Parsnip barrel sand

[Jackbug]

Hi I’m completely new to this and wondered what type of sand I should fill my barrels with before boring holes out ?

[greenishfing]

Hi, welcome. I presume that if you are going to such lengths you intend growing for show and I don't know, sorry.

My parsnip seeds just get bunged in the ground and despite having heavy clay I usually get a decent crop.

[Snadger]

I have used normal garden soil. Get a long crowbar and knock it in to the length you want. Then wiggle round the top until you form a long cone. Fill these long cones with a potting mix of soil ,peat (coir) with sports sand or concreting sand. Sow 3 seeds in each and thin to one once germinated.

This is the way I did them one year with some success. To get them out without breaking the tap root you will need to flood the barrel with water.

[Penellype]

You might find this interesting - its about carrots but I suspect parsnips are similar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_ACeFSkxio

He uses sharp sand.

[Aberdeenplotter]

sharp sand.