What To Know
- This simple structure provides a controlled environment, allowing you to extend your growing season and give your parsnips the best chance to thrive.
- A polytunnel provides a warm, frost-free environment, allowing you to start your parsnips earlier in the spring and harvest them later in the fall.
- Growing parsnips in a polytunnel is a rewarding experience that allows….
Parsnips, with their sweet, earthy flavor, are a welcome addition to any garden. But these root vegetables can be a bit tricky to grow, especially in unpredictable climates. That’s where the polytunnel comes in! This simple structure provides a controlled environment, allowing you to extend your growing season and give your parsnips the best chance to thrive.
Why Grow Parsnips in a Polytunnel?
Polytunnels offer several advantages for parsnip cultivation:
- Extended Growing Season: Parsnips need a long growing season (around 100 days) and cool temperatures. A polytunnel provides a warm, frost-free environment, allowing you to start your parsnips earlier in the spring and harvest them later in the fall.
- Protection from Pests: Parsnips are susceptible to pests like carrot root flies and slugs. The polytunnel acts as a barrier, keeping these unwelcome visitors at bay.
- Controlled Environment: You can regulate the temperature and humidity inside a polytunnel, ensuring optimal conditions for parsnip growth.
- Improved Soil Drainage: Parsnips prefer well-drained soil. The polytunnel’s raised beds can help improve drainage, preventing root rot.
Preparing the Soil for Parsnip Success
Parsnips have long taproots that need loose, well-drained soil. Here’s how to prepare your polytunnel beds for optimal parsnip growth:
1. Choose the Right Soil: Parsnips thrive in loose, sandy loam with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. If your soil is heavy clay, amend it with compost or well-rotted manure to improve drainage and aeration.
2. Deep Digging: Parsnips need deep soil to develop their taproots. Dig the soil to a depth of at least 12 inches, breaking up any large clumps.
3. Incorporate Compost: Add a generous layer of compost to the soil to improve its fertility and structure. Compost will also help retain moisture and enhance drainage.
4. Remove Stones and Debris: Before planting, carefully remove any large stones or debris from the soil. This will prevent the parsnip roots from being damaged.
Selecting the Perfect Parsnip Variety
Choose parsnip varieties that are well-suited for your climate and growing conditions. Consider these factors:
- Maturity Time: Select varieties that mature within your growing season. Some popular choices include:
- Hollow Crown: A classic parsnip variety with a sweet flavor and good storage quality.
- Guernsey: A high-yielding variety with a long, slender root.
- All-American: A fast-growing variety with a shorter maturity time.
- Disease Resistance: Choose varieties that are resistant to common parsnip diseases like parsnip canker and rust.
- Flavor: Consider the flavor profile you prefer. Some varieties have a sweeter flavor than others.
Sowing Parsnip Seeds in Your Polytunnel
Parsnip seeds are small and slow to germinate, so it’s essential to sow them correctly:
1. Direct Sowing: Parsnips are best sown directly into the ground. Avoid transplanting them, as it can damage their taproots.
2. Spacing: Sow the seeds 1/2 inch deep and 2 inches apart in rows that are 12 inches apart.
3. Thinning: Once the seedlings emerge, thin them to 4-6 inches apart. This will give the remaining plants enough space to develop large, healthy roots.
4. Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
Caring for Your Parsnip Crop
Once your parsnips are established, you need to provide them with proper care to ensure a bountiful harvest:
- Watering: Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Parsnips need consistent moisture to develop their roots.
- Weeding: Keep the beds free of weeds, which can compete with the parsnips for nutrients and water.
- Fertilizing: If your soil is poor, you can apply a balanced fertilizer every few weeks. However, avoid over-fertilizing, which can promote leafy growth at the expense of root development.
Harvesting Your Parsnip Bounty
Parsnips are ready to harvest when their roots are about 1 inch in diameter. You can harvest them throughout the fall and winter, as they become sweeter with frost.
- Digging: Use a garden fork or trowel to gently loosen the soil around the parsnips before pulling them up.
- Cleaning: Remove any excess soil from the roots and trim off the tops.
- Storing: Store parsnips in a cool, dry place for up to 3 months. They can also be frozen for later use.
A Final Word: Parsnip Perfection in the Polytunnel
Growing parsnips in a polytunnel is a rewarding experience that allows you to enjoy these sweet, earthy vegetables throughout the year. By following these tips, you can create the ideal environment for parsnip growth and reap a delicious harvest.
Information You Need to Know
Q: How long does it take for parsnips to grow in a polytunnel?
A: Parsnips typically take about 100 days to mature, but this can vary depending on the variety and growing conditions.
Q: Can I grow parsnips in a polytunnel year-round?
A: You can extend the growing season for parsnips significantly with a polytunnel, but it’s generally not possible to grow them year-round in most climates.
Q: What are the most common pests and diseases that affect parsnips?
A: Parsnips are susceptible to pests like carrot root flies and slugs, as well as diseases like parsnip canker and rust.
Q: Can I use a polytunnel to grow other vegetables besides parsnips?
A: Yes, polytunnels are excellent for growing a wide variety of vegetables, including tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and leafy greens.
