Parsnips

I grow parsnips every year with more failure than success. It doesn't seem to matter what I try, sandy soil, new soil, planting in tubes.... they end up not working. Nonetheless, if I can be bothered cutting and peeling the odd shapes, they still taste good.

Last year, they were little ping pong ball sized tangles, like when you make a ball from rubber bands. I left them and have increasingly forgotten them. Until today at the allotment, when I noticed they had grown tall stems and flowered. The flat centre will produce the seed, ready for me to start again.

Next year I will have a bed of perfect carrots and parsnips. All tips and hints welcome.