Learn the best time to plant carrots so you might make that carrot-raisin salad found on every potluck table.
Understanding Carrot Varieties
If you think all carrots are long and orange, think again.
There are many cultivars and heirloom varieties in different shapes and colors.
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The five basic types of carrots are
Look for hybrid and heirloom seeds for more color variety in carrots.
Heirloom carrots may offer unique tastes and help preserve carrot diversity.
It should be noted that heirloom and hybrid varieties usually take longer to mature (70-75 days).
Best Time to Plant Carrots
Carrotseedsprefer soil temperatures between 50 and 85 degrees F. to germinate.
Fall is the best time in the Deep South when temperatures are lower to help prevent plants from bolting.
Plan your carrot seed sowing about 10 to 11 weeks before or after the last predicted heavy frost.
If you have heavy clay in the garden, amend the soil with lots of sand or organic matter.
Till the soil well to get rid of clumps and get rid of rocks unless you like odd-shaped carrots!
Transplanting carrot seedlings can be hit or miss.
Be sure your carrot-growing area receives full sun.
To sow, make a trench about one-half inch deep with a trowel in your well-tilled soil.
Sprinkle the tiny seeds about 1 inch apart down the trench and lightly cover with soil.
If you’re going for a big crop, make the second trench about 18-24 inches away.
Lightly sprinkle the soil with water and continue watering daily until the seeds germinate in 10 to 21 days.
Use your fingers to thin out the seedlings so they are at least 3 inches apart.
Use those same fingers to get rid of any weeds that may have appeared.
Carrots don’t need additional fertilizer to grow well if you have nutrient-rich soil.
But they do need water, so keep the soil evenly moist.
Underwatering will leave carrots tasting bitter.
Overwatering, however, can cause rot.
There are some pests that harm carrotsaster leafhoppers, slugs, and nematodes.
Planting during cooler weather, hand removal of pests, and rotating crops can help control the insects.
Another common problem is bolting if carrots are planted during periods of high temperatures and long days.
To avoid the problem, plant during cool periods and harvest before bolting occurs.
The best way to determine if it’s time to harvest is to pull a test carrot.
you’ve got the option to also rely on the carrot giving you the shoulder.
