Overview
Everyone’s favorite root crop, sweet crispy carrots are even more amazing when freshly harvested from your own garden. They are available in a variety of colors including orange, purple, yellow and white. Carrots are rich in beta carotene, vitamin C, and potassium, and are a good source of dietary fiber.
Conditions
For soil, use a fertile well-draining potting mix that’s tailored for vegetables. Deep, loose, and fertile sandy loams and peat soils with good moisture-holding capacity grow the straightest and smoothest roots. Till (loosen up soil) down 12 inches and make sure there are no rocks, stones, or even soil clumps to impede your carrots’ growth. Avoid amending the soil with nitrogen-rich material such as manure and fertilizer, which can cause carrots to fork and grow little side roots; instead, work in old coffee grounds.
Planting
Use our grow calendar tool to find specific dates for your region! Seeds germinate in 14-21 days.
Plant seeds directly in your garden from early spring to midsummer, 1-2" apart, 1/2" deep. Sprinkle the soil surface with water to keep moist. Do not allow soil to crust before the emergence of seedlings, which takes 2–3 weeks, depending on temperature and moisture. Thinning should not be necessary, but ensure plants are 2” apart for full growth. Plant carrots at 3-week intervals for a continuous supply.
Care
Cover planted ground with paper or gauzy fabric for the first week to conserve moisture and prevent soil crusting. Keep your garden weed-free by tine weeding and shallow hoeing. Cover any carrot roots that begin to pop out of the soil.
Harvest
Carrots may be dug up and harvested any time after they reach the desired size. Generally the best harvest period lasts about 3 weeks (longer in cool, fall weather), after which roots lose their optimal taste and form.
