Parsnips are a great winter standby but can sometimes prove a challenge when it comes to germination and producing nice straight roots. Yet the taste of fresh, sweet roasted parsnips or a bowl of home-made parsnip and Stilton soup is an indulgent joy on a cold winter’s day and makes them well worth the effort.
They are not difficult to grow; just follow a few simple rules and you are virtually guaranteed some lovely thick white roots come the autumn.