If you love growing root vegetables, overwintering parsnips is a great way to enjoy this hardy crop well into the winter months. Parsnips have a natural ability to withstand cold temperatures, but with a little extra care, you can ensure that your parsnips are ready for harvesting all season long. Follow these five simple steps to overwinter your parsnips successfully.
1. Harvest Parsnips Before the Hard Freeze
While parsnips can tolerate cold, it’s important to dig them up before the ground freezes completely. If you’re planning to overwinter your parsnips, wait until after the first frost but before a hard freeze occurs. This timing ensures that the parsnips’ sugars develop, giving them a sweeter taste once the cold weather arrives.
- Tip: Harvest parsnips when the soil is dry to avoid damaging the roots.
2. Select the Right Storage Area
Choosing the right place to store your parsnips is essential for successful overwintering. You can store them either in the ground or in a root cellar, depending on your climate and available space.
- In the Ground: For gardeners in mild climates, you can leave parsnips in the ground and protect them with a thick mulch layer of straw, leaves, or hay.
- In a Root Cellar or Cold Storage: If you live in a colder region or have access to a cool, damp place like a root cellar, dig up the parsnips and store them in boxes filled with damp sand or soil.
3. Mulch for Protection
Mulching is a critical step when overwintering parsnips in the ground. Apply a 4-6 inch layer of mulch around the base of each parsnip plant. This will protect the roots from freezing temperatures and provide insulation against extreme cold.
- Tip: Ensure the mulch is spread evenly to avoid cold spots, and keep it thick enough to shield the parsnips from freezing ground temperatures.
4. Monitor Moisture Levels
Whether your parsnips are in the ground or stored in a cool, damp place, it’s important to maintain consistent moisture levels. In the soil, parsnips will need occasional watering if the winter is particularly dry. However, avoid over-watering, as this can lead to rot.
- Tip: Check stored parsnips regularly for any signs of moisture imbalance, and adjust accordingly to keep them in ideal conditions.
5. Harvest When Ready
As winter progresses and the weather warms up slightly, your parsnips will be ready for harvest. If left in the ground, they can be harvested when the soil becomes easier to work with in the spring. Simply dig them up when needed, and enjoy their naturally sweet flavor.
- Tip: For the best flavor, consider harvesting parsnips after the coldest part of winter, as the cold will convert the starches into sugars.
Conclusion
Overwintering parsnips is a simple and rewarding process that can provide you with fresh, flavorful vegetables throughout the colder months. By following these five easy steps—harvesting at the right time, selecting the proper storage method, mulching, monitoring moisture, and harvesting when ready—you can enjoy parsnips all year long. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, overwintering parsnips is a great way to extend your harvest season.