Parsnips - do I need to keep them netted?

[Gwyndy]

Question is in the title! When I planted out the parsnips I netted then in case the birds took a like to them. They are now well established, so do I need to keep the net on?

[Two_Sheds]

Birds don't go for parsnips. They tend to be attacked by slugs and carrot root fly, and net won't protect against these, of course.

[Nicos]

Nope- never had a problem with birds and parsnips...you should be fine.

Well done at getting the darned things to germinate!!!!

[Alice]

Your parsnips will be fine now Gwyndy.

[Flummery]

I agree with the birds! I don't like parsnips either! They will be fine, don't worry.

[Gwyndy]

Thanks everyone - nets off at the weekend.

Nicos - I sowed the seed in Rootrainers indoors. They germinated in a week! I was amazed as this is the first time that I have grown parsnips and all the books say that germination is very slow. They were transplanted when the top growth had got to about 2" and they are thriving - so far!! (Trying to remember the variety but having a senior moment and I'm not going to the allotment now just to read the label!!)

[Flapjack]

Our parsnips are one of the few things that survived the slugs in my roots bed. I heard they were unpredictable but I sowed them direct and well over half germinated and are doing well.

Is it right that you need new seeds every year?

Michelle

[seasprout]

The only thing that ever went after my Parsnips was my Grandma, now i just hide her slippers.

[janeyo]

Well something has bitten the ends of my big parnsip leaves overnight - the bigish carrot leaves too. I wouldn't be too grumpy only I onyl had 7 parsnips!

Could be a deer. Or it has to be the bloody pigeons. My sons pumpkin leaves kepe going too, but no sign of slug damage anywhere

janeyo

[Gwyndy]

Flapjack - yes, apparently you should use new seed each year. I don't know why. Maybe it's a bit of clever marketing by the seed companies!!

[mcsee]

Fresh seed germinates far more easily than older seed.

[mcsee]

Here's a photo of my Parsnips - I used a full packet of fresh seed in a 3.5 metre row and looks like every seed germinated. These are now about 6 inches high.