[Gellideg]

I would like some advice-I am tidying my patch up for winter just now,and the carrots and parsnip bed is quite untidy with their tops standing up.I have a good crop,so can I trim  the tops of both,down to about 9 inches without harming the crop,to get at them during the winter to lift them as I want to use them?
         Thanks John.

[Pescador]

Personally I'd leave them to die back naturally as the days shorten and the temperatures drop.
If you really want to cut back, you won't do a huge amount of damage, but if they're still green and upright, why would you want to?

[Yorkie]

I agree with pescador 

[Wiltshire Worms]

So do I 

[jaydig]

Me too.

[victoria park]

Yes, maybe the juxtaposition of dying back veg leaves against the backdrop of a neatly raked and weeded bed is the best aesthetic answer. Good idea to clear the surrounding soil thus disturbing any nasties settling down for the Winter, but leave the veg alone  John. LOL