How to Plant Carrots From Seed?
So, how to grow carrots? Carrots do not like when their root system is disturbed, so it’s best to sow them from seedlings. If you start them indoors, make sure to transplant them carefully so as not to damage the roots.
Sow seeds about 2-3 inches apart in rows that are 12 inches apart. You can thin out the seedlings if they become too crowded. Carrots need full sun to grow well, so make sure to plant them in an area that gets plenty of sunlight.
Once the seeds are sown, press them lightly into the soil and water gently. Be sure to keep the soil moist, but not too wet, until the seeds germinate. This usually takes about 10-14 days.
Mulching with straw or Hay will help keep the soil moist and cool. Carrots can’t be kept at temperatures below 70 degrees Fahrenheit (ca. 21 °C), because they may become bitter.
How to Grow Carrots – Soil
How to grow carrots, and what soil is the best? When sowing carrot seeds, it is best to use a loose, full of organic matter soil. Carrots do not like to have their roots disturbed, so it is important to loosen the soil before planting. You can add some organic matter to the soil, such as compost or well-rotted manure. Heavy soil is not good if you want to produce the perfect, crunchy carrots.
Mulch can also help to keep the roots of your carrot plants cool and moist. Once the seedlings have emerged, you can put a layer of straw or hay over the top of the soil.
How to Grow Carrots – Fertilizing
Fertilizer is also important for healthy carrot plants. You should use a fertilizer low in nitrogen and high in phosphorus and potassium. So, how to grow carrots and improve their growth? Apply the fertilizer when you first sow the seeds, and then again when the seedlings are about 4 inches (ca. 10 cm) tall.
When Are Carrots Harvested?
Crop maturity for carrots is usually about 60-80 days from seed. The tops of the carrot should be poking out of the ground when they are ready to harvest. To check if they are the right size, gently loosen the soil around the carrot and pull it up slightly to get a peek at its girth.
Carrots can be harvested by hand or with a garden fork. Gently loosen the soil around the carrot and then pull it up, being careful not to damage the roots. Rinse the carrots well and enjoy them fresh, or store them in the fridge for later use. Carrots will keep for several weeks when stored properly.
Carrots – Common Pests
Now you know how to grow carrots, but how to keep the pests and diseases away? Carrots grow best when they are not disturbed, so it is important to keep an eye out for pests. Aphids, whiteflies, and leafhoppers can all cause damage to carrot plants. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap.
Weed control is also important for carrot plants. Be sure to check the soil regularly and pull up any weeds that you see. Mulching can help to prevent weeds from growing in the first place.
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