Sow seeds thinly 1cm deep in trays or cells of compost. Germination is often slow and can be enhanced by pouring hot water over the newly sown seeds, being careful not to dislodge the seeds. Once they emerge thin to 15cm apart and later plant 30cm apart in the vegetable garden or into pots. To dry parsley, wash the leaves well and either dry quickly in the oven at 95C (200F) or plunge into boiling water and dry in a hot oven for no longer than 1 minute. Store in an air- and lightproof container.