Q.Should I cut back my rocket and parsley from the winter to create fresh regrowth?
I planted these last year — rocket bush, parsley, chives and I also planted a apple mint from another bush. Just wondering, do I cut them back, and when is the best time, as it’s coming into spring now. If I cut back too soon will they die, or do you even cut them back for regrowth?
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
If you're referring to the rocket that's also called arugula, you can cut it down almost to the level of the soil and it should regrow. Don't let it flower, and harvest it while the leaves are still babies for the best flavor.
I'm not familiar with rocket bush. Google takes me to a cultivar of barberry, not very helpful! Chives can be left alone if the leaves are green. If the pot they are in is getting crowded, it is easy to lift the clump and divide it. Parsley is biennial which means it grows splendidly the first year and bolts to set seed the second year. It will not taste as good this year and most gardeners start new plants every year. If you let it go to seed, save seed for next year. Since your space is limited, I would remove it. Now is a good time to start it from seed. Once it is established, it can take light frosts but will suffer from freezes, defined as temp at or below 25 F. If the mint is raggedy, cut it back to an active node when/where you see new growth. Trim off brown stems.
