[Goldfinger]

Is it too late to start some more parsnips?

I planted some now 4 weeks ago, in loo roll centres, but there's still no sign of life.... 

Should I chit some this time to make sure they start, before I plant in loo rolls again?

[moose]

Hope not as I've sown mine direct today.

[Kleftiwallah]

The whole year is late.  Parsnips are renown for not liking being transplanted in any way.  I should try and plant straight into the soil in a week or two (hopefully after a warm period).

Cheers,   Tony.

[JayG]

You could try member Aidy's method suggested in a recent thread, which is chitting on damp paper in a sealed container and planting out directly as soon as roots emerge.

The thread is here if you want to think about it:
http://chat.allotment-garden.org/index.php?topic=104011.msg1164797#msg1164797

As I suggested in the above thread I am giving it a try alongside my direct station-sowing technique - I actually sowed both lots today - all being well the pre-germinated seeds should be about 4 weeks in front of the direct-sown seeds based on previous year's experiences, depending on weather conditions of course.

(They took about a week to germinate in a sandwich box.)

[A Reyt Tayty]

I tried the damp paper trick after my parsnips were slow to get going. Even that hasn't gone well. Very few have germinated even after 3 weeks. I think there are 2 showing a tiny sprout out of about half a packet. New seed this year. Avonreister. Shame: I love parsnips.

[Goldfinger]

They were last years seed, but had sow by 2013. Could that be another reason?

Guess I'll have to get new seed then... 

[JayG]

Parsnip seed has a shorter than average shelf-life - I have got year-old seed to germinate but I think the success rate was down to about 20%.

[Goldfinger]

New seed then.....

[Growster...]

We'll try a short row, under cloches, and close together - say - 5", just to be sure!

We've got some planted in from paper pots, and hope the tap roots are still ok, but if not - hey - the squonky ones are still fine to cook, and sometimes nicer to see on a plate, than a great grey/cream lump...:0)

[GrannieAnnie]

What with the rotten weather we've had, I've only started sowing my parsnips today.  Got 3 x 8ft rows in sown direct and I will make a few more next week.

I was latish last year too, but had a wonderful supply of snips!  In fact, still got some in the freezer for soups.

[Growster...]

It's probably - certainly - the way to go this year, Grans!

Think late, and also 'smaller than last year', and you're on course for a great crop!

[agapanthus]

I hope not....put our in a couple of days ago 

[Growster...]

I hope not....put our in a couple of days ago 

I reckon we really only pick and ENJOY (key word), parsnips, about twelve times a year.

The rest get left for the dog, or just binned, so it seems logical that we grow accordingly!

This year, we'll be growing much smaller ones, and closer together, and having them in smaller quantities, rather than the eighteen-pounders...(only kidding, it's to make sure DD is modding this...;0)

[Sweetpea C]

This year, we'll be growing much smaller ones, and closer together, and having them in smaller quantities, rather than the eighteen-pounders...(only kidding, it's to make sure DD is modding this...;0)

Lol you trickster growster!

Edited to correct quote

[Chrysalis]

That's my tomorrow job sorted then...parsnips here I come.