Attract Birds and Butterflies to Your Yard – Grow Parsley

Just to take your mind of the record setting Winter Storm Stella, let's think birds and butterflies.  The Master Gardeners at Cornell Cooperative Extension say growing parsley will do that and provide you a delicious herb too.  

The Master Gardeners say the herb "attracts several species of wildlife."  Including Swallowtail Butterflies and Goldfinch birds as well as "bees and  other nectar-feeding insects."

Parsley serves in wide range of ways; as a spice, garnish and even a vegetable. While it's easy to grow it will require some patience as it takes four to six weeks to germinate.  The Master Gardeners say it grows best,

in moist, well-drained soil, with full sun. It grows well in temperatures between 72–86 °F.

 

You can also grow parsley in containers, to get a head start on spring or have it available year round.  Get more information on growing it and other garden vegetables with fact sheets at Cornell Cooperative Extension's website or call the Horticulture Hot Line at 315-736-3394 between 9 and noon Wednesday and Fridays.

SOURCE: Cornell Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners