Parsley

[Small pumpkin]

I've grown parsley as a companion plant in one of my beds this year, they have done very well. But I would like to put them into pots for over wintering. So The bed is empty then I can put a good thick layer of manure on and cover. How much should I prune them back? Will they cope with a move this late in the season? Or should I compost them, (after harvesting all I need) and just sow more next year?

[planetologist]

I find that parsley when moved indoors tends to get an insect infestation that I don't know the English word for once light levels become quite low. The ones outdoors will last a long time yet, because parsley can handle mild frost, and you can keep some indoors for a few weeks after that. But don't compost them. The roots will survive winter and will regrow in spring, so they are a great boon in the hungry gap, until they start to bloom and become too tough to eat around June. No need to prune them.

[Bren In Pots]

I freeze some Parsley for overwinter use then the rest of the plants stay outside, it goes to seed in its second year but thats fine because it means free plants.