For decades I've used large trash bags filled with leaves I rake up in the fall. Just before the ground freezes (early November here in NH) I place these filled bags over my carrots and parsnips. Right over the foliage, making sure the rows are completely covered. When I need fresh carrots or snips, I move the bag(s) and dig up fresh produce. Ground never freezes under the insulating bags. Veggies taste awesome. Con: snow removal is a pain. More shoveling! But worth it for me anyway! I've been planting the Danvers Half Long variety of carrot, and Andover Parsnips. In the spring, I add the leaves to the yard waste compost pile.
For decades I've used large trash bags filled with leaves I rake up in the fall. Just before the ground freezes (early November here in NH) I place these filled bags over my carrots and parsnips. Right over the foliage, making sure the rows are completely covered. When I need fresh carrots or snips, I move the bag(s) and dig up fresh produce. Ground never freezes under the insulating bags. Veggies taste awesome. Con: snow removal is a pain. More shoveling! But worth it for me anyway! I've been planting the Danvers Half Long variety of carrot, and Andover Parsnips. In the spring, I add the leaves to the yard waste compost pile.