Definitely the last time. . .

I also pre-germinate, but miss out the loo-roll stage and bung them straight into the ground. this year I have spread a layer of old compost on top of the soil, it's quite dark and warms up more than soil, and the chitted seeds have gone into that. They came up in no time.

If you have got an old packet of seeds to grow you must have magic green fingers 'cos as I understand it parsnips are one of the veg that you need to have new seeds each year as germination rates are poor with old seed.

My method.....
About mid April.
Iron bar in about 16" deep. Wriggle it about a bit to make a cone shape. Fill with compost or sifted soil with a bit of BFB. Continue at 8" centres and sow 3 seeds or thereabouts about 1/2" deep. Firm down and let them get on with it! When through, thin to strongest seedling. Have always had a great crop this way!. In previous years i have always bought fresh seed, but this year decided to try last years seed and still have close to 100% germination, so will try the same seed again next year, Simples!
Smilydog