Allotments 4 All

After both seeing & tasting some superb parsnips given to me by some newly made friends at our lottie site,I asked how they grow them.I was shown the following method,black plastic fall piping 4 inch in diameter is cut into 12 inch lengths and just pushed about an inch into the soil the pipe is then filled with potting compost the seed pushed in and the pipes (which are set in a square ) are then covered with fleece.The parsnip then grows down the pipe and slightly into the soil,when ready to harvest they just lift out the pipe and hey presto one perfectly shaped parsnip.They have been using this method for the last few years with great success. - hope this helps.

Thanks Chief, interesting that parsnips are grown that way too, I've heard of carrots being grown like that, especially competition 'who-can-grow-the-longest'. Medwyn Williams (think it's his name) showed us that on one of the Gardener's World progs, was going to have a go this year if there's time, so shall shove some parnsips in too. Cheers. ;D

I have ordered White Gem this year because they are shorter and more suited for shallower soil.  No 'how long can you get it?' comps for me.  Is White Gem a good parsnip - I am not a fan and am growing them for OH.

I pre germinate my parsnip seeds which means i can see if older seed is viable.
I put them into a zip lock bag with a tiny bit of vermiculite and make it damp, seal the bag up and hang it in awarm place and as soom as they germanate i take them up the plot and sow as normal :)
that way you know they are growing  ;D

Isn't a cold March or April plot a bit of a shock for seed pre-germinated in the warmth?

Not when you have covered the ground for a few weeks before hand with black plastic and put a fleece tunnel over them  ;D