Parsley growing like mad!

Hi everyone,

I bought a small parsley last year and it has grown so quickly I'm not sure how to support it!

I'm very new to gardening and have never built any cane supports before so I was wondering if I could have some advice on how to build something sturdy enough to cope with my huge parsley plant?

I'm also having problems with my pea plants that I purchased a few months ago from the market, I know this is the wrong forum but if I show you all two pictures, one of the pea's and one of the parsley then perhaps someone could advise?

I have some green canes, some larger bamboo canes, string and also twine, but no idea how to build a structure!

Thanks in advance

Lisa (newbie)

PS - in the photo of the parsley plant (in a wooden trough next to my kitchen window) you might be able to see another tall plant which is St Johns Wort, does this also need supporting?

 

First of all i think your parsley is running to seed. I think that is what they do in the second year, it is not perennial like sage, mint, rosemary or thyme. You generally sow them each year, that is why people don't stake them.
The peas - any structure is going to be difficult in that container because the wind will catch it from the side. If you must grow peas in a container rather than the ground - its much easier in the ground, less watering needed, then it would be best to use a round container. Then you can form a circle of canes that lean towards the middle and you tie them together at the top forming a wigwam shape. That way each cane braces all the others.

 

Hi Geoff,

Thank you for your reply.

The parsley then - what does running to seed mean exactly? Do you have any suggestions for what I can do with the plant? Should I freeze the parsley so it's all cut down?

I'll try that with the peas, I'll find a round tub and make a wigwam with some canes, to be honest I had no idea what the pea's would be like as I've never had them before!

Do you think it'll be fairly easy to move the pea's at this stage? They are quite hard to seperate once they've attached themselves to nearby plants! They have this really strong twine!

Thanks in advance

Lisa

 

Running to seed means it is sending up flowering stems to propogate itself by seeding. To be quite honest I would pull it out and put it on the compost heap. Replace it with a new plant and plan to do that with parsley every year.
Don't move the peas, you will just break the roots and then they will die. I would leave them as they are and if they trail around it wont do them any harm. But sow any new ones in the round and preferably deep pot. Their roots will go down quite some way.

 

agree, also parsley does not have same flavour in second year.

also worth while remembering is that it is said that parsley only grows in households where the woman wears the trousers!

 

Oh LOL Waco - I wondered why my parsley grew so well *G*

Thanks again Geoff for your words of wisdom it'll be a shame to pull up the parsley plant but if you think that's the best way to go then it shall be done!

Thanks to you both for your input!

Lisa

 

If you harvest it then it wont go to seed my dog eats the majority of our parsley but you can chop it and put it in ice cube trays topped up with water and freeze it till you need it or you can dry it...and store it for winter use..

 

A dog that eats parsley!!!!
I would be careful about that because I thought I read somewhere that an excess of parsley can be harmful.

 

Well i dont know where you read that ..As they put parsley in some of the better quality dog foods. and also its in some of the herbal tablets which are produced just for pets..It keeps their noses black and also freshens the breath and is also a tonic.My dog has a small handfull chopped on his tuna every morning and has been to the vets once in 9 years for a eye infection thats all..He is never ill and neither was my last dog.here is a small paragraph from denes health care which was founded by buster lloyd jones a famouse health care specialist for pets..

Herbs are an important part of the diets. For example seaweed should be included to provide extra vitamins, minerals and trace elements; parsley acts as a digestive tonic; garlic is a natural antiseptic, which helps to deter parasites; watercress is a good source of iron; dandelion can be used to tone the liver and digestive system, while cleavers can help cleanse the lymphatic system.

and here you are parsley included in the most famouse and popular herb supplement for dogs..

All-in-One Tablets (Includes Elderberry & Alfalfa)
A natural supplement for all cats and dogs. Used daily, will provide a wide range of naturally derived vitamins, minerals and trace elements, which are readily absorbed and used by the body. Especially beneficial for kittens and puppies, during illness, convalescence, pregnancy, in old age and in cases of anaemia. The herbs can also encourage hair growth and improve coat quality and pigmentation.

Denes All-in-One Tablets should be given on a daily basis to help maintain good health

Based on: Parsley, Seaweed, Wheat Germ Oil, Elderberry, Alfalfa.

[ 08. June 2007, 05:43 AM: Message edited by: wyldeflower ]

 

It was about eating parsley in excess. Lots of things are good in moderation. For a minute there I thought your dog might be munching its way through your parsley patch, like my old lab used to munch grass.
I am trying to think which book it was in, cause it surprised me when i read it, but you would have to eat a lot.

 

I did find this on the Internet
Cautions - Moderately toxic and irritant, otherwise non-sensitizing. Use in moderation. Avoid during pregnancy.

Properties - Antimicrobal, antirheumatic, antiseptic, astringent, carminative, diuretic, depurative, emmenagogue, febrifuge, hypotensive, laxative, stimulant (mild), stomachic, tonic (uterine).
It is a very useful herb. it can not only be used in cooking but can also be used to treat urinary infections because of its properties.
Wyldeflower - you seem to grow a lot of herbs. Do you know what i should do with the basil question I posted?

 

Wyldeflower I found this as well. I think you had better keep an eye on that dog of yours!!!!!

MAGICAL USES
When eaten, parsley provokes lust and promotes fertility, but if you are in love don't cut parsley-you'll cut your love as well.

 

He isnt very fertile so it doesnt work ..he is 9 and has never had any interest in the opposite sex..to be quite honest he doesnt even look at any dog when we take him out he just sticks his nose in the air and walks on..he is a pampered pooch..he is also homeopathically reared from his breeder..and was healthy when i got him i shall buy my next one from her as well..this is where i got him from...
http://www.goldenretrievers.uk.com/

 

Those look lovely dogs - i like the pale retrievers. Funny that a colleague of mine used to have a retriever that was exactly the same. Labrador owners had better keep their dogs away from parsley, cause you know what labs are like.
:rolleyes:

 

The pale dog in the centre is my dogs dad..and his mother and grandfather are also in that picture..his grandad lived till 17 on a natural diet..which is a great age for a big dog..