Article by Paul

This is a simple, yet very successful way to ensure parsnip seeds have germinated, prior to the parsnip seeds being planted in the ground.

This should be done around the Second week of February, to coincide with milder weather conditions that usually appear at the end of the month.

What you will require:

• Clear Plastic Box with sealable lid.
• Cotton wool
• Fresh Parsnip Seeds
• Water
• Warm, dry, bright location.  Not in the Airing cupboard!

Place the cotton wool inside the base of the plastic box, and spread to cover fully. Sprinkle water over the cotton wool to ensure it is fully saturated, but without excessive liquid swilling around the base.

Next, sprinkle the parsnip seeds evenly over the cotton wool.  Place the lid firmly on top and leave in a warm sunny spot such as a porch, conservatory or greenhouse.  Within fifteen to twenty days the parsnips should germinate, and you should be able to see small white shoots appearing from each seed.  There is no need to plant immediately.  I find leaving for another week to ten days will allow as many seeds as possible to germinate.  But do not remove the lid!

Providing you have secured the lid correctly there is no need to water again, as the moisture should be retained inside the box.

Once soil temperatures improve in late February or early March, the chitted seeds can safely be transferred into a prepared plot.  Parsnips will tolerate well rotted manure, but perform well in an area where manure was introduced the previous season.  Too much manure will cause the shoots to bolt and you will end up with a thick neck and multi rooted parsnips.  Which will not be of much use for Christmas dinner!

Be patient as this method really works.