Parsnip

Prepare ground by digging deeply, especially if long varieties are being grown.  Sow March to May sowing 3 seeds per station at 15-30cm (6-12") intervals, in rows 30cm (12”) apart; remove the weaker plants later. Do not sow early if soil conditions are not right, as parsnip seed is slow to germinate and quick to rot out in cold wet ground.  Generally trouble free, although parsnips will split if watered profusely after a dry spell and except for canker which cannot be controlled.  Keep the pH up, practice good crop rotation and use a more resistant variety.  Harvest after first frosts for sweeter roots.