[skywalker]

My parsnips are way to close together which combined with a high germination rate means Im going to lose a lot through thinning. If i sow some more now will they have enough growing time. I dont want monsters just parsnips for Christmas dinner.

[JayG]

It's pretty late for sowing parsnips but I've found that the thinnings transplant and grow just as well as the ones left in place.

Just take care to only transplant seedlings which have come out undamaged, and ease them gently into a hole large enough to accomodate the root without having to curl it up.

I've done this successfully for several years now.

[skywalker]

Excellent. Even better. Many thanks! Is it the case of the earlier the better?

[PennyS]

It's pretty late for sowing parsnips but I've found that the thinnings transplant and grow just as well as the ones left in place.

Just take care to only transplant seedlings which have come out undamaged, and ease them gently into a hole large enough to accomodate the root without having to curl it up.

I've done this successfully for several years now.

Oh blast.  I threw away my thinnings this weekend... I could have used them. 

[JayG]

Excellent. Even better. Many thanks! Is it the case of the earlier the better?

Within reason!

I transplant mine when their first true leaves are properly established; the longer you leave them the longer the roots will have grown and the greater the disturbance.
They come out quite easily if you water them first, just ease them out using a small trowel or similar tool and make sure you handle them by their leaves and don't try to yank them out holding the stem!

[corynsboy]

Hello Skywalker.    (Best name on the forum by a country mile. Can't believe that I didn't think of that.)

I've planted parsnips direct (no germinating) in early July.  I don't like to grow foot long four pound monsters either so as long as you are prepared for smaller crops, and a few that are really only good for soup, you can squeeze in another line in the next five weeks or so.

I still haven't planted mine, but I'll be picking beauties until Feb or March next year Guaranteed.  However, I'm just north of the Thames in Essex and I have lovely soft sandy free draining soil.  It's full of carrot fly larvae, but it is lovely!