Parsnips
A classic winter root vegetable, parsnips offer a sweet, earthy flavour that deepens after a good frost. They are relatively easy to grow but require patience and good soil preparation.
Parsnips seeds
£1.99 in the shop
Calendar
Sow
March – May, directly outdoors into well-prepared soil
Plant out
Not typically transplanted; thin seedlings to final spacing
Harvest
October – February, after the first hard frosts for best flavour
Conditions
Sun
Full sun
Water
Keep consistently moist, especially during germination and dry spells
Soil
Deep, stone-free, fertile, well-drained loam, pH 6.0–7.0
Spacing
10-15cm between plants, 30-45cm between rows
Containers
Not ideal due to long taproot; needs very deep containers (at least 60cm)
Indoors
Not recommended; direct sowing outdoors is best
Care and harvest
Feeding
Not usually necessary in fertile soil; avoid high nitrogen feeds
Pruning
None required
Harvesting
Loosen soil with a fork and gently pull up. Handle carefully to avoid bruising.
Storage
Can be left in the ground until needed (protect with straw in very cold weather) or stored in a cool, dark, frost-free place
Good companions: Radishes, Lettuce, Garlic