Parsnips in root trainers

[Headfry]

Hi Folks,

Can you start parsnips in root trainers?

[denise]

I have never done it it but I done see why not if you have them. I just posted on parsnips germination thread :-
''This morning as the snow fell and stopped me getting to the plot, I made long paperpots, well 12 of them, and I sowed my first ever ever parsnips, 2 seeds per pot.''
Same idea I guess only cheaper.
I just thought as I typed - in root trainers you will need to be very carefull not to distrub the roots when you plant them out.

[Alice]

Hello Rootfry, I planted mine yesterday in toilet roll centres.

[Dobby]

I planted ours in toilet rolls as well about 3 weeks ago and there up

[madderbat]

Hi Folks,

Can you start parsnips in root trainers?

I didn't know parsnips needed shoes!

Mine are still on the baking sheet in wet paper - no sign of germination yet

[wellie]

Personally, I wouldn't put Parsnips in Rootrainers at all, the danger of damaging or distorting the taproot is too great, in my humble opinion.

[seasprout]

erm....

This will be my first year with parsnips, i have toilet rolls ready and also rootrainers available.

How many seeds should i put per loo roll..? and do i need to pre-germinate do you think...?

[wellie]

seasprout,
yes, if you CAN pre-germinate the seeds on damp kitchen paper, all the better, and then transfer one pre-germed seed to each compost-filled toilet roll cardboard. Then let them show signs of growth above compost level, then plant the whole thing in the ground where you want them.
Good Luck!

[seasprout]

cheers wellie, I have decided to do just that tomorrow.

[berksmike]

I agree with wellie... Pregerminate them and use toilet rolls, its probably too risky with root trainers.

Even using loo rolls can be risky if you wait too long as parsnips are very deceptive! That tiny seedling doesn't seem to do much but its tap root is racing downwards! I've had poor crops in the past by waiting too long to plant out and the root has shot down to the bottom of the toilet roll and become distorted.

Root trainers are useful but expensive so you want to get the most out of them... Never used them myself but they sound perfect for brassicas if you don't have a seedbed, a dense root system will support your brassicas well and limit damage if you have a clubroot problem.

Hope this helps

Mike

[SimonCole]

I'll give kitchen paper tubes a go this year and let you guys and gals know how I get on.

[seasprout]

ho er..

I am currently chitting my snips.! Can you tell..?

My loo rolls are banded together ready and waiting.

My first parsnips. ahhh.