If the peck of parsley you pick from your garden is muddy, you can spread mulch under the plant to keep it clean. Or you can use a plastic collar to keep the leaves from touching the ground. Here's how. Plant the seeds (or the baby parsley transplant) inside a collar ring, about 10-12" in diameter and 3-4" high. I like to use plastic gallon milk jugs. I cut the top off, leaving a shallow container 4" high. Then I use a sharp knife to cut out the bottom, flip it upside down, and put it over the seeds or the plant.