When to Plant Parsley in Taylor County, TX
Your May game plan for Taylor County, Texas
May rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Taylor County, Texas.
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Start harvesting parsley
Morning harvests are best — cooler temperatures mean crisper produce and longer fridge life.
June 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.
Taylor County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 20 and the first fall frost is November 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 242 days.
At an elevation of 2,238 feet, Taylor County receives approximately 51.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 92°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.
Taylor County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.3-7.6
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 Taylor County
How your county's soil matches Parsley's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.3–7.6) overlaps with Parsley's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Taylor County is excellent for Parsley — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.0%). 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 29 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 08.
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 | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 2.6" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 2.6" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.6" | 7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.6" | 8.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.6" | 6.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.6" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.6" | 5.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.6" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 2.6" | 2" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Taylor 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 — Taylor County, TX
Parsley Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 13 | Feb 13 – Feb 27 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 13 | Mar 13 – Mar 27 |
| Direct Sow | March 6 | Mar 6 – Mar 27 |
| Harvest | May 15 | May 15 – Jul 17 |
| Fall Sowing | September 8 | Sep 8 – Sep 22 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | — |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
242 days in Taylor County
Growing Tips for Parsley in Taylor County
Direct sow Parsley outdoors after March 20 in Taylor 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 Taylor County, TX?
Taylor County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 20. Plan your Parsley planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Taylor County, TX?
Taylor County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 20 and first fall frost is November 17.
Your Taylor County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Taylor County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.