How to grow Parsnips

How to grow Parsnips - Description

• • The full flavour of parsnips do not emerge until the parsnip roots have been exposed to near freezing temperatures. Because of this fact, parsnips are known as a winter vegetable.

  • Parsnips are a good source of carbohydrate, vitamin C, minerals such as potassium and calcium, and fibre.

  • Because of their long growing season many people like to grow catch crops in-between to make best use of their gardening patch.

How to grow Parsnips - Crop Rotation

Seedlings ready to thin

• • Thin seedlings after they develop two true leaves; cut off thinned seedlings at soil level to avoid disturbing remaining seedlings.

  • Thinning is important; parsnips require adequate space for root development.

How to grow Parsnips - Care & Cultivation

• • When rainfall is lacking over summer water give the parsnips a good watering once a week to ensure continued growth.

  • You can add a straw or wood chip mulch after the seedlings have emerged to help retain soil moisture.

  • Remove weeds (if hoeing then hoe only the top inch of soil).

How to grow Parsnips - Harvesting

• • Do not harvest until there has been a couple of weeks of near freezing temperatures.

  • The cold results in the starch in the roots being converted into sugars which give the parsnip its sweet taste.

  • Use a spade to dig the parsnip root (up to 30cm in depth) out of the ground.

  • After you have harvested your parsnip roots clip off any remaining leaf stalks and wash and dry the root bulb.

  • Parsnips can be safely left in the ground over winter and harvested the next spring if required. If doing this, it is recommended that you harvest before the new tops and seed stalks start their growth or else the root will become fibrous and starchy (losing its sweet flavour).

How to grow Parsnips - Storing & Preserving

• • The best flavoured parsnips are ones that are lifted and taken into the kitchen straight from the ground. During the winter when the ground is frozen this will not be possible.

  • To give you parsnips during this period you should dig up some roots in the early winter for storing.

  • Store parsnips in the refrigerator for up to 2 months or in a cold, moist place for 2 to 6 months.

  • Alternatively, you can store parsnips in the same way as you would carrots.

    • Cut any leaves off close to the crowns and then pack them in layers of dry sand or peat in a large wooden box.

    • Put a lid on the top to keep our the light and place the box in a cool, dry and airy place.