New to site and new to planting parsips!

I came across this site as I was searching for information about fall planting of Parsnips.  I've never grown them and was looking for information and inspiration.  I've read to soak the seeds for 12-24 hours then plant 16 to the square...should I thin that when 4 inches tall or just grow the full 16?  Thanks for any assistance...I need to get them in the ground 

Tanglewood wrote:I came across this site as I was searching for information about fall planting of Parsnips.  I've never grown them and was looking for information and inspiration.  I've read to soak the seeds for 12-24 hours then plant 16 to the square...should I thin that when 4 inches tall or just grow the full 16?  Thanks for any assistance...I need to get them in the ground 

Welcome to the SFG forum, Tanglewood!  Glad to hear you’re planning a fall planting.  In the upper left hand corner of this site, there is a search box.  Simply type “parsnips” in there and you will find a treasure trove of info!

My seeds are soaking now, tomorrow in the square   Thanks Scorpion Rising

Tanglewood wrote:My seeds are soaking now, tomorrow in the square   Thanks Scorpion Rising

I have had parsnips, but usually in combo with other roots; taters, turnips, sweet potatoes.  They are a bit bitey on their own.  How do you use them?  Soups and stews?

Tanglewood, Florida has a different planting schedule than much of the U.S., especially if you are in Zone 10. Your local Master Gardeners or Ag Commissioner should have info on when to plant what.

Or maybe DStack will show up shortly. He's also in this area.

Hi Tanglewood! Welcome from Atlanta, GA!

Scorpio - try them roasted, they are fabulous!  I slice them french-fry style, toss in light olive oil, a bit of sea salt and roasted in the oven about 30-40 minutes...delicious 

Thanks Sanderson...a local Master Gardener will be at my local big box store Saturday., I think I will ask some questions.  I'll be there picking up some compost anyways!  I'm a zone 8 but some years it's much like zone 9.

Thank you for the warm welcome AtlantaMarie!

  Tanglewood  
from Kelejan in fBritish Columbia  

I think our temperatures right now must be near yours in Florida. Supposed to hit nearly 100F tomorrow and similar the rest of the week.

Tanglewood wrote:Thanks Sanderson...a local Master Gardener will be at my local big box store Saturday., I think I will ask some questions.  I'll be there picking up some compost anyways!  I'm a zone 8 but some years it's much like zone 9.

Keep us posted.

Caution, no matter what someone may advise you about products for the mix, stick to Mel's recommendations. Compost, not soil amendment, potting soil, raised bed mix, etc. Just composts. And vermiculite and peat moss, of course.

sanderson wrote:

Tanglewood wrote:Thanks Sanderson...a local Master Gardener will be at my local big box store Saturday., I think I will ask some questions.  I'll be there picking up some compost anyways!  I'm a zone 8 but some years it's much like zone 9.

Keep us posted.

Caution, no matter what someone may advise you about products for the mix, stick to Mel's recommendations.  Compost, not soil amendment, potting soil, raised bed mix, etc.  Just composts.  And vermiculite and peat moss, of course.

Most all of my other gardens have failed due to poor sandy soil, the nutrients just percolate right out of the soil, could not keep the soil moist...just a mess.  I did so much reading and researching and was sold on SFG.  Bought the book and read so many reviews.  No soil for me.  I bought Vermiculite via the internet, peat moss and 7 different types of compost and mixed it to fill all my beds (that was not only and undertaking it was a bit pricey) but I knew it was an investment and mostly I would only need to add more compost as time went by.  This is my first SGF with this mix.  The soil is fluffy, holds water and doesn't grow weeds.  That's winning the battle right there, right!  I had more green beans than we could eat from just 9 plants, so I filled my freezer and gave to my family too.  Everyone I know, received zucchini and yellow squash and we ate our fill plus I have so much dehydrated and frozen.  Everything so far has been a success except maybe the tomatoes. I had a fair crop until the Army caterpillars invaded.  Other than that, I think I had success.  Now dreaming of a fall garden with much less pests!

Tanglewood. WELCOME from S/W Illinois.
I have only grown Parsnips one time a few years ago without a lot of success. What I found was, they take a very long time to germinate. Seems like it took about a month before I ever saw any sprouts.  Keep us posted and happy gardening.

Tanglewood wrote:Scorpio - try them roasted, they are fabulous!  I slice them french-fry style, toss in light olive oil, a bit of sea salt and roasted in the oven about 30-40 minutes...delicious 

Will do!  Thanks!