Old parsnips

[caroline7758]

I've still got parsnips on my plot but they are starting to get very leafy and the parsnips themselves are getting woody. Is there anything I can use them for or should I just stick them in the compost?

[caroline7758]

[galina]

I've still got parsnips on my plot but they are starting to get very leafy and the parsnips themselves are getting woody. Is there anything I can use them for or should I just stick them in the compost?

If they are open pollinated, you could dig them up, select the best dozen, replant and leave them to grow seed.

Otherwise, stick them in the compost.

Caution! - quite a number of people (self included) are very sensitive to parsnip juice burns, myself included.   For me it's definitely gloves and long sleeves.  The trouble is strong sunlight which activates something in the parsnip juice that causes burning and blisters and can leave scarring.  Obviously pulling them at first or last light is also safe, but at the moment that is most likely too early or too late for most gardeners. 

[artichoke]

Let them flower, and keep the seeds. Fresh seeds germinate very fast compared to bought seeds.

[Garden Manager]

Could try making soup out of them if they arent too woody. This happened to a few of mine. they started to regrow and were very 'rubbery' when dug up. No good for eating but did make a reasonable soup mixed with other leftover veg.

[cornykev]

I've still got some in the ground and used some recently, I cut out the middle woody bit and they've been fine, how long for I don't know.   

[Robert_Brenchley]

Leave them to flower. Bees love them, and you get fresh seeds.