October 2016
The two greenhouses bubble wrapped, ready for the coming winter months
End March / April 2015
Time to sow my Parsnip seeds.
I was shown this method a few years ago and it works well.
I am currently trying a variation of this method, by substituting the paper roll for a 1 inch layer of compost in a small tray, and putting the seed on top of this for germination purposes, the sprouting root stands out better from the dark compost so can get the seed transplanted earlier. I Will come back on this if easier.
Two sheets of Kitchen Roll
Sprinkle or place the seeds in tray, better they are not on top of one another
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Cut to shape of container that you are using
Place in plastic bag and leave on somewhere warm and light like a window sill. Ensure paper is kept damp through out process.
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Place paper in container and dampen it
After 10 days keep checking your seeds to see if they any have developed a root. If you can see the root it is ready for next stage (smaller the better but no more than 6mm). It will be slow and you will have to check daily.
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You will need to have plenty of the cardboard inner roll's i.e. kitchen/toilet roll.
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Put stone free soil or compost (I use jonn Innes no. 2) into the roll, pressing down firmly, continue until you have filled this 1/2" (13mm) from top. If done properly you can pick up roll and the soil will not fall out.
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Place one of rooting seeds onto surface.
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Once first leaves have shown the root will be close to the bottom of the roll, now is the time to transplant into your garden.
Dig a hole to depth of the roll you are using
Place roll into hole and back fill firming in (ensure the top of roll does not stick out of the ground as this will make roll dry out).
Due to slow germination of the seeds this planting out process may take a couple of weeks.
The cardboard roll will rot into the ground over the parsnip growing season
Dig a hole to depth of the roll you are using
Place roll into hole and back fill firming in (ensure the top of roll does not stick out of the ground as this will make roll dry out).
Due to slow germination of the seeds this planting out process may take a couple of weeks.
The cardboard roll will rot into the ground over the parsnip growing season