Mid-season ideas

[ness]

Any thoughts by anybody about parsnips? I've seen them grown as annuals and biennials. Would it make sense to start some later and overwinter them?

Parsnips prefer cooler weather, but probably you'll be able to grow them in your climate. I had success here in DC both times I grew them. I planted in mid-spring and harvested in fall. Probably you could plant your seeds after you pull your lettuce and other early spring crops, I'd guess no later than early/mid June. Your state extension service may have a planting date guide for your area.

If you're going to grow parsnips, be sure to google "phytophotodermatitis" and take it seriously. I ended up covered in severe, painful blister-burns that took weeks to heal and left discolored areas on my skin for a long time. It's easy to avoid the problem if you know about it, just be aware and be careful.

Thanks -- that's a new one on me!

[ness]

How big does New Zealand spinach get? I've seen 6" spacing, but also ran across something saying it spreads to 3 feet. I've read it should be regularly harvested for best results. I've only got a couple square feet devoted to it in my current plan. I've never had it so I'm hesitant to use up too much of my limited space to it yet.

[Whwoz]

@ness It can quite easily spread to double that 3 feet if allowed to. Have not purposely grown it for some years, but it is growing locally. Keep tip pruning to keep it bushy and you should be able to control its size effectively. Produces a lot of small yellow flowers in the leaf axils that readily set seed (self pollinates??, have not looked into this) so if conditions are right has possibility of becoming established if not controlled. In Oz we call it Warragul greens, native here as well as NZ