Savour

START SEEDS DIRECTLY OUTDOORS After all danger of frost is over in spring, sow seeds in well-worked, very fertile soil in full sun. Space seeds 1 inch apart and cover 1/2 inches deep. Make rows 10 inches apart. Be patient; parsnips germinate slowly and unevenly. Tip: Drop a radish seed every 6 inches or so to mark the row and help break the soil crust. Parsnips will easily fill in once radishes are harvested. GROWING NOTES When large enough to handle, carefully thin seedlings to stand 3 to 4 inches apart so these big deep roots will have room to size up. Keep growing parsnips consistently moist and well weeded. Feed several times during active growth as parsnips grow best in very fertile soil. HARVEST AND USE Wait to harvest until late fall cold weather; flavor is sweetest & best after several hard frosts. As you need them, dig out roots carefully with a shovel or spading fork. In cold winter climates, protect parsnips from freezing with a thick mulch. Parsnips are delicious peeled, cut in chunks, tossed with olive oil & roasted until tender by themselves or with other root vegetables. Or slice them up to sauté gently in butter or steam and mash.