Parsley planting dates for winter in 2020 according to the lunar calendar

Planting in the garden doesn't stop with the onset of winter. Greens are often planted at this time for an early harvest. Sowing before winter promotes plant growth and development. Seeds are sown according to planting guidelines, and the choice of variety depends on the type of parsley. The timing of the work is influenced by the location of the garden bed, the planting dates of the lunar calendar, and the position of the Earth's moon in the zodiac signs.

Advantages and disadvantages of winter planting

A crust of snow protects plants from the cold. This cover helps them survive the cold, and in the spring, parsley receives more warmth and moisture. There are several advantages to winter sowing:

• the sprouts will emerge earlier;
• Early harvesting of parsley will allow you to reuse the beds for planting, which will have a positive effect on the amount of the harvest;
• plants develop immunity to adverse weather conditions;
• such seedlings form a very strong root system, becoming more drought-resistant;
• Winter planting will harden the seedlings and they will be less likely to get sick.

Seedlings that have survived cold temperatures grow better. They yield faster and are more resistant to diseases. However, rising temperatures cause seedlings to germinate prematurely and then die. Choosing the right time to plant also becomes difficult due to weather changes and local conditions. Furthermore, the resulting harvest is not suitable for long-term storage; it is eaten immediately. Winter planting requires more seeds, which increases costs. There is a risk that some seeds will not germinate or will die, so seedlings are purchased in reserve.

Choosing a parsley variety for winter planting

For winter sowing, varieties tolerant of low temperatures are suitable. Greens are also classified by their intended use. Parsley is divided into two types:

• leaf;
• root.

Flat-leaf parsley has feathery, delicate, thin leaves and a highly branched root. The greens are used as food for their pleasant aroma and flavor. Parsley comes in two varieties: common and curly, distinguished by leaf shape. The roots of flat-leaf parsley are not eaten. Suitable varieties for sowing include: Esmeralda, Italian Giant, Common Leaf, Bogatyr, Astra, and Breeze.

Root parsley is planted to produce edible, yellowish-white roots. They are rich in nutrients and vitamins. The underground portion is dug up in late spring or early summer. The plant's roots complement various dishes and are used for preserves. They are also widely used in folk medicine. Root parsley has tough leaves that are rarely used as food. The most popular varieties: Berlin (the most productive); Productive; Bordovik; Sugar; Russian size.

Optimal planting times

Seed germination and development depend on the chosen sowing day. According to the lunar calendar, parsley should be planted before winter in 2020 during the waxing moon. The second and third lunar days are especially favorable for this. The monthly sowing dates are presented in the table.

The Moon's zodiac sign also influences growth. Greens are planted under the following constellations: Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Capricorn, and Pisces.

Parsley sowing begins after the trees and shrubs have finished sap flowing, after leaf fall. Sowing times vary by region. In the central part of the country, including the Moscow region and the Volga region, sowing begins in the fall, in the second or third week of October; in the northeastern parts of the Moscow region, sowing begins in early October until the end of the month. In the southern regions and the Krasnodar Krai, parsley is sown from late October to November; in warmer years, sowing begins in the first week of December. In the Urals and Siberia, sowing is done from September to mid-October. Before sowing, wait for stable nighttime temperatures of -2°C.

Preparing seeds and soil

First, the seeds are sorted, removing any defective ones (they will produce poor germination or rot). To speed up germination, parsley is soaked for 1-1.5 hours and then dried until free-flowing. This process is repeated after 24 hours, after first placing the seeds in the refrigerator. After germination, the seeds are soaked in a solution of potassium permanganate or dilute borax. To improve growth and uniformity of germination, vernalization and pelleting are used. In the first case, the seeds are left on ice in a wooden box until they evaporate. During pelleting, each seed is soaked in a mixture of humus, fertilizer, and peat.

When sowing, use store-bought soil or prepare a mixture at home. In the former case, when purchasing soil, ensure its pH is 6.5-7. Choose a medium that's not too loose, otherwise the seeds will dissolve and won't adhere well. For home-made soil, mix it from:

• peat – 10 l;
• coconut substrate - 2 liters, it is soaked in advance;
• compost – 500-1000 ml;
• vermiculite – 500 ml.

This substrate contains the nutrients the plant needs. The soil is also enriched with fertilizers, especially compost.

Planting and care

Place the bed in an open area that will receive plenty of spring sun. Begin by sowing seeds in holes 5 cm deep and 10-12 cm apart. Add a small amount of sand and top with compost. Then, fill the soil with soil and cover with soil. Leave 1 cm between seedlings and 45-55 cm between rows. After sowing, fill the furrows with soil, preferably rich in nutrients, and compact it gently. Root varieties are planted in wide rows, with 40-45 cm between rows and leaf varieties with 15-20 cm between rows.

Once the greenery appears, it should be watered a couple of times a week, preferably in the evening. Regular loosening and weeding are essential. Thin out the new shoots, leaving the strongest and healthiest. Be sure to monitor the parsley's appearance to prevent disease and prevent pests. For additional nutrition, use bird droppings or mullein diluted with water. Nitrogen fertilizers are also added. This process is repeated every 14 days.

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Possible errors

Not every parsley variety is suitable for cultivation, so choose your crop and supplier carefully. Using low-quality seeds will result in weak plants or even failure. Planting should be done when the seeds have swollen; otherwise, it will be too late. Avoid planting during rainy weather. Furthermore, sowing before freezing temperatures will cause premature germination and subsequent death of the plant. Seedlings should be sown only after the soil has frozen. Planting should not be done on days prohibited by the lunar calendar.

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The bed should be located away from groundwater. Before planting parsley seeds, clear the area, removing any grass debris, otherwise it will harbor insect larvae or microbes. Melted snow can also sometimes flood and kill the plant. After germination, parsley should be watered with warm water no more than three times a week. Cold water will harm the plant, and under-watering will make the leaves rough and tough.

Planting parsley before winter will ensure it's healthy and strong. Early sowing is a great way to get fragrant and delicious greens much faster. Before planting in the garden, pre-treat the seeds and soil. Although the plant is cold-hardy, it requires careful care, especially in the first few days after planting outdoors.