Defrosting parsnips in the ground

[glaw5]

Hi, I was wondering if it would be ok to pour hot (not boiling) water over my parsnips in the ground to see if that'll give me a chance of pulling them? Or if anyone else has some post frost techniques of pulling root veg from the ground?

Thanks!

[Aberdeenplotter]

You're on a hiding to nothing.. If you can break the ground with a big hammer you may have a chance of then getting a fork in but otherwise you'd be better heading for the supermarket.

[glaw5]

Had a feeling that might be the case Aberdeenplotter but just thought I'd check! Cheers for the advice...and have a good Christmas!

[Bren In Pots]

I gave in and bought some parsnips from the greengrocer, it broke my heart that I can't get to mine.

[binley100]

I've just dug mine up .........out from the freezer Hate to sound smug but a bit of forward planning was in order...

[FionaH]

*slaps a smug Binley whilst looking at my shop boughts snips

Leeks are stuck out there too

[Incy]

You'd need a jack hammer to get at mine. I tried the warm water and also covered with cloches. No chance!
At least we can look forward to a parsnipfest when we can finally get at them

[glaw5]

Yep think it's a lesson learned! And guess there'll at least be some waiting in the garden in the New Year!

[binley100]

*slaps a smug Binley whilst looking at my shop boughts snips

Leeks are stuck out there too

My puny leeks are buried under snow and frozen into the ground also .....*note to self ...sow them earlier next year.

[solway cropper]

*slaps a smug Binley whilst looking at my shop boughts snips

Leeks are stuck out there too

Mine are in containers in the greenhouse, a bit frosted but still accessible and just waiting to be eaten tomorrow. Might pick some lettuce to have with a turkey sandwich at tea-time.

[chris]

Mine were stuck, frozen ground but once I'd moved the snow off I just rammed my fork in as hard as I could a few times until I got through the clump of frozen soil (really difficult). Once I'd done that, I could practically lift the top patch of soil off, and I saw the necks of my 'nips. Grabbed a few, pulled em - and gave a few away too! I've hurt me back in doing so mind, next year I'll either grow in containers, or pull earlier if it's going to freeze/snow.

[chris]

Mind you, my carrots in spud planters in the GH were difficult to pull, probably more so than the nips - I had to bash the side o fthe bag to break the soil up Leeks were a bi tof a pain, but brute force prevailed again hehe

[CaroltheCarrot]

I couldnt even see mine today let alone try to lift them, xmas tatties all mush cos they were frozen in a solid block ( they were in bags in the tunnel) and veg in tunnel looking very sorry for themselves

[gojiberry]

Leeks were covered in snow but underneath the ground was hardly frozen, so managed to get a few. The leeks themselves were frozen. Couldn't find the parsnips but have a few in the garage in damp compost. When I went round the lottie I noticed that not one person had harvested any veg. Supermarkets must be doing alright.

Ian

[BarleySugar]

Son No2 scraped off the snow yesterday and managed to lift a few, one enormous one weighed in at 2lbs! We had a bit of trouble actually locating the row, but was OK after that. Of course we are not so cold here as most of you folks.
Have a Merry Christmas