Gladiator
Parsnip in the US

Parsnips really don't like being moved, so direct sowing them where they'll grow is the way to go. You want fresh seed, to be honest, as it loses its oomph quickly. Plant them about half an inch (1 cm) deep, in rows 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) apart. Drop a few seeds every 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) and thin them out later. Timing is key; wait until your soil is warming up a bit, past your last frost date. For example, folks in zone 5 might sow April-May, while zone 9 could start earlier, January-March. Check your local USDA zone for the best window, like the GrowMore CookMore app suggests.

Once your parsnip seedlings have popped their heads up and are a couple of inches tall, it's time to thin them out. You want to aim for roots spaced about 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) apart eventually, so they have plenty of room to grow properly. Just snip the weaker ones at soil level to avoid disturbing the roots of the ones you're keeping. Keep an eye on them, make sure they're not too crowded, especially if the weather turns a bit wet.