Parsnip
Shaped like a giant carrot, this root crop does well in deep soil, planted in late fall and with fresh seed. Parsnip seed is not long lived and it's best to buy seed each year from a good company. Parsnips are not recommended for heavy soil unless well amended and double dug. They have beautiful foliage and if you like their flavor, a challenge to grow well. Use raised beds for extra depth, a composted manure or a slow release high phosphorus fertilizer. Nematodes in the soil will cause them to fork. Fresh manure will do the same. Seed is large enough to space evenly, which reduces a thinning chore. Plant 1 inch apart and thin to 4 - 5 inches apart in rows 1 foot apart. They are slow to germinate. Water every five days during the winter if it doesn't rain. Deep soak when plants are up to encourage long straight roots. Harvest in spring before hot weather starts.