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Despite the fact that parsnips aren't common in the United States, they are more common throughout Europe and other parts of the world. They do great in colder areas, so don't expect to see them in very tropical areas. This makes them great for keeping your garden going throughout winter, or at least in spring and fall, in many parts of the United States. What's more, parsnips actually taste best if you harvest them right after a light frost. The coldness seems to bring out the best flavor. If you live in a warmer climate, then growing parsnips in winter can change or balance the nutrients in your soil for the coming summer season. Parsnips have a subtle flavor, slightly sweet, and a smooth and firm texture. It's actually a root vegetable, so think of a carrot or potato. Parsnips are also connected to fennel and parsley. Since parsnips are very starchy in nature, they are great in hearty soups and stews, which are coincidentally nice during the cold winter months. Nutritionally, parsnips are low in calories, like most vegetables. They shine in their fiber, folate (naturally occurring B9), Vitamin C, and many minerals like Manganese and Potassium. It's really no surprise that a vegetable is healthy. Parsnips are believed to come from the Mediterranean area of Europe. It is difficult to trace, as in early Roman writings, carrots and parsnips were not necessarily distinguished from one another. Add in the affect of centuries of artifical selection and cultivation of parsnips by humans, and it is likely that carrots and parsnips were somewhat similar in Roman times. By the middle ages, it was being used as a sweetener, as sugar cane was not obtainable from the new world yet, and honey was pricey. They were also used as a remedy for stomach aches. Parsnips are not a difficult plant to grow. Getting seeds to germinate can be a little troublesome, but this is easily remedied by sowing several seeds per hole, then transplanting or thinning your seedlings if more than one are successful. Start with a generally healthy soil. Put 3 or more seeds into the ground half to one inch deep, and 3 to 6 inches from hole to hole. Once the seedlings get going, thin or transplant as mentioned before, keeping the 3 to 6 inch spacing if you add onto the ends of your rows. Parsnips will need water at least once per week. They'll need to be refertilized after 1.5 months and 2.5 months. You should also keep your weeds in check, to discourage insects and caterpillars that may enjoy a tasty parsnip treat. Consider mulching heavily with a dark mulch to offer a nice insulating layer to keep that soil warm, and to help with the weeds. At 3.5-4 months, you'll be ready to harvest your parsnips. When you see that they are roughly 2 or 3 inches in diameter at the base, then they're ready. Ideally you'll harvest following a frost that gives the parsnips extra sweet flavor. To pull them out of the ground, spend some energy to loosen the soil so you can pull the parsnip out by its top and avoid damaging the root. Lastly, if you really want to know how to grow parsnips in your garden, you'll want to learn about the varieties, pests and problems, and other tips on my website Vegetable Gardens Made Easy.
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