Parsnips in Barnton
Pastinaca sativa
Parsnips need a deep, stone-free soil and do best where the bed has been well dug but not freshly manured. Sow direct, keep the seedbed moist while they germinate, and use fine mesh to keep carrot fly off the row. Roots swell slowly, then can be lifted as needed through the colder part of the year.
Growing Guide
Step-by-step instructions for growing Parsnip
Planting Calendar
Prepare the Bed
17 Feb – 28 AprDig the soil deeply and rake it to a fine tilth around 17th February - 28th April. Remove stones and clods, and do not add fresh manure, because it can make the roots fork.
Sow Seeds
17 Feb – 15 MaySow seeds thinly in shallow drills around 17th February - 15th May and cover them with fine soil. Water the row gently after sowing and keep the surface evenly moist while they germinate, as parsnips can be slow to emerge.
Protect from Carrot Fly
1 Apr – 29 AprPut fine insect-proof mesh over the row from 1st April straight after sowing and seal the edges well. Leave it in place as the seedlings come through, because carrot fly can find exposed rows very quickly.
Thin Seedlings
6 May – 16 MayThin seedlings from 6th May - 16th May once they are large enough to handle, leaving the strongest plants at apart. Do it on a damp day if you can, then water the row afterwards so the roots settle cleanly.
Harvest Roots
30 Jul – 3 FebLift roots from 30th July once they have reached a usable size, and carry on through 3rd February. Later roots are sweeter after cold weather, and many can stay in the ground if the soil drains freely and is not waterlogged.
Companion Plants
Tap a plant to see why it works (or doesn't) with Parsnip.
Good companions
Plants to avoid
Why companion planting matters
Companion planting can deter pests, improve pollination, and make better use of space. Some plants confuse pests or attract beneficial insects; others improve soil or offer shade to neighbours that need it.
Suggested Varieties
Popular varieties of Parsnip to consider
Avonresister
A dependable modern variety with good resistance to canker and a neat root shape for UK gardens.
Albion
A traditional variety that crops well in ordinary garden soils and stores reasonably well in the ground.
Tender and True
A classic heritage type with long roots and good flavour when grown in deep, stone-free soil.
Gladiator
A strong, uniform F1 variety that gives heavy roots and stands well in the soil for late harvesting.
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