All About Growing Parsnips

While it might be tempting to jump right into it, growing parsnips can be difficult. The cream-colored ball or cylinder shaped vegetable only occasionally appears in supermarkets, forcing parsnip lovers to grow their own. Unfortunately, unlike zucchini, they require extra care and knowledge to produce.

The first choice to make after deciding to grow them is what type to plant. They come in a turnip shape, a carrot shape, and one that is a mix of both. All seed should grow into one of these shapes.

An important part of the growth of root vegetables is the dirt in which they’re grown. Hard soil can deform or stunt them, and so should be used for the round type, or special planting space made with a softer mix for long varieties. Rocks should be removed, and beds need to be at least 12 inches deep for the long variety.

The seeds need to be planted where they’ll grow. Like many similar vegetables, they don’t take well to transplantation. While it may save time and space in garden beds, the loss of plants and mangled results make the method nearly useless.

Like onion seed, parsnip seeds are only viable for about a year. Germination rates are still lower than many plants. It is important to use the freshest seed available. Because of the low germination rate, many gardeners use five or more seeds per space, thinning later if required. Row gardeners may mix the seed with sand and sow the mix in a long line down the row.

Known as a winter vegetable, they can be planted in autumn in areas with a winter gardening season. They also do well planted in spring in areas with shorter, cool summers. For areas with hot summers and cold winters, planting them in the middle of summer provides a good growing season, and a few near-frosts before harvest to make the roots sweeter.

Cold-hardy but tough to get right, growing parsnips is a challenge for most home gardeners. Learning what makes them grow best results in delicious, sweet vegetables with a freshness no store-bought produce can match. Because they’re biennial, they aren’t harmed by cold winter weather, and can stay in the ground until it’s time to use them in some delicious winter dish.

Finally, for more on vegetable gardening, including other vegetable guides, visit www.vegetablegardensmadeeasy.com.