When to Plant Parsley in Fentress County, TN
Your May game plan for Fentress County, Tennessee
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Fentress County, Tennessee this May and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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Fire up the seed-starting tray: parsley
Starting these indoors now means sturdy transplants ready the moment your soil warms up.
A few tasks this May that'll pay off in June
- 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.
Fentress County, Tennessee is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 15 and the first fall frost is October 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 191 days.
At an elevation of 3,108 feet, Fentress County receives approximately 46.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Parsley during the growing season.
Fentress County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.4-6.9
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 Fentress County
How your county's soil matches Parsley's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.4–6.9) overlaps with Parsley's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Fentress County is excellent for Parsley — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.9%). 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 04 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 14.
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 | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.6" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.6" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.6" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.6" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.6" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.6" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.6" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Fentress 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 — Fentress County, TN
Parsley Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 11 | Mar 11 – Mar 25 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 8 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| Direct Sow | April 1 | Apr 1 – Apr 22 |
| Harvest | June 10 | Jun 10 – Aug 12 |
| Fall Sowing | August 14 | Aug 14 – Aug 28 |
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 | — |
| 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
191 days in Fentress County
Growing Tips for Parsley in Fentress County
Direct sow Parsley outdoors after April 15 in Fentress 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 Fentress County, TN?
Fentress County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 15. Plan your Parsley planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Fentress County, TN?
Fentress County, Tennessee is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 15 and first fall frost is October 23.
Your Fentress County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Fentress 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.