How to grow parsley in a raised bed

Parsley is the workhorse herb — hardy, productive for months, and happy at an easy picking height in a raised bed. The only trick is a little patience getting it started.

Quick facts

• Position: full sun to part shade
• Spacing: 20–25 cm apart
• Tub depth: our 23 cm or 35 cm depth
• Time to harvest: 10–12 weeks, then pick for months

When should I plant parsley?

Parsley grows nearly year-round in most of Australia. Sow direct or plant seedlings — seed is slow to germinate (up to a few weeks), so don't give up on it. Our free garden calendar shows the right months for your postcode.

• Subtropical (Brisbane & SEQ): February to October
• Temperate (Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth): August to April
• Cool & mountain (Tasmania, Canberra, highlands): September to March
• Tropical (Cairns, Darwin): March to August
• Arid inland: March to September

How do I grow parsley in a raised bed?

Sow into moist mix and keep it damp until it comes up. Once established it's very forgiving, and picking regularly keeps it producing well into a second season.

How often should I water and feed parsley?

Keep the mix evenly moist for lush leaves, and feed lightly now and then.

What pests attack parsley?

Keep an eye out for aphids and caterpillars. Most are easily managed — see our safe pest guide.

What diseases affect parsley?

The main ones are leaf spot and damping-off. Good airflow, morning watering and steady moisture prevent most.

What grows well with parsley?

Parsley is a good all-round companion, and its flowers draw in hoverflies and other beneficial insects. See our companion planting guide.

When do I harvest parsley?

Pick the outer stems from the base and let the centre grow on. Use it fresh, or freeze chopped parsley in ice-cube trays.

Plan your patch: our free garden calendar shows what to plant now where you live. Ready to grow? Browse our raised garden beds or build your own with the garden bed builder.

Image: H. Zell, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.