Wanted: A Professor of Parsnips

bootom left-hand corner above the word seedlings...a long pair of seed leaves, there does seem to be a line across to the right-hand side, gradually getting a bit higher in the pic.
 

The next set of leaves will look completely different to the seed leaves as well, if that helps

I find this useful for keeping a very careful track of where I sowed seeds...

I mark each end of the seed row with a pushed in peg (a bit of cane does well) and then tie a piece of brightly coloured string between the two.

When I sow seeds they go straight under the string. The lot is covered with a chicken wire tunnel to stop the foxes from disturbing them.

Anything that grows under / along the string gets to stay. Both sides of the string (a few inches away) are treated to a visit from the hoe.

Eventually, when the veg seedlings are big enough, I hand weed along the string. This leaves me with a clean and tidy row of new veg.

A fuss maybe...but it works and saves so much time in the end. 

Now that's just showing off JayG 

Nice ones 

see here for growing tips
carrots section
http://www.chat.allotment-garden.org/viewtopic.php?t=7045&highlight=parsnips

But dont leave it too long. Those weeds will grow a lot faster than the parsnips, and chickweed is a nightmare if left to develop. For intricate weeding right next to seedlings I use an old eating knife or just finger and thumb A bit laborious but as the saying goes " a stitch in time saves nine".

Much thanks to the assembled parsnip people for the helpful information , identifications and advice. Shall leave matters till final parsnip leaves have developed, then it's hoe-time  for those pesky weeds

If you have a very warm dry day and enough space along side the parsnips try this:

Lay down (with a hat on to keep you cool) gently and carefully hand-weed along the parsnip row. Stop every once in a while to see how well you are doing.

I love weeding this way when I have time... great to listen to some music or a radio programme at the same time.  

Once it's done a hoe run along both sides of the seed row every now and then will help keep the line clean and clear.

If you can make out the row then hoe along each side as close as you can before you hand weed and the hand weeding will be much easier. If you can do this an hour or two before so that the weeds you chop off are wilted it will be even easier.

Good thinking........ I must remember that before I settle down to hand-weed next Sunday (if it doesn't pour before hand. Fat chance!  )