"Pastinaca sativa: Parsnips provide a reliable source of food during the winter months. The long white roots are sweet and a welcome addition in hearty dinner dishes. Growing parsnips is very similar to growing carrots.

CULTURE: Parsnips do not require high nitrogen fertilizer or manure. Rich soils cause roots to fork and become hairy. Soil that was manured well the previous year is the best place for parsnips. Wait until the soil is dry enough to form a clodless growing medium. Till or spade the bed deeply (12-16 inches) to allow roots to elongate and develop full size. Do not step on or near the bed at any time until harvest. Plant between March 1 and mid-July. Sow seeds about 1/2 inch apart, 1/2 inch deep, in rows 12-18 inches apart. Cover seed with vermiculite or sifted compost to ensure good germination. Parsnips are slow to germinate and the soil needs to be kept moist. The seedlings are weak and won't push through crusted soil. Savvy old timers sometimes plant radish seed in the furrow with parsnips to mark the rows and help break the soil surface for the slower-growing parsnips. Optimum soil temperature for germination: 55-75°F. Days to emergence: 15-28. Thin to 3-4 inches apart when established.
DISEASES: Parsnips are sometimes bothered by celery blight. Keep parsnips well watered to avoid this problem.
INSECTS/PESTS: Carrot rust fly maggots may injure the roots of parsnips. A reliable control is to cover with crop row covers, such as Reemay or Summer Insect Barrier, until tops are 3-4 inches tall.
HARVEST: Flavor is enhanced after a couple of frosts. Dig the roots any time from October 1 through the winter, as needed. Protect from freezing in the soil with a thick straw mulch. They keep better in well-drained soil. Store at 34°F and 100% humidity.
SEED SPECS: Minimum germination standard: 65%. Days to maturity are calculated from date of direct seeding. Usual seed life: 1 year. Approximately 175 seeds per gram; 28 grams per ounce.

Sampler: 2 grams
Packet: 7 grams"

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