Growing parsnips

This wee parsnip has been in the ground almost two months. Rumor has it that these little babies can stay in the ground through the first frost. I wouldn't know because I've never gotten anything to grow from parsnip seed for the past two years of trying.

Planting vegetables in August

On a 1 week vacation, my grandfather would enjoy himself for 3 days. Then, on the 4th day, he would start packing up to go home.

Don't write the summer off already. Early to mid-August is great time to plant a 2nd crop of cool weather plants. The first frost in Boston isn't usually until sometime in early to mid-October, which leaves just about 60 days for some lettuce, spinach or radish to be ready to eat.

This August, I've planted cilantro, parsnips, and bibb lettuce. Having seedlings emerging in the heat of August, is an entirely different game. Make sure everything gets enough water and watch out for rabbits who've been breeding like...well rabbits...all summer and have lots of hungry mouths to feed.

Growing parsnips

A parsnip seedling coming up. I planted these about a month ago. Fewer than 5 sprouted, and it looks like some critter is eating the seedlings as they come up. I reseeded them.

I also sowed more cilantro in the area where I had pulled up carrots.

Growing spring vegetables

Despite the cool, wet weather, the spring vegetables were done by early July. The snap peas grew so tall they toppled over. The lettuce, mesclun and mache went to seed.

We've pulled the first round of carrots planted April 5th and ready from 11-13 weeks. There is a second crop of carrots still growing.

I've pulled the snap peas and lettuces. I've replaced the mache with parsnips planted July 3rd, and the snap peas with swiss chard. I'm leaving the lettuce section free to replant with lettuce in late August.