Parsnips are one vegetable that actually gets sweeter and better tasting with age. Directly sown in the spring and left to grow all through the summer, it may seem like a long time to wait, but are definitely worth the wait. Gardeners may even cover parsnips with a type of mulch and leave some roots in the ground all winter for later harvest. A favourite among gardeners with short growing seasons with has many uses and delicious flavours no matter how they are prepared.