[spottymint]

Hi

I only have containers to grow in & I am planning what to grow.
Now some things are easy like carrots, but others you need to look for varieties which can be spaced close together.

Now I have seen varieties of parsnip such as Arrow, Lancer and Dagger which can be grown in pots, but only online for lots of seeds which don't store for more than a season.

My question is, Is there a commonly available variety that may be suitable for container growing ? or is it not worth it for just a few roots ?

Any thought/experience appreciated,
many thanks, Spottymint. 

[Trillium]

It might be a waste of time using regular parsnip varieties. The tap root can go down quite a way and if that hits an obstruction then it affects the main 'root' size, usually causing forking or a small root. You can always try but don't get your hopes up.

[solway cropper]

Parsnip seed tends to become less viable after a year but that doesn't mean you get zero germination. I've used 2 year old seed with no obvious problems. As there's only me in the house that eats them I grow them in Morrisons flower buckets rather than taking up space on the plot. Sow more seed than you'll need and thin to a couple of inches apart. I start mine off in the unheated greenhouse in March and put them outside once they've got established. Go to somewhere like Wilkos and pick up seed in their 3 for £1.50 offer. That way you don't spend too much if they don't succeed.

[spottymint]

Hi

Thanks for the replies. I too am trying out the black Morrisons buckets for growing in, so if I get some cheap seeds, I may give it a go.

Many thanks for the advice.
Spottymint

[AdrianH]

I grew Gladiator F1 parsnips in Marshalls Potato Bags last year (http://www.marshalls-seeds.co.uk/potato-gro-sacks-x3-pid2036.html). 9 to a bag and they grew brilliantly - nice and big)

The gro-sacks are about 12" square and 18" deep.

[tiny50]

Punch a couple of holes in the bottom of a plastic compost bag and grow em in that.  works well for alsorts.

[Hectare]

I have noticed a number of posters talking about using Morrisons black tubs for growing veg....what are these?

I assume it is something you can get from the Mossisons supermarket (which we don't have in my region of the UK). What size are they and is there, say, a Tescos or other  alternative

Thanks all

[DD.]

They are the buckets that the cut flowers come in. They sell them very cheaply, some places give them away.

[Ivor Backache]

I have noticed a number of posters talking about using Morrisons black tubs for growing veg....what are these?
I assume it is something you can get from the Mossisons supermarket (which we don't have in my region of the UK). What size are they and is there, say, a Tescos or other  alternative
Thanks all

They are 10" daimeter and 10" deep. They make ideal plant pots. Black and sturdy.
I paid £1 for 8 at Morrisons. Got some free from Sainsburys and Asda. Tesco have different pots(square) but they are returned.

[spottymint]

Hi

Morrison,s buckets 8x for 99p. Find them under the flower tables/veg tables near the flowers.

4x large, 4x small, bound by yellow tape with 99p on and barcode.

Found Parsnip variety "Arrow" to grow in the buckets from Mr Foth's, but B&Q stock "Lancer" as a patio veg in their own range/Someone else sells them Dobies?. T&M sell "Dagger". If anybody else is interested in patio types.

[Hectare]

Thanks to all for the info re the Morrisons tubs...I'll check out out our local variants here..

I haven't tried parsnips in containers....do they need special soil/compost?

[randombod]

Thanks to all for the info re the Morrisons tubs...I'll check out out our local variants here..

I haven't tried parsnips in containers....do they need special soil/compost?

where are you based H i know the morrisons in darlington nr me have a few in at the moment just remember drainage holes in the bottom

[solway cropper]

Thanks to all for the info re the Morrisons tubs...I'll check out out our local variants here..

I haven't tried parsnips in containers....do they need special soil/compost?

Don't put fresh manure in the compost or they'll fork and twist. I use grow bag compost and sharp sand with a bit of home-made compost mixed in. Don't ask me the proportions...I just mix it till it feels right!

[Hectare]

Thanks to Solway cropper for the compost advice....I like that approach.

Cheer Randombod, I am in Cambridge...a long way from Morrison land....


I planted some parsnips  in my garden, late last year as a bit of an experiment. They have produced lots of leaf but are still at the very baby stage. What are the chances they will actually develop during this year? Should I leave them in?

Thanks again to all

[JayG]

I planted some parsnips  in my garden, late last year as a bit of an experiment. They have produced lots of leaf but are still at the very baby stage. What are the chances they will actually develop during this year? Should I leave them in?

As biennials, although they've not had a full growing season they have gone through their first winter and my guess is they will run to seed when they start to grow again.

Others on here have possibly got away with it...............................?