Growing parsnips in a polytunnel?

FionnG

Hi there,
I have a pack of 'tender and true' parsnip seeds.
I have grown many vegetables indoors over the past few years,
But I have never grown parsnips indoors.
Can this be done or is it not a good idea?
Thank you,
Fionn.

Blowin · Posted: Wed Apr 12, 2017 6:46 pm Post subject:

No reason why not! For best results, dib a deepish hole, insert a few grains of your chosen nutrient, then fill the hole with loose soil or compost to within half an inch of the top, sow your seed and complete the filling. The purpose of dibbing the hole is to create a perfect route for the parsnip to grow in (pushes any stones out of its way) and prevent forking. You may also like to put 3-4 seeds per hole as parsnips are notoriously poor germinators. Good luck.

FionnG · Posted: Wed Apr 12, 2017 8:28 pm Post subject:

Hi blowin,
Thank you very much for your reply,
I think I will plant about 4 seeds per hole.
And then thin the weaker seedlings out.
Is this the best way to grow carrots?
i.e making a hold and filling with compost.
Thank you,
Fionn.

tagwex · Posted: Wed Apr 12, 2017 10:57 pm Post subject:

I understood that parsnips need a hard frost to bring out the flavour. Doubt you will get that indoors.

Blowin · Posted: Thu Apr 13, 2017 5:10 am Post subject:

Good point, Tagwex, but at least our friend has a choice. As regards using the same method for carrots, it may work but the seed is so tiny it could be difficult.

FionnG · Posted: Thu Apr 13, 2017 8:56 am Post subject:

Thank you tagwex and blowin for your help.
I think I will try some indoors and some outdoors.
I have heard that parsnips need a frost to taste better,
But I was wondering if I put them into the freezer for a while,
Would that be the same thing?

tagwex · Posted: Thu Apr 13, 2017 9:09 am Post subject:

Unlikely but if you introduced them to my wife that may help!