How to grow parsnips in a raised bed

Parsnips are a patient gardener's reward — slow to start, but a raised bed's deep, stone-free mix grows long, sweet roots that turn honeyed after a frost.

Quick facts

• Position: full sun to part shade
• Spacing: 8–10 cm apart
• Tub depth: our 41 cm depth — deep and loose for long roots
• Time to harvest: 4–5 months

When to plant: Sow directly from late summer into autumn for a winter harvest. Always use fresh seed — parsnip seed doesn't keep — and be patient, as it's slow to germinate. Our free planting calendar shows the right months for your postcode.

Growing them in a raised bed: Sow into fine, loose mix and keep it damp until the seedlings appear (up to a few weeks). Thin so the roots have room. A raised bed avoids the forking that stony ground causes.

Watering and feeding: Keep moisture even to prevent splitting. Go easy on fresh manure, which makes roots fork.

Common pests: keep an eye out for aphids and cutworms. Most are easily managed — see our safe pest guide.

Common diseases: the main ones are leaf spot. Good airflow, morning watering and steady moisture prevent most.

Companion plants: Onions and leeks help mask them from pests; a good crop to follow beans. See our companion planting guide.

Harvest and storage: Leave them in the ground and lift as needed through winter — a cold snap turns the starches to sugar and makes them sweeter.

More growing guides: carrots, celeriac and sweet potato.

Plan your patch: our free planting calendar shows what to plant now where you live. Ready to grow? Browse our raised garden beds or build your own with the garden bed builder.

Image: MurielBendel, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.