Parsnips and Apple trees ?

[sewer rat]

Is there any connection do you think, between my very old but fruit laden apple tree and the fact that a row of parsnips planted close by are beginning to shrivel up - at least the leaves are -pulled one of them tonight to inspect it and it was a small - 4" long - perfectly formed parsnip with no signs of pests or disease that I could see.

[nick the grief]

Lack of moisture maybe Rat?

[sewer rat]

That was my first thought Nick, but it doesn't appear to be that. There are two rows of beetroot next door to the parsnips and they are doing fine - maybe they are the problem - do parsnips and beetroot get along?

[nick the grief]

Dunno, don't grow parsnips as theres only me eats them & then only occasionally. Parsnips are longer rooted than beetroot though (unless your growing Long beetroot) so it maybe that - they're a bit of a longer crop aswell usually so it maybe they were affected when we had the hot weather (did you have hot weather?)

[JennieAtkinson]

Talking of companion or otherwise planting - I have had no luck with my courgettes this year - nearly all male flowers. But I had left some self seeded nasturtium to grow around the bed and I have borage growing beside them.

Could this be the reason for male flowers? Its courgette Defender, which for me has always grown so well.

Sorry Rat - didn't mean to hijack your thread!

[nick the grief]

I've grown defender this year & it's not as good as my normal on for me anyway, perhaps hot weathre doesn't suit it

[lyndap]

The nasturtiums shouldn't affect your courgettes Jenny.They usually help keep blackfly off them.