Learning Download: How to Grow Carrots

Carrots bring bountiful nutrients to the table, as well as a burst of color. Carrots are rich in vitamin A, which helps prevent poor eyesight. In addition to being a tasty treat to humans, they also make a healthy treat for pets.

Before Planting: Carrots require well-drained soils, with a pH range of 6.0-7.0. Till the area so you have deep, loose, and fertile. Mix in sandy and peat moss for best results which will help give good moisture retention and straight, smooth roots.

Planting: Sow from early Spring to Midsummer, space seeds 1″ apart (about 15-20 seeds/ft.), 1/4- 1/2″ deep, in single rows 16-24″ apart. Sprinkle the soil surface to keep moist. Don’t allow soil to crust before the emergence of seedlings which takes 1-3 weeks, depending on temperature and moisture. Thin young seedlings to 1-2″ apart, depending on root size desired.

Watering: Water at least 1 inch per week.

Fertilizer: Mulch can be spread lightly around the carrots. Keep up on weeding, and fertilizer can be used five weeks after planting.

Days to Maturity: Carrots are ready for harvest two-and-a-half months after planting, when their diameter reaches about a half-inch or desired size. (See each variety for days to maturity)

Harvesting: Carrots may be dug any time after they reach the desired size. Generally the best harvest period lasts about 3 weeks. Cool Fall weather will increase sugars and taste during harvest. Sow new seeds every 2-3 weeks for continuous supply of carrots.

Tips: Plant carrots intended for winter storage about 100 days before expected fall frost. Carrots store best at 32°F and 98% relative humidity.

AVG. Seeding Rate: 1 M/33′, 5M/166′, 25M/830′, 720M/acre at 30 seeds/ft. in rows 24″ apart.