Parsnips are a sweet, nutty-flavored root vegetable that thrives in cooler weather and are perfect for soups, roasts or purees.

Growing parsnips requires patience as they take several months to mature, but the reward of fresh, home-grown parsnips is worth the effort.

Follow this detailed guide to successfully grow parsnips from planting to harvest.

Why grow parsnips?

Parsnips are rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals. They're a great addition to a healthy diet and offer a unique, earthy sweetness that intensifies when cooked.

Unlike many other crops, parsnips' flavor improves after a frost, making them a perfect vegetable for winter harvest. Parsnips are also relatively easy to care for, making them a good choice for gardeners of all experience levels.

Their good shelf life over a longer period of time makes them even more attractive, so you can enjoy their taste even in the winter months.

Step 1: Prepare your soil

Parsnips need loose, well-drained soil to grow straight and deep. How to prepare your soil:

1. Choose the right location: Choose a sunny spot in your garden. Parsnips prefer full sun but can also tolerate partial shade. Make sure the area is free of obstacles such as tree roots or large rocks.
2. Clear the floor: Remove stones, roots and debris from the planting area. This can cause parsnips to branch or grow unevenly, resulting in smaller or misshapen roots.
3. Loosen the soil: Dig or till the soil to a depth of at least 30-38 cm. Parsnips have long roots and need space to grow straight. For best results, use a wide fork to ensure the soil is deeply aerated.
4. Change the soil: Mix in compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility. Avoid using fresh manure as this can result in deformed roots. Make sure the soil is light and crumbly to promote proper root formation.
5. Test the pH: Parsnips grow best in slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. Adjust with lime or sulfur if necessary to achieve the ideal balance.

Step 2: Choose your seeds

Parsnips are best grown from seeds as they do not transplant well. Popular varieties are:

• Hollow crown: A classic strain known for its long, smooth roots and reliable growth.
• Gladiator: A disease-resistant variety with excellent flavor and uniform shape.
• White spear: A fast-growing option for earlier harvests and therefore ideal for short growing seasons.
• Delicate and true: Known for its smooth skin and sweet taste, perfect for frying or pureeing.

Step 3: Plant the seeds

1. Timing: Parsnips are a cool weather plant. Sow seeds in early spring, 2-4 weeks before the last frost, or in late summer for a winter harvest. When planting in the fall, make sure the crop is ready before the ground freezes.
2. Prepare the lines: Make shallow furrows about 1 cm deep and 30 to 45 cm apart to ensure adequate root expansion and air circulation.
3. Sow the seeds: Scatter the seeds thinly along the rows or space them 2 to 3 inches apart. Parsnip seeds are small and should be handled carefully.
4. Cover and water: Lightly cover the seeds with soil and water gently to settle them. Avoid heavy watering as this could displace the seeds.
5. Label the lines: Mark the planting area as it can take two to three weeks for parsnip seeds to germinate. Adding a thin layer of fine sand on top can help retain moisture and highlight the spot where the seeds were planted.

Step 4: Thin the seedlings

Once the seedlings are 2 to 3 inches tall, thin them to 4 to 6 inches apart to give each plant room to grow. Cut off the weaker seedlings at the soil line with scissors to avoid disturbing the roots of the remaining plants.

This ensures appropriate spacing, which helps prevent competition for nutrients and reduces the risk of disease.

Step 5: Care for your parsnips

irrigation

• Keep the soil moist at all times, especially in the early stages of growth, to promote healthy germination and root growth.
• Water deeply once a week to encourage deep root development. Low watering can lead to stunted growth.
• Avoid overwatering, as waterlogged soil can cause roots to rot or burst.

Mulch

• Apply a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch around plants to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature and prevent weeds. Mulching also helps protect roots during sudden temperature changes.

Fertilize

• If the soil is well prepared, additional fertilizer may not be necessary. However, in nutrient-poor soils, you should apply a low-nitrogen fertilizer mid-season to promote root growth rather than leaf growth.
• Use organic options like bone meal or seaweed extract for a natural nutritional boost.

Pest and disease management

• Carrot fly: Use row covers to protect plants from carrot fly larvae, which can damage roots. Companion planting with onions or garlic can also deter pests.
• Cancer: Prevent this fungal disease by maintaining consistent moisture levels and avoiding fresh manure. Rotate plants annually to reduce the risk of infection.
• Weed: Regularly remove weeds that compete for nutrients and water. Mulching can also minimize weed growth.

Step 6: Monitor growth

Parsnips take 100-120 days to mature. During this time:

• Look for signs of pests or disease and address problems immediately with biological solutions.
• Ensure consistent watering, especially during dry periods, to avoid stress on the plants.
• Monitor leaf growth as healthy foliage indicates strong root development.

Step 7: Harvest parsnips

1. Timing: Harvest parsnips after 3-4 months when the roots are 1-2 inches in diameter. For the sweetest taste, wait until after the first frost as the cold temperatures convert the starch to sugar.
2. Loosen the soil: Gently loosen the soil around the roots with a garden fork. This reduces the risk of the parsnips breaking or being damaged during harvest.
3. Pull the roots: Carefully pull the parsnips out of the ground by the tips. Avoid pulling to avoid breaking the roots.
4. Cut off the tops: Cut off the tops of the leaves if you are saving the roots for later use. The tips can draw moisture from the roots, shortening their shelf life.

Step 8: Store parsnips

1. Short-term storage: Store parsnips in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Store them in perforated plastic bags to maintain humidity.
2. Long-term storage: Store them in a root cellar or cool, dark place in moist sand or sawdust. This method keeps parsnips fresh for several months.
3. Freeze: For longer storage, you can blanch and freeze parsnips. They can be used straight from the freezer in soups and stews.

Additional tips

• Crop rotation: Avoid planting parsnips in the same spot every year to avoid soil-borne diseases and nutrient deficiencies.
• Companion planting: Grow parsnips along with onions or garlic to deter pests and improve the overall health of the garden.
• Winter harvest: Leave some parsnips in the ground and cover them with mulch so you can harvest them all winter long. Their taste improves further with prolonged exposure to cold.
• Experiment with recipes: Try herb-roasted parsnips, parsnip puree, or add them to soups for a creamy texture and rich flavor.

Growing parsnips takes time and patience, but the reward is worth it. With their rich flavor, long shelf life and versatility in the kitchen, parsnips make a fantastic addition to any garden.

Follow these steps and you will enjoy a bountiful harvest of this delicious root vegetable. Have fun gardening!