Growing Carrots

If you are willing to start growing carrots but wondering how to do so, then you should know 'growing carrots is very easy, but they grow best in cool temperature'. You will be able to grow carrots easily as long as the temperature is cool, and if you have planted them in loose sandy soil.

Carrots are very popular throughout the world because it's root is rich in sugar, and it's a great source of carotene and vitamins. There is also a very high amount of fiber in the carrots which is best for improving metabolism system.

Growing carrots actually require less space in your garden. You can grow carrots if you have small garden or even on flower beds. Carrots are very hardy and are resistant to pests and disease. They can tolerate frost, and are a good late-season crop.

How to Grow Carrots in Home Garden

You will be successful if you follow these step by step guide for growing carrots in your home garden. Here we are describing everything about growing carrots from planting, caring to harvesting.

Choose a Variety

We usually used to see the traditional orange colored carrots in the market. But there are also some other varieties of carrots with different colors such as crimson, purple, yellow, white etc. You should choose a variety depending on it's surviving abilities and availability in your area. Some recommended carrot varieties are Bolero, Danvers, Little Finger, Nantes and Thumberline.

Purchase Seeds

After selecting the variety, purchase seeds from any of your nearest seed supply stores. Carrots are very popular throughout the world, so you will be able to purchase seeds easily from any of your nearest seed supply stores. You can also collect seeds from your friends or relatives (if there are any growing carrots).

Best Time for Growing Carrots

Carrots actually grow very well in coll temperature. For growing carrots in the northern area, start sowing seeds 3 weeks before the last expected frost. And in the southern areas with tropical climates, you can start growing carrots during the winter season. For optimum growth of the carrots, the night temperature should be dropping to about 13° C and the daytime temperatures should be averaging 24° C.

Preparing the Soil

The condition of the soil is the most important thing to consider when growing carrots in the home garden. Carrots actually grow best in sandy or well-drained loam soil with full sun (although they can tolerate moderate amount of shade). Heavy soils are not good for growing carrots, because heavy soils cause the carrots to mature slowly and the roots will end up unattractive and rough.

Also avoid rocky soil, because such soil leads to poor quality roots of the carrots. While preparing the soil for growing carrots, trill the soil deeply and loose it. Avoid using too much manure, compost or other organic fertilizers. Otherwise you have to see carrots with legs or some carrots which have forked.

Planting

You can plan to plant carrot seeds outdoor 3-4 weeks before the last spring frost date. And plant additional seeds every 2-3 weeks or so for multiple harvests. Plant the seeds in rows, 3-4 inches apart and the rows should be at least a foot apart. Keep the soil moist, but not wet (just don't let it dry out). Don't panic if your carrots don't appear the right way. Carrots are actually slow to germinate and it may take 3 or more weeks for germinating.

Caring

You should take additional care of the plants for better yield. Here are the common caring steps for growing carrots.

Feeding/Fertilizing

Once you have prepared the soil with organic fertilizers before planting the seeds, you don't need to apply additional fertilizers for growing carrots. Although you can apply organic fertilizers such as compost tea, 5-6 weeks after planting seeds.

Watering

Water the growing plants on a regular basis. Carrots require at lease one inch of water per week.

Mulching

Mulching helps to retain moisture in the soil. And it also help to speed up the germination process. Mulching is also a great way for protecting your plants from sun hitting the roots directly.

Controlling Weeds

Weeds can create some real problems while growing carrots. Weeds will consume most of the nutrients from the soil. So, controlling weeds is important. You can easily pick the weeds by hand and then mulch. This will remove most of the weeds from the garden.

Thinning

Thin the plants once they are about 1 inch tall. Thin in such a way so that the plants stand 3 inches apart. Spinning them with scissors will be good instead of pulling them out (this will help to prevent damage to the roots of the remaining plants).

Pests and Diseases

Pests and diseases are relatively less in carrots. Although wireworms or flea beetles can create some problems. Aster Yellow disease sometimes affect the carrots.

This disease will cause shortened and discolored carrot tops and hairy roots. This disease is actually spread by pests, so keeping the weeds down will help for preventing this disease.

Harvesting Carrots

Depending on the variety, most of the carrots should be mature and ready for harvesting within 2-4 months. You can also harvest when they reach nearly 1/2 inch in diameter. Actually you may harvest carrots whenever your desired maturity is reached.

Hope you have enjoyed this guide for growing carrots in your home garden. Best of luck!