Parsnips are considered to be difficult to grow by some gardeners, I have never had any difficulty with them. I always allow the soil to warm up before sowing my parsnip seed and this is usually long after the guide date on the seed packet. Growing parsnips in containers allows you to artificially raise the soil temperature and get an earlier start than is otherwise possible.
Growing Parsnips in containers
It’a all about the size when growing parsnips in containers. The container needs to be at least 24 inches (60 cms) deep to allow the parsnip roots to grow. I have an old water butt that leaks, it stands around 3 ft 6 (1 metre) high, I was going to throw it away but it is perfect for growing parsnips.
I half filled it with sharp sand and then topped it up with good quality compost. It’s about 3 feet (0.9 metres) in diameter and that allows me to grow 8-10 parsnips comfortably. Parsnips are slow to germinate, taking upwards of 3 weeks to show through the soil.
The best way to prepare for sowing is to cover the container with a piece of glass or plastic to allow it to warm up. Sow seed as per packet instructions regarding depth. Water in and recover with clear plastic or glass until seeds germinate.
Once seeds have germinated, remove cover and water only when the surface soil has dried out. Parsnips have a long growing season, from a March sowing it will be at least November before they are ready to be lifted. They can remain in the soil until the end of the following winter, just lift before 12 full months have passed.
After 12 months they will start to put their energy away from root production and into seed production. At this point they will become “woody” and inedible this can also occur if they suffer from lack of water during the growing season. It is doubtful that you will grow an abundance of parsnips in containers so leaving them in too long shouldn’t be an issue.
Growing Parsnips in Pots
This is doable as long as you have a large enough pot. 24 inches (60 cms) is the absolute minimum height for successful parsnip growth. Ensure the soil is free draining but water well at least every week and more during dry spells.
If your pot or container is large enough, you can grow other plants in the pot with them. Click on the link to find out more about companion planting parsnips. In pots it’s best to go for companions that don’t use the same root space but there are plenty of options.
Parsnips sweeten up after exposure to frosts, this is all too easy in pots and containers. With the possibility of complete freezing and subsequent rotting of your parsnips. To protect your parsnips from this apply a mulch to the top of the soil, and if necessary insulate the pot.
Growing Parsnips in Raised Beds
All that I have said about growing parsnips in containers and pots applies to growing parsnips in raised beds. The deeper the container the better but for parsnip growth and development 24 inches (60 cms) is the absolute minimum.
Growing Parsnips in Toilet Rolls
To get an even earlier start to your parsnip season, you can sow them in toilet roll middles filled with compost. Parsnips don’t like to have their roots damaged in any way, so leave the bottom of the cardboard roll open. Keep them in a warm place and once germinated plant outside still in the toilet roll tube.
The cardboard will decompose leaving the parsnip to grow unimpeded. It will still be beneficial to warm the soil in your container before planting the tubes out. This method could give you 3-4 weeks head start on traditional sowing techniques.