[Paul Plots]

Cawdor2001 have a go at 'parsnip crisps' - really easy and very quick - can be served with a roast or any main dish if not as a starter...

You're lucky to have parsnips - we're getting ours from that big shop beginnig with T... sooner have my own.

[andreadon]

I'm going to grow 'snips for the first time this year.
I normally sow my carrots in a cold frame and they're usually good.
Can I do that with my parsnips and do it earlier? or is the best bet still to wait till the soil warms up outside and plant them into the open?
(what if they get too wet?)

[alfman]

 I grew Gladiator last year but only 50% germinated so this year I'm going to polytunnel the parsnip/lettuce/spring cabbage/early carrots plot to warm the soil up before sowing. Have been disapointed too many times before by trying to plant into too cold/too early soil.

[Paul Plots]

When do you plan to sow your parsnips alfman?

I think I'll stick a poly tunnel in place next time I visit the plot - warming up the soil sounds a good idea to me. Mine was really cold to the touch today. :blink:

After last year's disaster I'll try almost anything to get a parsnip crop this year.

[alfman]

 I think mid march sounds about right Learner if the soil is warm enough. then after planting I'll leave the polythene over until they get well established and be prepared to throw a fleece over when frosts are forcast. Then as the weather improves remove the polythene during the day until its safe to remove altogether.

[Mrs sawnee]

Hi Michael,

I would definitely say wait until the soil warms up a bit.  We have been really lucky with growing parsnips (dug some up Christmas Eve - bootiful ).  We always plant them straight on the plot and find that ours grow better in barrels with the bottoms cut out.  Going to the lottie weekend to dig up the remaining ones .... 

Good Luck!

[Paul Plots]

I think mid march sounds about right Learner if the soil is warm enough. then after planting I'll leave the polythene over until they get well established and be prepared to throw a fleece over when frosts are forcast. Then as the weather improves remove the polythene during the day until its safe to remove altogether.

Mid-March sowing of parsnips it is . Thanks for the advice.

[johndf1]

With the damp kitchen paper method of germination, how long does it take for the seeds to germinate?  Mine have been a week so far and no sign yet of germination, despite fresh seed.  Have I got any hope that they will eventually germinate?

[Yorkie]

Germination can take several weeks so don't panic yet

[sunshineband]

It's PARSNIP day today!!!! I shall be out there with my trusty band of (ten year old) warriors breaking down their soil to a seed bed to lovingly instal parsnips seeds, by about 12:15 today. Hurray 

[compostqueen]

I sowed a row of White Gem today, just the one row as I was in a hurry. Mixed the parsnip seed with radish seed which germinates quickly and marks the row, that way you don't forget the parsnip is there and grub it up

I will be growing some Hollow Crown too which are said to be good for "wine and marmalade" 

[sunshineband]

Got two rows in, togther with some radishes --- takes ages for 8 year olds to plant parsnip seeds one at a time, and even longer with radishes 

Have covered them with plastic sheet as there is cold coming , so I hear.

[Jay Dubya]

Hi, have you thought of a soil thermometer ( a regular 7 degrees over two or three days is right ), as for Gladiator or White Gem, Gladiator is a long parsnip ( good for showing ) but needs light land otherwise a wotsisname to get out and White Gem is a shorter parsnip with a heavy shoulder better on heavy land.
P S, booth taste great.

Keep on a troshing J W

[sunshineband]

I've got a soil thermometer and it is really useful. Have to remind myself not to get carried away when it reads 12 at lunch time as it bound to be much colder at night. Can't take the temperature at night as the torch hasn't come yet, Learner!!! 

[Salmo]

It is best to push the thermometer into the ground about 4 inches which will give a constant temperature and give the best guidance for planting seeds. If it is only shallow it will vary as the day changes.