SCIENTIFIC NAME: Daucus carota
LIGHT: Full Sun
SOIL TYPE: Medium rich, well-drained, deep sandy loam
pH RANGE: 6.5
MOISTURE/WATERING: Moist, not waterlogged
MATURITY IN DAYS: 65 - 85
KNOWN PESTS: Root maggots/Rust Flies
KNOWN DISEASES: Aster Yellows
OVERVIEW: No garden should be without carrots. Sow carrot seeds early in spring as soon as the ground is workable. Carrot seeds need to be kept evenly moist as they are slow to germinate, sometimes taking several weeks. Carrots have their best flavour when they are deeply colored and fully matured. Harvesting doesn't have to be done all at once, as carrots do very well when left in the ground. Carrots are very high in vitamin A and good raw or cooked.
PROPAGATION / SOWING OF CARROTS:
Sow carrot seeds ¼-½“ deep. Carrots seed takes 14-21 days to germinate. Planting a few radish seeds helps to loosen the soil and mark the rows for slow emerging carrot seeds. Thin carrot plants to at least 1” apart in rows spaced 18-24” apart. Sow carrots as soon as ground can be worked. Even moisture and soil temperature of 65-75°Fis essential for good carrot germination.
COMPANION PLANTING OF CARROTS:
Bean, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, chive, leaf lettuce, leek, onion, pea, pepper, radish, tomato.
CARE & GROWING OF CARROTS:
Carrots are best grown in full sun but will tolerate light shading. Choose deeply-worked, stone free soil with a pH of 6.5. Chantenay type carrots are suitable for shallow or heavy soils. Raised beds or rows are recommended. Carrots are light to moderate feeders. Avoid using fresh animal and green manures at the time of planting. Moisture is required for good carrot root formation.
HARVESTING OF CARROTS:
Carrots can be harvested throughout their growth cycle. If you thin your carrots out in stages, you will enjoy an abundance of baby carrots that are great in salads.
