Horizontal Parsnip - help!!

[ann-the-nan]

Some of you may remember I said I had some of last year's parsnips coming up with the Broad Beans - well.......I was trying to clear a few small weeds by hand because the soil is so dry. Anyway, I disturbed some soil by the said parsnip and found a horizontal root. Is it likely to have a vertical one as well. I don't to poke around without advice in case I loose it altogether.

[Snadger]

The law of gravity dictates that roots go DOWN. It's either hit a stone, or fresh manure can cause forking. I would pull it up as it aint going to be much good if it has horizontal roots!

[Alice]

We're talking about 1 parsnip Ann the Nan and probably not a very good one. I would have it out and let the broad beans get on with it.

[GardeningMike]

If in doubt pull it out - leaving this non-conformist in the soil will only take up precious space that its neighbours could be using to grow that bit bigger. I'd go along with the above advice in this thread.

[ann-the-nan]

Horizontal parsnip - help!!

Thanx for all the advise. As much as I hate the thought of it's demise, but - when a parsnip's gotta go, then a parsnip's gotta go.
Can't do it right now as it's coming down like stair roads. Will let you know what it looks like.

[terrier]

Don't forget to post a pic of the perpendicular parsnip for peeps to peruse

[lynda66]

well i reckon theres nowt wrong with horizontal parsnips ... just cos he's laid back don't mean you gotta kill him