Scientific Parsnip Experiment Results...*ahem*... :)

[VirginVegGrower]

Now there's a thought...prior to using it for my peas

[stella]

I sowed a pot of parsnip seeds 2 weeks ago by mistake thought they were leeks, and another 2 pots of leeks. They are all inside a blowaway in the shed. The parsnips are all up???? But no sign of any leeks. What do I do with the parsnips now, they look really good at the moment.

[singleseeder]

Last year was the first year I had tried parsnips - used the plank method after reading about it - 99% germination when I lifted the board 10 days later - just magic.

[Currysniffa]

Good tips thanks to all for sharing them, I'm going to try grow some snips on lottie this year ..

[Shadylane]

I sowed a pot of parsnip seeds 2 weeks ago by mistake thought they were leeks, and another 2 pots of leeks. They are all inside a blowaway in the shed. The parsnips are all up???? But no sign of any leeks. What do I do with the parsnips now, they look really good at the moment.

Leeks will take a week to two weeks in warmish conditions but outside even in a shed in this weather I'd expect them to take ages. I start mine in the house then move them to a placcie GH once they're through(which reminds me must get some sown this weekend).

As for parsnips - they don't take kindly to being transplanted, they'll probably fork or go all twisty and mangled. Have you got plenty of seeds? You usually get loads in a packet. If so, re sow next month, or April maybe. You coud try transplanting them, but personally I would just re-sow.

[stella]

Thanks for that, I have bought the leeks in now so lets hope it works. As for the parsnips I usually have trouble germinating them but this lot are looking great.

[adtravels]

Does the plank work with carrots, or is there no need?

[singleseeder]

I am guessing it would work with any seed, as long as you got the plank off according to the correct germinating time.

Probably no need for most things though.

[Scousemooncat]

I did it for both carrot & parsnips...and it worked a treat!...

[Kaiya]

Suffering from a lack of planks, I'm wondering if weed suppressing membrane* would do the same job? Obviously removed, as the planks would be, once the seeds have germinated.

* it's water permeable apparently but not so much that water doesn't shed off it, so in reverse, should also reduce evaporation.

[morverngirl]

Or could you cut sections of tin can or plastic bottle