[mashauk]

Yuk weather today so haven't been to lottie (memo to self, buy wellies and rainwear!) - do you think it's OK to leave my parsnips in or do I need to dig them up, I know they're ready but just had a bit of a freezer disaster so wondering if they're alright to leave in a while longer?

Ta

[Sally A]

Parsnips can be overwintered in the ground.  a frost turns the starches to sugar, so taste much better after a cold snap.

[WG.]

I'm with Sally A, leave them in the ground and only take enough home to tide you over between lottie visits.   Provided your ground doesn't waterlog, they'll be fine.

I do tend to lift a few for deepest winter when there is a fair risk of not being able to get a fork in the frozen soil.

[mashauk]

Thanks, that's what I thought.  I'll do that then.  My stupid cow of a visitor (nephew's girlfriend) didn't shut the freezer door last night and all my lottie stuff is partially defrosted, I'm so angry!  Will cook the blackberries and eat the soup and hope everything else is OK.  Thank goodness they leave tomorrow, she's a walking disaster area.