Dill and parsley on the windowsill are not the most productive greens to grow. The key to successful cultivation is a well-lit window on the south or southeast side and a small box at least 15 cm high. An open balcony is ideal.
Let me note right away that home-grown greens are more of a decorative delight for the eyes and cannot fully satisfy a family’s need for fiber and vitamins. However, if you sow garden cress , the results might pleasantly surprise you.
Parsley on the Windowsill
Parsley has a very strong taproot and is a perennial crop. Ideally, you should plant a young sprout with roots, though sowing seeds is also an option. The root of parsley grows deep into the soil, so the pot or box should be at least 17-20 cm deep. Each plant needs its own space—divide the container into 10 cm squares as a guideline.
Dill on the Windowsill
Dill has a less developed root system but, like parsley, it also requires space—10cm/17cm. It loves light. Often, dill needs additional lighting from phytolamps or fluorescent lamps. If it lacks light, it will grow thin and weak, with pale, sparse, and tasteless stalks. I can hardly imagine how winter greens grown hydroponically become so juicy, plump, and brightly colored… Parsley grown with insufficient light grows slowly and lacks aroma. Containers with greens should be rotated daily.
Before planting, it is helpful and recommended to
pre-soak the seeds
. If seeds are not prepared for sowing, they will sprout much later—usually at least a week later. Sprinkle the seeds over the surface in a small handful onto moist soil with perlite and vermiculite (optional but very beneficial). Cover the seeds with 1 cm of soil. Later, you can thin the seedlings when the first two leaves appear.
The container with seeded soil should be misted with warm water every three days, just 2-3 sprays from a sprayer. Create a greenhouse effect by covering it with plastic wrap or a bag with a few small holes. Follow your intuition—don’t overwater, don’t overheat, and shade the seedlings during their first 2-3 weeks. The ideal temperature for sowing is 18-22 degrees Celsius, but if it’s higher, seedlings will emerge sooner. Ventilation or constant access to fresh air is essential.
Subsequent watering should be moderate but daily. Greens especially love light misting. Fertilizing is necessary every two weeks with a universal fertilizer. Some recommendations for fertilizing can be found in the article The Composition of Mineral Fertilizers: When Less is Better .
Dill is an annual plant, so you’ll have to sow it every season, whereas parsley can thrive for up to two years. Greens planted in pots are not only beautiful but also give a special coziness to your home, especially if the pots are creatively designed.
