When to Plant Parsley in Lamoille County, VT
Lamoille County, Vermont gardeners: here's your May plan
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Lamoille County, Vermont this May and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
-
Time to transplant parsley
Your last frost (May 8) has passed. These warm-season crops can handle outdoor soil now.
Looking ahead to June
- Starting indoors: 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.
Lamoille County, Vermont is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 8 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 151 days.
At an elevation of 823 feet, Lamoille County receives approximately 46.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Parsley to ensure they mature before fall.
Lamoille County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
4.9-6.4
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 Lamoille County
How your county's soil matches Parsley's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (4.9–6.4) is more acidic than Parsley prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Lamoille County is excellent for Parsley — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.6%). 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 Jul 18 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 28.
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 | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 4.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 2.6" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.6" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.6" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.6" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.6" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.6" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Lamoille 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 — Lamoille County, VT
Parsley Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 3 | Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 1 | May 1 – May 15 |
| Direct Sow | April 24 | Apr 24 – May 15 |
| Harvest | July 3 | Jul 3 – Sep 4 |
| Fall Sowing | July 28 | Jul 28 – Aug 11 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| 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 5a
📆 Growing Season
151 days in Lamoille County
Growing Tips for Parsley in Lamoille County
Direct sow Parsley outdoors after May 08 in Lamoille 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 Lamoille County, VT?
Lamoille County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 8. Plan your Parsley planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lamoille County, VT?
Lamoille County, Vermont is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 8 and first fall frost is October 6.
Your Lamoille County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Lamoille County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.