When to Plant Parsley in Glacier County, MT
Top priorities for Glacier County, Montana gardeners in May
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Glacier County, Montana this May and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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Move parsley into the garden
Your last frost (May 22) has passed. These warm-season crops can handle outdoor soil now.
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Sow parsley where they'll grow
Succession planting is the secret here. Put in a row now, another in 2 weeks, a third in 4.
June prep starts now
- 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.
Glacier County, Montana is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 22 and the first fall frost is September 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 119 days.
At an elevation of 8,147 feet, Glacier County receives approximately 13.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Parsley to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Parsley successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Glacier County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.3-8.1
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 Glacier County
How your county's soil matches Parsley's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.3–8.1) is more alkaline than Parsley prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Glacier County is excellent for Parsley — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.4%). Annual compost additions will help Parsley.
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 Jun 30 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jun 26.
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 | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 2.6" | 1.6" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 2.6" | 1" | 1.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 2.6" | 1.3" | 1.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 2.6" | 1.4" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 2.6" | 1.1" | 1.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Glacier 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 — Glacier County, MT
Parsley Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 10 | Apr 10 – Apr 24 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 15 | May 15 – May 29 |
| Direct Sow | May 15 | May 15 – Jun 5 |
| Harvest | July 17 | Jul 17 – Sep 18 |
| Fall Sowing | June 26 | Jun 26 – Jul 10 |
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 | Direct Sow Fall Sowing |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | 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 4b
📆 Growing Season
119 days in Glacier County
Growing Tips for Parsley in Glacier County
Direct sow Parsley outdoors after May 22 in Glacier 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 Glacier County, MT?
Glacier County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 22. Plan your Parsley planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Glacier County, MT?
Glacier County, Montana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 22 and first fall frost is September 18.
Your Glacier County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Glacier 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.