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All About Carrots
Home > Gardener's Guide > All About Carrots
Introduction
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Carrots are one of the most enjoyable garden vegetables to grow and use in the kitchen. Most varieties have a good amount of vitamins and are very healthy! Carrots form roots in the soil that grow anywhere from 6 to 16" inches.
Before Planting
Carrots prefer full sun, at least 6-8 hours a day. The soil temperature should be above 65°F before planting for best germination rates, and they do best with soil temperatures around 65°F range. Carrots preferred soil pH is about 6.5. Carrots need a well consistent soil that drains well. Compact soil can lead to slow and inconsistent root growth.
Planting
Plant carrot seeds 1/4" deep and space closely together. After the carrots are up, thin the plants to 1/2" to 1" apart depending on variety. Rows should be given at least 12" between.
Watering
Water carrots with at least an inch of water a week. Do not let the soil get dry while the carrots are forming roots. The soil should drain well.
Fertilizer
Three weeks after plants are well established and no longer seedlings add fertilizer to soil.
Days to Maturity
Ranges from 60-80 days depending on variety. If planted early many areas can produce a fall crop.
Harvesting
Most carrot varieties should be harvested when tops are 1" wide and coming up from the soil. It is easiest to loosen soil around the carrot and pull from bottom of leaves directly up.
Storing
Carrots will store in the refrigerator fresh with their tops cut off for up to 4 weeks. If the roots become a bit limp they can be restored by soaking a cold water for 30 minutes. They will stay fresh even longer if kept in plastic bag.
Pests & Diseases
There are many pest associated with carrots as they may think the carrots are just as tasty as you. But many times carrots will have no problems growing as they are shielded from above ground pest.
Tips
Make sure your soil is well raked and very loose. Carrots will thrive and grow much bigger and more straight when they don't have rocks and compact soil!
