Chitting parsnips

[Shadylane]

As soon as they're showing plant them out. You don't want the root out growing the tube and there'll be more down there than up here

[Jeanied]

When I chitted mine in a plastic box in the airing cupboard, I wasn't able to get them planted as soon as they produced a root. So some of mine went out into the rows all tangled with roots over an inch long. I thinned out the seedlings when they appeared and ended up with some fine, straight parsnips. Gave some away to my lottie neighbour and the same happened to hers.

[Bren In Pots]

At what stage do you plant them out and when?

Like Shadylane I put mine in the ground as soon as I see a bit of green.

[Kristen]

After reading what gojiberri and bren said about sowing in loo rolls, I think I'll try that this year...I won't give up!!

I grow mine in newspaper pots - sheet of newspaper folded in half and wrapped around an aerosol can, then "fold in" the bottom. These are taller (about 6" - 7") than loo rolls which I think helps. Same principle though

At what stage do you plant them out and when?

I plant out the moment the third leaf (i.e. the first true leaf) shows. That's about 3 weeks from sowing (assuming it is warm enough for reasonably quick germination).

[sarahspatch]

Thanks for that everyone, will definately try growing them in tubes. Will give the newspaper rolls a try as well.
My old pops has a nifty device for making nice neat paper pots, but they won't be deep enough for this.

[Kristen]

My old pops has a nifty device for making nice neat paper pots

One of those really expensive, snazzy wooden, mould sets?

If so best not to upset him by seeing you at work with a humble spray can!

[sarahspatch]

One of those really expensive, snazzy wooden, mould sets?

If so best not to upset him by seeing you at work with a humble spray can!

No not one of those....its like a thick plastic cup with templates...it involves a lot of cutting out and then dunking in water, then you wrap the wet newspaper around the mould and..hey presto!!

Its very nice and neat, and if I had the time I would borrow it more often.
Ideal to make a batch on a rainy afternoon.

But I'm all for trying out an easier option if it saves time!