When to plant Parsley in Scott County, MN
In Zone 4b (Scott County), direct-sow Parsley between April 17 and May 8 for spring, after the April 24 last-frost mark. A second sowing from July 17 to July 31 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Parsley in Scott County, MN
July to-do list for Scott County, Minnesota
Your garden in Scott County, Minnesota is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this July.
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Start harvesting parsley
Don't tug. Use scissors or pruners for clean cuts — torn stems invite disease.
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Direct-sow parsley for cool weather
Mid-season soil is hot. Sow a bit deeper than the packet suggests to find cooler, damper ground.
August prep starts now
- 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.
Scott County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is April 24 and the first fall frost is October 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 168 days.
At an elevation of 1,105 feet, Scott County receives approximately 39.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Parsley to ensure they mature before fall.
Scott County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.9-7
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 Scott County
How your county's soil matches Parsley's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.9–7.0) overlaps with Parsley's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Scott County is excellent for Parsley — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.5%) — Parsley will thrive.
How to Plant Parsley
Fall planting: Sow 12 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Parsley
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 21 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 17.
Parsley 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 | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.6" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.6" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.6" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.6" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.6" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.6" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.6" | 3.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Scott 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 — Scott County, MN
Parsley Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 13 | Mar 13 – Mar 27 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 17 | Apr 17 – May 1 |
| Direct Sow | April 17 | Apr 17 – May 8 |
| Harvest | June 19 | Jun 19 – Aug 21 |
| Fall Sowing | July 17 | Jul 17 – Jul 31 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4b
📆 Growing Season
168 days in Scott County
Growing Tips for Parsley in Scott County
Direct sow Parsley outdoors after April 24 in Scott 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 Scott County, MN?
Scott County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of April 24. Plan your Parsley planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Scott County, MN?
Scott County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is April 24 and first fall frost is October 9.
When should I plant Parsley in Scott County, MN?
In Scott County, MN, plant Parsley after the last frost (around April 24) and before the first frost (around October 9). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Scott County, MN for Parsley?
Scott County sits in USDA Zone 4b. Parsley grows reliably in zones 2a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Parsley grow in Scott County's climate?
Yes — Parsley grows well in Scott County's temperate climate. Scott County averages a 168-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 24 and first frost around October 9.
Your Scott County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Scott County (Zone 4b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.