Can I Grow Carrots?
Carrots are an easy-to-grow cool-season crop. All you need is a sunny location with well-drained soil free from stones. Simply plant the seeds directly in soil that has been worked to at least the depth of the size of the mature carrot. Children love to grow carrots.
Carrots History
Carrots have been harvested for centuries, dating back to medieval times. Their color was not just the bright orange we have come to know them by but were found in shades of purple, red, yellow, and even white.
Should I Grow Carrot Seeds Or Plants?
Carrots are best grown from seed since once they germinate, carrots do not like having their roots disturbed.
How To Cultivate Carrots
It's important to thin carrot seedlings - allow 3 inches between each in a row. This allows enough room for the carrot roots to grow without crowding.
Tips for Growing Carrots
Properly loosened soil is the trick for growing large, perfect carrots. Roots can't grow in compact soil, and your carrots will not reach full size and shape. Also, water and feed carrots regularly to promote good, quick growth. This is important for developing bushy top greens that help shade the root shoulders from direct sunlight, a major cause of the greenish coloration seen on the tops of some carrots.
Carrots can also be grown in containers if space in the garden is limited.
A vegetable fertilizer can help ensure that your soil has enough nutrients for carrots to grow successfully.
Carrot Insects & Diseases
Carrots are virtually disease and pest free.
Carrot Harvesting Tips
Carrots can be harvested at almost any time in their growth cycle. Baby carrots are a delicious snack for children and a gourmet treat all by themselves. Carrots will keep in the garden until well after the first frost, right up until the ground freezes in winter. In milder climates, you can leave carrots in the garden and harvest all winter long.
Carrot Recipes & Storage
Carrots have many uses, from raw to cooked to steamed and sautéed. They are a fine addition to salads and snack trays and are great for dipping. In addition, the young tops can be used to flavor soups.