Sow What?

I have to own up that I am quite partial to saying that a particular vegetable is my favourite.  I could be described as the Bruce Forsyth of the seed world, nothing to do with my

Demi Long Parsnip

dancing, singing, joke telling or general entertaining personality but everything, at one time or another, is my favourite.  However I am now going to officially announce my officially official favourite vegetable…………...the parsnip.  I know, it is not the most exciting thing that you can grow nor is it the best looking thing in the world.  What it does have going for it though is a really good taste and it is a vegetable that is very easy to grow from seed, it is very versatile, requires very little input and can stay in the soil until you are ready to eat it.

Here are my 10 tips/facts to help you with your parsnips:

1. Parsnips will produce at just over 1kg per 3-meter row.  This is worth remembering when planning your planting as I hate to run out and have to give Mr Supermarket money for a product that I really should have grown plenty of.
2. Parsnip seed is normally sown during mid-late spring direct to the soil.  This is normally the most successful time to plant as earlier sowings can be hit by the late cold snaps and germination will be effected. However the Demi Long de Guernesey can be sown all the way through until August.
3. Parsnip like the sun so plant them in an open & sunny site with deep and light soil.  But don’t let this put you off as parsnips will also grow quite happily in heavier soils.
4. When it comes to planning your crops for next season then plan for parsnips.  They like a bit of manure (but not fresh) on the soil before planting so when you have finished your plot, get some manure on it and leave ready for your parsnip planting in the spring.
5. Parsnips are quite slow germinators so remember this when you are looking for your seedlings.  It can take 5-6 weeks before you will see anything cropping up.
6. Sow the seeds at a depth of around 2cm leaving about 30cm between each row and you will want to end up with 10-20cm between each (depending upon the size of the finished parsnip) plant after thinning.  We normally prefer to sow 2-3 seeds every 10-20cm then thinning to the required.
7. As I said, parsnips really do look after themselves however water in very dry periods but not too much.  A good rule is not to let the soil dry out so water a little and often.
8. Parsnips can suffer from Carrot Fly so basic protection is good and will help.
9. Some varieties can be harvested from early autumn onwards but we think the taste is best after the first frost.  You don’t have to harvest at the same time, leave them in the soil until you are ready to eat them.
10. Enjoy you planting and enjoy your crop.