Parsnips in containers?

[mr-cecil]

Hi there,

I'm thinking about growing some parsnips in containers (that's my only option). I'm wondering about using some of the bags that you use for growing potato's in. I have some and they appear to be about 17" deep / 45 cm and about 30cm wide.

Does anybody think that might work? How many would you put in one bag?

Note my only other option is to use a large container (by volume) but it is only about 15" deep

Any comments would be welcome....I'm just guessing.

[Westi]

Hi

My advice isn't based on anything technical but my motto is try anything! The depth sounds right for what I harvest but I think they have a big long root attached that breaks off generally when you harvest & I couldn't say if it may influence top growth if it has to wrap itself around the bottom of a container.

Let's wait for the experts!

Welcome by the way!

Westi

[Beryl]

I'm no expert but you could try one of the more wedge shaped varieties. I wouldn't have thought 17" was deep enough, something like those blue barrels or an old dustbin would be better. They are going to be in here a long time. Best of luck

Beryl.

[Santa_stunt_double]

I have grown them quite successfully in standard potato growing bags (which personally I find too small for potatoes, other than first earlies).

A mix of sand with a little compost will allow about six to eight good plants to grow - after all, you're looking for parsnips to eat, not super long exhibition standard plants.

Paul

[Geoff]

Next week's Beechgrove Garden is going to have a bit on container veg.