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Parsnips

Parsnips used to be a very popular crop but in recent years seem to be in decline. This is probably due to being a difficult seed to get to germinate.

To grow long Parsnips the soil needs to be deep and friable, stone free and well manured for a previous crop. If your soil does not meet these standards grow one of the shorter varieties but at all costs do not grow in freshly manured ground. It is well worth choosing a variety that is disease resistant such as Avonresister.

They are tolerant and will grow in any soil but will do better in an organic rich one with a pH of 6.5. They have long roots so if your soil is heavy or very stony; make holes 18" deep with a bar. Open it up by wiggling the bar in a circular motion until it is 3" - 4" in diameter and fill it with a light sandy compost. Space these holes at 6" intervals.

The seed is very slow to germinate below 45F so there is no point in trying to sow too early. Sow in late April or early May when the ground has warmed up, by sowing thinly in shallow drills with 12" between rows. Alternatively place 2 seeds in the centre of the compost in each hole. The seeds are very slow to germinate so make sure that you mark the rows well, so that you will not forget about them. Thin to the strongest seedling. A good way of marking the rows is to sow a couple of radish seeds at the same time; the radish will germinate quickly and mark where you have sown the Parsnip. As soon as it has germinated, remove the Radish plants.

Keep the plants weed free and ensure that the watering is regular to prevent the roots from cracking and splitting

If the winter is mild, the roots can be left in and dug up as needed but it is better to lift after the first frosts have killed of the top growth and stored in boxes of peat or Vermiculite. This also prevents damage by pests during the winter. It is said that they taste better if they have been touched by a first frost.

Parsnips are subject to all the usual Root crop pests and diseases such as slugs, Carrot Root Fly and Parsnip Canker. (See relevant Pests or Diseases sections)