrual and digestive difficulties.



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