Crunchy and nutritious, this root vegetable grows best in loamy soil and full sun.
Mike Dieter
Carrotsare not the fastest or easiest vegetable to grow.
They have very specific soil requirements and grow best in cool weather.
Credit:Mike Dieter
When it comes to soil, however, only deep, loose soil free of rocks works.
The soil pH should be slightly acidic.
Crop rotation helps to avoid pests and diseases.
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A popularcompanion plant for carrotsissage, which is believed to repel carrot rust flies, a destructive carrot pest.
How and When to Plant Carrots
Plant carrot seeds directly in the garden.
double-check your soil is as free of stones and clods of clay as possible.
Credit: Ed Gohlich
Carrot seeds are tiny, so don’t get overly concerned about spacing.
It also helps to make straight rows.
Carrots are slow to germinate so be patient.
Credit: Andy Lyons
Thinning is crucial to grow healthy, straight carrots.
When thinning, cut rather than pull to avoid disturbing the carrots that you intend to keep.
For a continuous harvest of carrots into fall, sow seeds every 3 weeks until midsummer.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
Carrots Care Tips
Carrots are slow to germinate.
Once they start growing, though, they are easy to care for.
Soil and Water
The importance of proper soil conditions for growing carrots cannot be overstated.
Credit: David Speer
Any obstacles in the soil will cause the carrot to become distorted instead of growing straight.
Like many other vegetables, carrots grow best in apH range between 6.0 and 6.8.
Carrots need regular and plentiful moisture, at least 1 inch of water or rain per week.
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Water regularly and keep in mind that raised beds and containers dry out faster than garden beds.
Temperature and Humidity
Carrots thrive in temperatures between 40 and 80 degrees without big temperature swings.
Hot summer weather is not conducive to growing carrots; they tend to become bitter and less sweet.
Credit: Illustration by Gary Palmer
Fertilizer
Carrots are heavy feeders and need regular fertilization.
There is no evidence that supports this practice.
Pests and Problems
Carrots are susceptible to different blights such as Alternaria blight and Cercospora blight.
Credit: Illustration by Gary Palmer
Proper crop rotation is an important step in preventing these fungal diseases.
Carrot rust flies are a serious pest of carrots.
The larvae bore surface tunnels into the carrot roots, rendering them inedible.
Another potential carrot pest is wireworms, soil-borne insects that are often found in soil high in organic matter.
Dig them throughout winter or in early spring before new growth starts.
It is a heat-resistant variety with tapered, thin roots 7 to 8 inches long.
75 days to harvest.
It grows best in loose, deep soil that accommodates its 9-inch-long root.
70 days to harvest.
It produces large yields of exceptionally sweet carrots.
85-100 days to harvest.
‘Thumbelina’ Carrot
Its round shape makes this carrot stand out.
Its mature size is about the size of a golf ball.
Because of its shape, this carrot is suitable for growing in heavy soils.
Its 2-inch long roots are good for baking.
60 days to harvest.
In sandy soils, it may reach a length of 12 inches.
The carrot has a sweet taste both raw and cooked.
The color fades with cooking.
70 days to harvest.
It has wide shoulders that taper to a point.
65 days to harvest.
It has carrots, cabbage, onions, snow peas, and parsley already growing in it.
New leaves will start to grow from the center.
Typically, carrots never reach the flowering stage because they are harvested in the first year.
