Talk:Parsnip

Page Editing Protection
This page has been protected from editing by any non-registered users and any new users. The reason is due to the number of irrelevant edits and opinionated comments. There is sure to be a difference of opinion on best practice, but there's no reason why more than one approach cannot be incorporated into the main article. If someone can put together a paragraph or two on possible germination techniques (including that this is not 100% necessary) and another on growing location/medium, which includes the benefits of each opinion, then it will be perfect for the article. Thank you OllieMartin 07:56, May 5, 2010 (UTC)

Growing Parsnips - Best Practice
The best way to grow parsnips is to sow them in a large container. The depth is more important than the width/diameter - parsnips are a deep rooted vegetable. Growing in a container provides protection from canker. It also means you can control the growing medium. Parsnips will grow best in sand or a sand/compost mixture. They don't require heavy feeding, and they should NOT be sown close together, they won't push apart, they'll get tangled together and fork.

91.105.27.252 23:00, May 4, 2010 (UTC)


 * This information is ideal for the main article, however, it requires some formatting. E.g.: "Parsnips can be grown by sowing direct into a large container. The depth is more important than the width/diameter - parsnips are a deep rooted vegetable. Growing in a container provides protection from canker. Container growing also allows you to control the growing medium which should be sand or a sand/compost mixture. They don't require heavy feeding, and should not be sown close together or they may tangle together and fork." If you approve of this edit, feel free to post it onto the main page, or I will at a later date. Thank you OllieMartin 23:28, May 4, 2010 (UTC)

They're FINE grown close together - they calmly push each other apart and carry on growing happily - what are you on about???

Ridiculous to say that parsnips need to be grown in containers. This modern trend towards raised beds is fashionable nonsense. Parsnip grow perfectly well in the ground, WILL push each other apart and DO NOT need anything more than stone free soil. It would be a good idea if the original poster checked his/her facts before posting :)

Now, the only way to grow parsnips is.....to prepare the ground, to use a crowbar to make large holes, to fill them with sand and sow several into the top. Then, nip out all but the strongest and leave to grow on. If you don't do this, they will ALL be forked

You can grow parsnips in any soil, just sprinkle the seeds over the soil, and leave them to it. Come back in a couple of months and weed, and then again in about Sept; and soon after you can start pulling them. No need to thin, no twisting roots; just fine long parsnips with NO FUSS!!!!

Germination
But what about getting them to germinate, they are really difficult aren't they?


 * That will never work - they need to be chitted on kitchen paper first, then put into root trainers or loo roll tubes, and then carefully transplanted in their final positions. I can't believe you are making it sound so easy! They are the hardest veg to grow....I should know, I have real problems with them.


 * Parsnips germinate best in airing cupboards in the dark