Parsnips

[cleo]

Parsnips are a big no no for me now I am on a low GI diet so if anyone wants a new packet of seed `Gladiator` just pm me and I will send them on.

[cleo]

[Roy Bham UK]

I can’t remember when I sowed my nips but they went straight into the ground from seed, I protected them with fleece although I can’t remember why and it was my first attempt giving me a good crop from a small patch about 2sq mtrs, this was my last haul. ;D

I shall double the amount this year and may even spread the sowing out also. ;)

[Debs]

Parsnips are a big no no for me now I am on a low GI diet so if anyone wants a new packet of seed `Gladiator` just pm me and I will send them on.

Cleo,

If no-one has beat me to it I would like your gladiators - what would you like in return?

I have an abundance of flower seeds, some herbs, some veg...

[MikeB]

Next question is what spacing do you recommend??  The Parsnip in question is tender & true.  These are the spacings suggested by the seed companies.

Dobies:  6"
T&M:      8"
Kings     4"
Mr Fot'   9"

You couldn't be blamed for getting confused now could you?

MikeB

[Curryandchips]

This is a good example of why you should trust in your own experience. Generally, the greater the spacing, then the more opportunity to produce larger parsnips, but the total yield may be down, because the relationship is not linear. So you choose, and hope ...

I work on about 6 inch spacing, but not pedantically.

[MikeB]

Thanks Curry,  I'm afraid I can't trust my own experience yet with parsnips as I always had up 'til now a miserable crop, hence all the questions.  Carrots is the other problem crop, the rest (touch wood) I'm o.k. with.

[supersprout]

I have enjoyed growing parsnips on the basis of 'eat one, keep one', spaced at about 4" then harvest every other one as baby veg so the rest grow on at 8 or 9". I also do this with leafy greens, but wouldn't bother with e.g. carrots (cos disturbing them would encourage fly) or e.g. salsify (wouldn't come out without disturbing their neighbours, and not very nice young).