When to plant Parsley in Compton, IL
The best window to plant Parsley in Compton, is April 8–April 29, when soil warms to 50°F. Last frost typically hits April 22; first frost October 14. A second sowing from August 5 to August 19 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Parsley in Compton, IL
July to-do list for Lee County, Illinois
Each item below is timed to Lee County, Illinois's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
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Pick parsley
Morning harvests are best — cooler temperatures mean crisper produce and longer fridge life.
August prep starts now
- First harvests: parsley
- Fall sowing: 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.
Compton, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 22 and the first fall frost is October 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 175 days.
At an elevation of 1,010 feet, Lee County receives approximately 33.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Parsley to ensure they mature before fall.
Compton Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.3-6.9
Drainage
Well Drained
Parsley 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 Compton
How your county's soil matches Parsley's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.3–6.9) is within Parsley's preferred range (6.0–7.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Lee County is excellent for Parsley — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Parsley.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.8%) — Parsley will thrive.
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 26 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 05.
Parsley Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — 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 | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.6" | 2.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.6" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.6" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.6" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.6" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.6" | 2.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.6" | 2.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Lee 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 — Compton, IL
Parsley Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 18 | Mar 18 – Apr 1 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 15 | Apr 15 – Apr 29 |
| Direct Sow | April 8 | Apr 8 – Apr 29 |
| Harvest | June 17 | Jun 17 – Aug 19 |
| Fall Sowing | August 5 | Aug 5 – Aug 19 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
0.6"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–80 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
175 days in Lee County
Growing Tips for Parsley in Compton
Direct sow Parsley outdoors after April 22 in Lee 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
When should I plant Parsley in Compton, IL?
In Compton, IL, plant Parsley after the last frost (around April 22) and before the first frost (around October 14). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Compton, IL for Parsley?
Compton sits in USDA Zone 5b. Parsley grows reliably in zones 2a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Parsley grow in Compton's climate?
Yes — Parsley grows well in Compton's temperate climate. Compton averages a 175-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 22 and first frost around October 14.
Your Lee County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Lee County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.