I live near Birmingham Alabama and I wonder if anyone can tell me the best time of year to plant parsnip seeds and if there are any special conditions/soils that I need to take into consideration.

Parsnips

When to plant:
In the spring when the soil temperature is about 50*F. Harvest in autumn or about 100-130 days after sowing seeds.

How to plant seeds:
Sow the seeds 1/2 inch deep, 1 inch apart in rows 18" to 36" apart.

Soil preparation:
Till the soil to a depth of 18"[parsnips grow to a length of about 15"]. Add sand and well rotted compost. Soil is best when pH range is 6.0 to 6.8.

Plant care:
Thin seedlings 2"-4" apart. Keep soil moist. Apply fertilizer 4 to 6 weeks after sowing seeds.

Above info from Sunset Vegetable Gardening Book.

Yep and Parsnips get the best flavor in the cold weather.....Mine are still out there growing and freezing and getting sweeter by day.

After the 2 foot of snow melts, we will eat some.

I cook mine till soft and then fry them in butter, till brown and full of flavor.

b