November 2022: Cilantro and Parsley

Blog by the Garden Center Team

This month's seed kit features Cilantro & Parsley! To support our environment, some seed kit materials are now available digitally.

Planting Instructions: Cilantro

1. Prefers cool temperatures. Prepare fertile, well-drained soil. Sow seeds in spring after last frost or late summer/early fall. Sow seeds 1/2" deep and 1-2" apart.
2. Keep soil moist. Fertilize as needed. Sow seeds every 3 weeks for continuous harvest. For cut-and-grow-again crops, harvest the top 1/3 of leaves when plant is at least 8-10" tall.

Planting Instructions: Parsley

1. Prepare fertile, well-drained soil. Soak seeds in water 12-24 hours before sowing.
2. Sow seeds in early spring in a warm, sunny or partial shade (in warm locations) location. Or start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost date and transplant when weather permits.
3. Germination can take 2-3 weeks. Keep soil moist. Harvest stalks with leaves as needed.

More About Cilantro and Parsley

Growing cilantro gives you two herbs in one plant. "Cilantro" refers to the leaves of the plant, which are used either fresh or dried in dishes around the world. The seeds of the plant, called coriander, have a citrus-like flavor and are used in dishes ranging from curries to cookies. An ancient herb, coriander is described in the Bible as being like manna.

Parsley is related to cilantro but has a very different flavor. It is often used as a garnish and valued as an after meal breath freshener. Both cilantro and parsley have a number of medicinal uses. Cilantro is antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, while parsley may be used to aid digestion.

Chimichurri Sauce

• Serves: 4
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes – 2 hours

Ingredients:

• 1 cup parsley, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp. oregano, dried
• 2 tbsp. red wine vinegar
• ½ tsp. ground black pepper
• ½ cup cilantro, chopped
• 1 tsp. red chili flakes
• ⅓ cup olive oil
• 1 tsp. kosher milk

Instructions:

1. Finely chop the parsley and cilantro. Mince the garlic cloves. Place in a small bowl.
2. Stir in red pepper flakes, dried oregano, olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper.
3. Let sauce stand for at least 20 minutes to 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Chimichurri sauce can be kept refrigerated in an airtight container for 1 week, or frozen for 3 months. The Chimichurri sauce is perfect with grilled meats, vegetables, and as a marinade.

Craft: Gardener's Hand Scrub

You'll Need:

• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 springs of rosemary, chopped
• 1.5 cups sugar
• ¼ cup castile soap (or dish soap)
• 2 tbsp. olive oil
• 10 drops of clary sage essential oil (Optional)

Instructions:

1. Add lemon zest & chopped rosemary to the sugar and stir.
2. Now add castile soap or dish soap and mix until you have a paste.
3. Add 10 drops of sage essential oil. You can substitute with tea tree oil or peppermint essential oil.
4. Store in a sealable glass container. Scrub should be used within a week. Use to scrub your hands after a day in the garden!