When to Plant Parsley in Kent County, MI
Parsley is a biennial herb available in flat-leaf (Italian) and curly varieties. It is a nutritional powerhouse rich in vitamins C and K and adds fresh flavor to countless dishes.
Kent County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 7 and the first fall frost is October 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 155 days.
At an elevation of 617 feet, Kent County receives approximately 32.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Parsley to ensure they mature before fall.
Kent County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6-7
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Plant Water Budget
Parsley Planting Timeline — Kent County, MI
Parsley Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 2 | Apr 2 – Apr 16 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 30 | Apr 30 – May 14 |
| Direct Sow | April 23 | Apr 23 – May 14 |
| Fall Sowing | July 31 | Jul 31 – Aug 14 |
| Harvest | July 2 | Jul 2 – Sep 3 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
60–80 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 5b
Growing Season
155 days
Growing Tips for Kent County
Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost. Soak seeds overnight as germination is slow. Harvest outer stems first to keep plants productive. Parsley attracts swallowtail butterflies.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Level Up Your Garden
Parsley in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Parsley in Kent County, MI?
Kent County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 7. Plan your Parsley planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Kent County, MI?
Kent County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 7 and first fall frost is October 9.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Kent County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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