Feeding parsnips

[moggssue]

Hi again folks - I posted this question yesterday but think it was probably in the wrong place so I'm reposting it here. Sorry - ignore the first one if you come across it!

My parsnips have lots and lots of leafy growth 'up top', all very healthy and bushy, but the roots are very thin and weedy still. I know its early, but they really wouldn't be worth the effort of cooking at the mo, they're like pencils - is there anything in particular I can feed them with to encourage more growth 'down below' or is it too late in the season to think of feeding?

[zazen999]

Root veg fertilier. When did they go in the ground?

[moggssue]

I sowed the seed direct into my allotment bed at the end of March - I didnt realise you could buy a specific root veg fertiliser? Do you think it'd make any difference now at this late stage?

[Hazel at the Hill]

Plenty of time for them yet, moggie - it is only the middle of september, and parsnip are a winter veg. Also, they improve with a frost, and depending on what else I have in the plot, I wouldn't consider eating them until Christmas.

[zazen999]

Well, I add root veg fertiliser to my root beds every now and then, and pulled a huge parsnip at the weekend; they went in about the same time as yours - so I'm going to keep doing it.

I wouldn't sow mine straight into the bed though, not parsnips. I sow onto kitchen roll and pop into a plastic bag. Once germintaed, I lay them onto a deep pot and when the leaves aew starting to look lively, they go into the ground.

But, as Hazel says - early days yet.

Growing Success makes root veg fertilier, and tomato fertiliser - it is in solid form which suits me as I've no water at the lottie, so I can bag it up and add it as I need it/remember.

[moggssue]

Thanks both! I shall look out for the fertiliser at the weekend, sounds just the thing. Last year I was very late with my sowing so did the kitchen towel on the windowsill thing but being earlier this year I tried direct sowing. Back to the kitchen towel next year I reckon!!

So, would you say a first harvest late Nov is about right then, or still too early?

[zazen999]

I only pulled mine because I wanted roasties!!!

I was going to wait until at lest the first frost; I'd give it until then if they are still small.

I find the more you think about veg the slower they grow - so try to put it to the back of your mind until you get up one day and the frosts are here. Then try again. [Not promising anything though...]

[moggssue]

I reckon you're right - its like watching a kettle boil isnt it! Have to learn some patience I guess .... a reason to look forward to the frost!