PARSNIPS

[Compo]

Planted parsnip seeds direct in the ground about three weeks ago and only one or two showing, am I expecting too much, should I spread some polythene over the seed bed to help em along? We have had a couple of ground frosts here in somerset over the last weekend..

[sandersj89]

For me, in Sussex, it is still a few weeks to early for parsnips.

And even then I sow under fleece to give them a bit of protection.

We used to grow them commercially on my parents farm in Devon and we fleeced the beds for 3 weeks prior to sowing in early april.

Jerry

[Beryl]

Patience - they can take up to 6 weeks to germinate.
I sowed mine on 29th March and nothing showing yet.

Beryl.

[Compo]

OK thanks I will hang on there and sew some more as well, what about covering the seedbed after sewing to promote warmth, i have some polycarbonate sheeting and also some coldframes to use?

[Beryl]

Personally I wouldn't bother. They should germinate in their own time without. If you cover the seed bed you will have to watch for keeping them watered and this can create a crust on the top for the seedlings to struggle through. They are quite hardy little fellows. Sow and leave well alone would be my advice.

Beryl.

[Compo]

It's ok they have germinated without any extra help from me at all.

Nice to see!!

[Jude]

I'm really, really smug. I sowed parsnips along with some early carrots under fleece on 18th Feb. and they're all through today (may have been for a couple of days, hadn't checked since Wednesday) excellent germination rate too. This is the first thing that's really gone right for me so far this season and I'm ridiculously pleased!

[Bottomleypots]

Hi,
I would concur with the ones who say leave them and they will be fine in time. Isprinkle a few radish seeds along the row when I planty my parsnips sp I know where they are. When the radish have been harvested the parsnips are usually ready for thinning. Ive just had my last ones from last year -beautiful!!

Happy days

BP