Growing carrots is very easy to do. Good carrot production depends on soil conditions, variety or type grown, and pest and weed control.
Plant carrots in a loamy soil. A loamy soil is a soil that drains well and is aerated, meaning it won't form a hard crust on the top when it dries. Rocks and pebbles can cause forked roots so be sure to remove as many of these as possible. Carrots like a nitrogen fertilizer but not a weed and feed fertilizer. Too much fertilizer can cause carrots with forked and hairy roots.
Carrots do not grow well as transplants. Direct seeding is the best method. Direct seed the carrots when the last frost has come to your area usually mid-spring.
Carrots take awhile to germinate, sometimes up to three weeks. Planting a faster germinating plant such as the radish can help the carrots. First, the radishes are quick and you save space by planting two crops in one place. Second, radishes break up the soil as they push through and grow thus helping the carrot's germination. Lastly, the radishes help mark the rows.
Variety or Type Grown
There are five different main types of carrots. The Imperator carrots are the least tolerant of poor soil conditions. They prefer the best loamy soils. These are the carrots you are most likely to find at the grocery store. The Nantes carrots like a loose soil and are tender. Danvers carrots are great if you have a bit of clay in the soil. Chantenay and planet carrots can grow almost anywhere including if the soil if heavy with clay.
In each of these five types, there are many different varieties. The main type of carrot is the orange carrot. Most people think of carrots being orange. But that is not always the case. There are yellow, white and red varieties of carrots. Each one has a slightly differing taste.
There are carrots best for growing baby carrots or mini carrots. There are thumb-sized carrots grown in containers. You can check local home and garden stores, seed catalogs and even farm markets for different types of carrot seed.
Pest and Weed Control
The main pests of carrots are insects, disease and weeds. The carrot root fly lays its eggs at the crown (top) of the carrot when it first grows. The eggs hatch and become maggots eating their way into the root of the carrot. Using a pesticide or a natural deterrent such as sage, chives or radishes as the root fly dislikes these plants. These plants also deter beetles, aphids and other insects.
Diseases such as powdery mildew can infect carrots. Mildew is a white colored mold that forms on the leaves of the carrot. Proper spacing and thinning of plants as seedlings can lessen the chance of this mold. Make sure the carrots do not get too much water. Over watering can cause problems with mold. There are types of carrots that resist certain diseases. Check the instructions on each type when you buy it to see whether that type is resistant.
Weeds are a main enemy of carrots. Carrots, as seedlings are very tender and fragile. Any push or harsh conditions can cause growth problems. Make sure when you weed that you are careful not to disturb the carrot seedling too much. Using garden scissors can help you thin and weed without disturbing the carrots too much.
Other Carrot Tips:
1. You can plant carrots in a staggered manner, some carrots in mid spring and every two to three weeks thereafter until mid summer.
2. Carrots prefer the cooler, milder weather and temperatures.
3. Carrots can be picked at an early stage for baby carrots.
4. The tops of carrots can be eaten much like an herb or lettuce.
5. Carrots usually take several months to fully grow.
