Parsnip Tape!

[Lumpy]

OK here's another daft suggestion from me - could you use rice paper?

[Bigmallly]

OK here's another daft suggestion from me - could you use rice paper?

I supposed you could Lumpy but don't know how it would react to the flour/water mix, I think you're best off with newspaper or maybe kitchen roll. I'm converted to masking tape now, the tape is a lot easier to make.

[muddled]

Okay...first question...
I take it then that you got good germination this year from the masking tape on parsnips?

Second question....
Since I had rubbish germination on my parsnips (I think there are maybe 10 from a whole packet of seed) am I too late to start over now?

[Bigmallly]

First answer.............Yes, the masking tape doesn't hinder germination.

Second answer...........Were your seed old as it's better to use new seeds each year, get some more in..........

[muddled]

Yep, will do. First thing tomorrow...

(wasn't old seed...well, October, but it was very cheap)

Thanks BM

[Bigmallly]

Good luck............I have tried for a few years to grow parsnips, all failures but last years home made tape were brilliant, I would imagine it had more to do with fresh seed rather than tape.

[muddled]

Well, mine were planted yesterday.

I mixed things up a bit by making patterns in the tape like; 4 x purple carrot 1 x leek 1 x marigold 1 x leek 4 x carrot......
I've made all different ones, poached egg plant, radishes, orange and purple carrots, leeks, marigolds and cornflowers. I can't wait to see how they turn out.



Thanks for the inspiration BM

[Bigmallly]

That's brilliant Muddled, I look forward to your updates.

[Bigmallly]

Parsnip Sheets............

Just thought I would revive this thread for any newbies who may fancy having a bash.
Also I have ammended my Parsnip Tape to Parsnip Sheets..........................I came across some sheets of blotting paper so I thought "What the heck, it's nearly winter (which is when I tend to make my tape) so I'll give it a go"...........Each sheet measures 18"x12" and holds 28 seeds. This time I have placed the seeds on a flour/water mix and left to dry without a sheet on top, it may aid germination........ This also might be of interest to anyone having a go at SFG, just adjust the size of the sheet & use whatever seed you want............anyways, I'm waffling...........

[Greenleaves]

Keep us posted bud, too technical for me, I just use loo roll centres for mine

[Bigmallly]

They are a breeze to make GL, just a dab of flour/water with a seed on top...................then I'll just lay the sheets on the bed, spray with water & cover with sieved compost...............I made those in about a half hour.

[muddled]

I might go with kitchen roll this time...a parsnip in each corner and a flower in the middle of each square....just because it's so much cheaper.

[Guest]

Silly question......does the flour and water not trigger germination? how do you make sure it does not effect seed especially when kept till spring?

[Bigmallly]

Hello Birthdaygirl, no the mix does not trigger germination as it dries within minutes. I kept home made seed tapes for a few months last year & had good germination rate.

[Scoot]

Flour and water? Why do you put flour and water onto the sheet and then put the seed onto the flour and water?