Guidelines for Growing Parsnips
Few foods have the earthy and comforting qualities that root vegetables offer, and growing parsnips can bring those qualities fresh and delicious to your dinner table. Not only are these winter vegetables tasty, but they are also quite healthy with many nutritional benefits.
Parsnips are a member of the vegetable family that includes carrots, celery, chervil, parsley and fennel. Of these, the parsnip most closely resembles the carrot in shape and size. They are classified as a winter root vegetable because of the fact that exposure to a few mild frosts actually improves and enhances the flavor of the vegetable. This classification does not limit their availability throughout the year, however; the parsnips excellent storage quality allows it to be stored for quite some time out of the ground.
Starchy vegetables, such as the potato, have long been regarded as valuable staples in the human diet. The parsnip is equal to the potato in its starch content, and can be a delicious side dish when cooked and mashed in the same manner as potatoes. Their flavor is delicate and mild, with a sweet touch similar to that of a carrot. They can be prepared in a number of different ways; boiled, steamed, roasted, sautéed or simply eaten in their most basic form: raw. Their nutritional value makes them good sources of fiber, magnesium, potassium, calcium, iron and vitamins C, E and B6.
Growing parsnips will require a great deal of patience from the gardener. A full season of growth is required to achieve the full nine inches of plumpness for which parsnips are known. Tiny seeds are the beginnings of the sweet vegetable; only the freshest of seeds should be sown for the best germination. Even then, expect that many of the seeds will not culminate into a sprout; those which do will make their appearance between 18 and 22 days after planting. Plant 3 to 4 seeds for every inch of the row being planted at a depth of approximately ¼ to ½ inches. Cover with soil; lightly tamp down the soil and keep the seedlings moderately watered. As the seeds sprout and reach a few inches in height, thin the seedlings keeping only the strongest and hardiest. Plants should be about 3 inches apart to allow optimal growth.
The proper type of soil is an important factor when growing parsnips. As a root vegetable, it will need to be able to extend its growth deep into the ground. To do this, the soil must be well aerated with moisture reaching into the depths. Compost plays a vital role in preparing the soil to achieve these conditions, but must be incorporated into the garden prior to sowing the seeds. Closely monitor the amounts of rainfall received throughout the summer, and provide a deep watering during the dry periods to ensure optimal growth opportunities.
As the autumn season approaches and brings cooler weather, the gardener will begin to harvest many of the garden vegetables. To realize the best flavor in the parsnips, however, it is vital to resist the temptation to remove the parsnips from the ground. The cooler soil temperatures slowly turns the starchy characteristics of the root vegetable into sugars, creating a sweeter and more flavorful food. Most gardeners allow two or three frosts to occur before digging up the parsnips; some will leave the vegetable in the ground throughout the winter.
Winter root vegetables such as potatoes, turnips, carrots and parsnips are widely known to be a source of nutrition and flavor. Earthy and delicious, growing parsnips in your garden will ensure that your winter dinner table is complete with the comforting qualities that only root vegetables can provide.