Freshly sown parsley dies: what to do?

Occasionally, freshly sown parsley does not grow optimally or even dies. This can have different causes. In some cases, the plant can be saved with appropriate measures.

Overview of possible causes

The parsley plants never die for no reason. It is possible that this is not noticeable at first glance and you have to take a closer look. It is also possible that several of the causes listed below are present at the same time.

• unfavorable location
• Failure to follow crop rotation
• tired ground
• soil prone to waterlogging
• Fungal diseases
• Mistake in maintenance

Unfavorable location

Several factors can make up an unfavorable location:

• little light
• direct sunlight

If the Parsley in a pot grows, the easiest way to solve the problem of location is due to its mobility. In direct sunlight, for example at the south window, it must urgently move or at least be moved further away. If, on the other hand, it is too dark, it has to be lighter from now on. Subsequent shading in the bed can be helpful. For example, by a higher planting in the immediate neighborhood or by a sun sail and the like. Ä. Otherwise vital plants can still be transplanted to a suitable place. You can also re-sow the plant in a more favorable location and destroy the old plants.

Failure to follow crop rotation

In order for parsley to germinate in the garden bed and ensure healthy growth, the crop rotation must also be observed. The parsley herb may only be sown in the same place every three, even better four years. This time interval must also be observed if other umbelliferae such as carrots, parsnips or fennel were previously grown on it.

Tired soil

If the soil has been depleted by previous plantings and if it was not enriched with new nutrients before the parsley was sown, the plant cannot grow due to a lack of nutrients.

• re-fertilize if necessary
• however, an organic fertilizer must not be fresh

Note: Yellow leaves could also indicate that the soil is too acidic. Measure the pH value and re-lime if necessary.

Soil prone to waterlogging

A soil that tends to become waterlogged is a disadvantage for this herb. If you have not loosened it before sowing and if necessary mixed with sand, you can only make up for it to a limited extent without damaging the roots. For example, you can make fine grooves so that rainwater can drain off better. For this it may be necessary to sacrifice a few copies due to lack of space.

Diseases and pests

Diseases and pests can also cause problems for the young parsley plants. Look for spots or deposits on the leaves. If you look closely, lice are also visible to the naked eye.

• cut off all leaves close to the ground
• wait for healthy new shoots

Alternatively, you can use parsley elsewhere or Re-sow the pot as it is not 100% certain that pruning will solve the problem.

Mistake in maintenance

After the parsley sprouts, it will grow slowly. This can tempt some owners to fertilize vigorously. But the consequences are different than expected. First yellow leaves appear, a little later the entire plant can also die of over-fertilization. Stop fertilizing immediately, perhaps the plant can still recover. If the plants are strong enough, they can be transplanted in fresh soil.

The second mistake is made with pouring by pouring too often or too much. If your plants are too wet, take a long watering break and then water only as needed:

• Never let the roots dry out completely
• but only pour when the top layer of soil is dry

Tip: Once the parsley has been sown in the pot, the excess water must be able to drain off easily. If necessary, repot the plant in a pot with plenty of large drainage holes.