When to Plant Parsley in Clearwater County, ID
May to-do list for Clearwater County, Idaho
Each item below is timed to Clearwater County, Idaho's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
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Time to transplant parsley
Frost risk is low now in Clearwater County, Idaho. If you've been covering beds overnight, you can stop.
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Outdoor sowing time: parsley
Thin ruthlessly once seedlings are up. Crowded roots mean smaller crops from every plant.
Get ahead of June
- Starting indoors: parsley
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.
Clearwater County, Idaho is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is May 17 and the first fall frost is September 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 134 days.
At an elevation of 7,800 feet, Clearwater County receives approximately 19 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Parsley during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Parsley successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Clearwater County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.5-8.1
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.
Soil Compatibility in Clearwater County
How your county's soil matches Parsley's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.5–8.1) is more alkaline than Parsley prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Clearwater County is excellent for Parsley — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.8%). Annual compost additions will help Parsley.
How to Plant Parsley
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Parsley
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 10 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 20.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Parsley
Parsley needs approximately 0.6 inches of water per week (2.6" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Parsley Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 2.6" | 2.2" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 2.6" | 1.3" | 1.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 2.6" | 1.8" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 2.6" | 2" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 2.6" | 1.5" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Clearwater County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Parsley Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Parsley Planting Timeline — Clearwater County, ID
Parsley Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 12 | Apr 12 – Apr 26 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 10 | May 10 – May 24 |
| Direct Sow | May 3 | May 3 – May 24 |
| Harvest | July 12 | Jul 12 – Sep 13 |
| Fall Sowing | July 20 | Jul 20 – Aug 3 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| 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
0.6"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
60–80 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
134 days in Clearwater County
Growing Tips for Parsley in Clearwater County
Direct sow Parsley outdoors after May 17 in Clearwater County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Parsley in this region include carrot rust fly and parsleyworm. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Parsley in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Parsley in Clearwater County, ID?
Clearwater County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of May 17. Plan your Parsley planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Clearwater County, ID?
Clearwater County, Idaho is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is May 17 and first fall frost is September 28.
Your Clearwater County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Clearwater County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.