Sow the seeds of parsnip as early as convenient in the spring in drills
18 inches to 3 feet apart. Thin the plants to stand 3 inches apart in
the rows. The parsnip requires a rich soil and frequent cultivation.
The roots can be dug late in the fall and stored in cellars or pits,
or allowed to remain where grown and dug as required for use. It is
considered best to allow the roots to become frozen in the ground, as
the freezing improves their flavor. As soon as the roots begin to grow
the following spring they will no longer be fit for use. All roots not
used during the winter should be dug and removed from the garden, as
they will produce seed the second season and become of a weedy nature.
When the parsnip has been allowed to run wild the root is considered
to be poisonous.--(F. B. 255, 295; Mich. E. S. 20; U. Id. E. S. 10; N.
Car. E. S. 132.)