Carrots can be planted in a band if you prefer, but again, thinning is a must. In order for carrots to develop well-formed roots, the soil must be deep and loose. If you have shallow soil that has a tendency to get hard, consider the shorter-root varieties like Chantenay, Little Finger, or Short'n Sweet. Plant about 3 weeks apart up through late July. Adjust plantings to your family's use so you'll have a steady supply of young, tender carrots.
Carrots are frost-tolerant.
Parsnips Manage parsnip planting the same as you would carrots. Plant as early in the spring as the soil permits. Since they are slow to mature, plant only once a year. Parsnips are frost-tolerant. Freezing weather actually improves quality, so leave roots in the ground and dig as needed.