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Parsnip problems

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Posts

  • ItalophileItalophile Posts: 1,731

    I suspect it means severely stunted.

  • LeifUKLeifUK Posts: 573

    Ah, okay thanks.

    On a slight tangent, this year I experimented with 4 carrots seeds in four root trainers, and left them to grow. Three sprouted, and provided nice baby carrots. I am sure I could have transplanted them but it's not worth it really, best to plant out. I suppose if soil is not available for a month or two, this is one way to grow carrots before planting out. The depth of the root trainer means that a straight root can form.

  • barry islandbarry island Posts: 1,843

    Old timer 2 I like your method I will be trying that next year, as for seed I took a chance this spring on last years seed from a packet which was unopened but not one came up I will be buying fresh seed every year from now on, I usually sow mine in March but find that by the time I want them which is not before November they are too big and woody would sowing later get them to a nice average size for winter harvest?

  • ItalophileItalophile Posts: 1,731

    March to November (or even later) is the normal parsnip cycle. If they're too big and woody, maybe consider another variety. There are any number of F1 varieties around that don't bulk up.

  • barry islandbarry island Posts: 1,843

    Ok thanks.

  • Hi I have watched lots of videos on the internet as to the best way to grow parsnips and I have dug the ground deep to make the soil loose but when I water the patch where I have sown them it goes hard so surely they will not sprout or grow , It has only been 10 days and I know parsnips can take 32 days to germinate but surely if the ground goes hard they will not germinate properly , ANY SUGGESTIONS THANKS

     

  • LeifUKLeifUK Posts: 573

    I have heavy clay soil, and last year they grew fine. I had the first in early July. The soil became very hard though, like concrete. Most were eaten in winter and the flavour was far superior. My problem is stoney soil. I meant to create deep holes with a broken spade handle, and fill them with compost, to prevent forking, but forgot. 

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