Parsnips are a favourite of the gardener as they store well well and can be left in the ground over winter, when other crops have expired. They are delicous when roasted.
When to sow Parsnips: March to April
When to harvest Parsnips: October through to February
How to Grow Parsnips:
Sow the seeds either directly (recommended) or into pots for transplanting.
If transplanting ensure the pots can be buried along with the seedling (a paper or biodegradable pot).
The seeds can also be chitted before sowing, place on a damp paper towel until the seeds germinate and then sow as usual.
When the seedlings are 1 inch high fine them so there is a space of 6 inch between seedlings.
The failure rate of parsnips seeds is quite high so it is recommended that you purchase new seeds each year.
How to Harvest Parsnips:
The parsnips will be ready to lift from the soil when the foilage has died done in the autumn.
They can be left in the soil untill required and most gardeners prefer to do this as light frosts can improve the flavour.
Below are some recommended seeds, and further down the page is additional information on Parsnip varieties to help you choose which parsnips to grow.
