perfect parsnips?

Getting temperamental parsnips to germinate was a problem: until I learned of a different method.

This year, our parsnip seeds were sown into cylinders of newspaper that had been filled with compost. The seed took four weeks to germinate.

Once germinated and getting along well, the cylinders and their infant contents were dibbered into the soil.

Several seeds had been dropped into the top of each cylinder. These were thinned to the strongest seedling once in the soil.

There's a long way to go before they're steaming on the Christmas dinner plate, but I have to say that I'm encouraged.

I have a bed of baby parsnips to be proud of.