I like to use parsley in my container designs. It provides a strong hit of green to my designs, and its mid-size bulk is necessary — but often hard to come by — to bridge the gap between taller and smaller neighbors in the pot. Growing parsley in containers also keeps it up and away from the rabbits which have marauded my in-ground plantings. Oh, and it is edible. A quick step out the back door with some scissors is all it takes for me to have fresh herbs for whatever I am cooking.

Buying my parsley seed from Hudson Valley Seed Company makes me feel good. This company has goals beyond merely making money, most importantly, making organically grown seeds more widely available. They do a better job of explaining it here.

Source: Hudson Valley Seed Company

This Week’s Spring Picks:

Days to Spring: 5 – Warm Gardening Gloves That Are Cheap

I don’t know about you, but my hands get cold and raw when working outside in spring. I know those of you gardening in the Deep South can’t relate, and you’re lucky! Read more.

Days to Spring: 6 – An Affordable Way to Buy Native Plants

Prairie Moon Nursery in Winona, Minnesota is a mail-order company specializing in North American species for prairie, savanna, woodland, and wetland ecosystems. They offer seeds, potted plants, and bare-root plants from more than 700 species… Read more.

Days to Spring: 7 – A Tasty and Pretty Tomato Variety

Usually you get one of two things in a tomato: It tastes good or it’s good for making sauce. It’s hard to find tomatoes that are delicious for snacking on straight out of the garden… Read more.

Days to Spring: 8 – The Leo Wall Planter – I Can’t Wait to Plant This Container

I have to admit it: my backporch is a little boring. This wouldn’t be much of a problem, but I have one of those houses where the back door is the main entry to the house. The walkway to the porch… Read more.

Days to Spring: 9 – ‘Cascade’ Hops — An Easy-Care Vine for Full Sun

I’ve wanted to grow hops for years. My grandfather grew them for wine-making, and I always loved how the vines looked scrambling up the wire trellis he had rigged on a south-facing wall of his home… Read more.

Days to Spring: 10 – A Book Full of Beautiful Peonies

Roses seem to get all the love as the most romantic and enduring flower, but to that we say phooey! It really is the gorgeous peony that deserves our unwavering love. They are, arguably the most beautiful flower in the world… Read more.

See the whole list.

Countdown to Spring:

Check back tomorrow for Fine Gardening’s Countdown to Spring to find out what tools, plants, books – and more! – we are excited about this season. And join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest – tell us what you are excited about this spring, too!

Fine Gardening Recommended Products

A.M. Leonard Deluxe Soil Knife & Leather Sheath Combo

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MULTITASKING DUAL EDGES: a deep serrated edge and a tapered slicing edge ideal for tough or delicate cuts. DURABLE 6-inch stainless steel blade withstands 300 lbs of pressure. TWINE CUTTING NOTCH, DEPTH GAUGE MARKINGS & spear point - no need to switch tools when using this garden knife. LEATHER SHEATH: heavy duty, protective, clip on sheath to keep your knife convenient and secure. LIFETIME WARRANTY.

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The New Organic Grower, 3rd Edition: A Master's Manual of Tools and Techniques for the Home and Market Gardener, 30th Anniversary Edition

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Since its original publication in 1989, The New Organic Grower has been one of the most important farming books available, with pioneer Eliot Coleman leading the charge in the organic movement in the United States. Now fully illustrated and updated, this 30th Anniversary Edition is a must-have for any agricultural library.

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Berry & Bird Rabbiting Spade, Trenching Shovel

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Ideal Tool for All Gardeners Use: Our heavy duty trenching shovel is designed by a professional gardening tool designer. Lifetime Durability: This heavy duty drain spade is made of high-quality stainless steel, it is very strong and durable, even if it is used for high-strength work, it will not bend. Ergonomic Wood Handle: The handle of this planting spade is made of ash hardwood harvested from FSC-certified forests and has an ergonomically streamlined design, making it very suitable for everyone's hands. Multi-Use: This digging shovel is generally used for digging trenches, digging holes, transplanting, edging, moving compost, cutting thick turf and furrowing. The sharp blade allows you to cut, scoop, dig, lift and dice in hard soil.

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