When to Plant Parsley in Larue County, KY
Larue County, Kentucky gardeners: here's your May plan
Your garden in Larue County, Kentucky is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this May.
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Sow parsley in trays indoors
Starting these indoors now means sturdy transplants ready the moment your soil warms up.
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Basket week: parsley
Don't tug. Use scissors or pruners for clean cuts — torn stems invite disease.
To set up a strong June, finish these tasks
- First harvests: 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.
Larue County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 4 and the first fall frost is November 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 211 days.
At an elevation of 2,923 feet, Larue County receives approximately 52.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Parsley during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Parsley root diseases.
Larue County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.4-6.5
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 Larue County
How your county's soil matches Parsley's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.4–6.5) is more acidic than Parsley prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Larue County is excellent for Parsley — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.2%). 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 Aug 13 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 23.
Plant Water Budget
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 | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 5.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.6" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.6" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.6" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.6" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.6" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.6" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.6" | 2.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 2.6" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 4.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Nov in Larue 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 — Larue County, KY
Parsley Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 28 | Feb 28 – Mar 14 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 28 | Mar 28 – Apr 11 |
| Direct Sow | March 21 | Mar 21 – Apr 11 |
| Harvest | May 30 | May 30 – Aug 1 |
| Fall Sowing | August 23 | Aug 23 – Sep 6 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| 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: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
211 days in Larue County
Growing Tips for Parsley in Larue County
Direct sow Parsley outdoors after April 04 in Larue 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 Larue County, KY?
Larue County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 4. Plan your Parsley planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Larue County, KY?
Larue County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 4 and first fall frost is November 1.
Your Larue County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Larue 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.