This is my first year growing parsnips. Is it true that parsnip canker shows itself on the leaves first as a redish brown colour then a yellowing of its leaves as this is whats happening to mine. dannymac, Ballingarry, Co Limerick Posted: 14/08/2011

There are different kinds of parsnip canker, one of which comes from a leaf spot. The best approach to canker on parsnips is to use a resistant variety.

But it is early for canker and the symptoms might point to carrot fly.

Check the roots for small maggots tunnelling.

It is also possible that drought might be involved if the soil is light or they are in a raised bed, which can dry out severely.

parsnip

My parsnips last year were massive, but had so many tails on them.what do you think. macstone, cappoquin, Co Waterford Posted: 09/02/2011

This sounds like you have used a lot of rich compost or manure and the parsnips' roots went seeking the nutrients, which then boosted the size of the roots.

brown patches on parsnip leaves

My parsnip plants have started to get brown patches on the leaves. Do you know what this could be? I used to have them covered and uncovered them about three weeks ago. beatlejuice, Kilcock, Co Kildare Posted: 19/08/2010

There is no reason to cover parsnips.

Possibly there is some damage fromt he cover, which has now withered.

Or you might have some celery leaf miner, which is an occasional pest of parsnips, but not of great significance.

growing parsnips

I have small parsnip plants which I have had covered with a netting tent. I was wondering if I should take it off as it limits the amount of sunlight reaching the seedlings or should I leave it on to prevent any bugs getting at the plants. beatlejuice, Kilcock, Co Kildare Posted: 27/07/2010

Parsnips can sometimes be attacked by carrot root flies, being related to carrots. But often they are not attacked, and any kind of cover tends to reduce light and growth.