How to Grow Parsnips

One of the biggest questions I get from gardeners just starting out; is if there is a plant that can withstand the various climates and changing seasons. One of the answers I quickly give, is... parsnips. If you're not familiar with parsnips, they're a root vegetable that before potatoes; were used in stews, soups and casseroles. Parsnips may look like a carrot, however is paler and has much stronger subtle taste. Parsnip is rich in vitamins and nutrients, more so than carrots.

Parsnips are vegetables that are sturdy and can survive cold and warm weather. As a matter of fact they taste better if they go through a few frosty periods! (It's during the cold weather that it develops the most taste) Most gardeners plant parsnip during the spring season and allow them to be exposed to the colder weather before snatching them up for their kitchen. It will take at least five or six months before parsnip are ready to be yanked.

When you decide to plant parsnip, you must prepare the soil and dig up to 24 inches deep into the ground, depending on the type of parsnip and what the instructions on the package require. The seeds will need to be planted about ½ an inch into the soil, so they can germinate.

You can plant up to three seeds per every inch, and when they begin germinating (this may take up to three weeks) you must spread them out and put them about three inches away from one another. (They're big plants and need room to grow.)

Every week they will need as much as an inch of water. During dryer seasons, they will need to be monitored though, as they may need more or less water depending on rain. (Be careful not to over water or under water your plants.)

Parsnips do not need a lot of sunlight and can be grown in the shade, however they will need some to grow. Make sure you use mulch or even straw to help keep moisture in your soil. And about halfway into the growing process you can begin adding compost or fertilizer to give it the nutrients it craves.

When the parsnips are the right size, you can begin pulling them and enjoying them. The tool known as the spade usually works the best for retrieving your parsnips. Don't forget to wash them, and prepare them by removing the leafy stalks.

Source: Kathee Mierzejewski How To Grow Parsnips - Growing Parsnips In The Vegetable Garden Gardening Know How