[Sue32]

I only just got teh allotment dug and would really like some parsnips.   I know it's late but worth a try as we really love parsnips.  I'm 1st time veg grower

whats best way to sow at this time - direct in ground or into trays / guttering / modules whatever would you suggest

[Bombers]

Hi sue,
Just sown a packet today. broadcast underneath my bean (Munty) frame. They won't be the biggest in the world, but by Christmas, they'll be just as big as those in T3sc0s!

[Aunt Sally]

I've had real trouble getting my parsnips to germinate this year so I've started some off in paper tubes which can then be planted out without any root disturbance - fingers crossed  

[Bombers]

I've had real trouble getting my parsnips to germinate this year so I've started some off in paper tubes which can then be planted out without any root disturbance - fingers crossed  

What,.. These Auntie?

[AndyRVTR]

I'm glad i'm not the only one thats had problems germinating Parsnips this year.. I've used 3 different makes of seeds... and they have been blooming murder!!

[Yorkie]

Me too 

6 plants from two rows 

[savbo]

realising my parsnip seed is 2 years old I am planning on beefing up the rather poor 2 rows (10 plants?) with chitted seeds - poured the dregs of the packet onto some wet tissue and about 6 sproutng already

will this be the occasion for my first Richys? (hmm how to plural that... )

M

[Aunt Sally]

I've had real trouble getting my parsnips to germinate this year so I've started some off in paper tubes which can then be planted out without any root disturbance - fingers crossed  

What,.. These Auntie?

that's the ones Bombers

[Bombers]

Just to add to this, Yes I know germination of Parsnip is hit & miss, but that's why I've sown the whole packet (Can't use 'em next year can I?) I may get 10 or 20 (If I'm Lucky) that germinate. but that's all i want, in the space i've allocated.
Plus, they only cost 60pence. (Wilco's) 

[AndyRVTR]

If germination is that bad... why does it not say on my 69p packet??

[DD.]

In ideal circumstances, Andy, germination is not that bad & do you really think merchants would put on their packets - poor germination guaranteed?

I've had a variety of soils in the 30+ years I've been growing & never had a failure with parsnips.  Always gone for the pinch every 8" straight into the soil then forget about them method. Go and do somthing else for 4-6 weeks instead!

Anyway here's one, the like of which I may never grow again..

[GrannieAnnie]

Any excuse to show of the big one eh DD??   

It doesn't look as if many of my parsnips are germinating this year either, but if some of you are still sowing, I may try some more.

Didn't have much luck last year either, but the previous year was very good, none as big a DD's though!!!!   

[DD.]

I don't profess to having any secrets, 'cos I'd share them here if I had.

I've just followed how my grandfather did them.

No pots, no transplanting, just a pinch at each station and chances were at least one of the pinch would make it.

[AndyRVTR]

Never a failure? thats a BIG statement!!

[DD.]

But a true one.

Doesn't mean I'm not going to have one though!