Learn how to grow carrots
- free of carrot root fly
Such an easy crop to get started is often spoilt by lack of knowledge of how to grow carrots and insufficient preparation leading to great frustration. Rotation; Root crop after brassicas. Soil preparation: Soil should be well prepared and well drained. It should not have had compost/ muck/ lime within the previous 6-12 months. Prepare a seedbed 2 weeks before planting and rake in a general purpose fertilizer if needed. On the day of seeding rake surface to a fine tilth. Sowing; Sow carrots at monthly intervals through the season. Sow very thinly so you don't have to thin seedlings out. Sow at 1cm depth and 2cm spacing in row, rows should be 15cm apart. Germination takes 15-20 days normally. Follow advice on seed packet. Use companion planting or barrier as described in maintenance of crop below; sowing carrots amongst aromatic crops deters/ confuses carrot root fly. Maintenance; - The important thing to remember about growing carrots is not to disturb them
- Avoid thinning, as leaf damage attracts carrot root fly, by sowing very thinly
- Watering: keep soil moist through growing season
- Weeding: careful weeding is essential, hoe early on when soil is dry or otherwise pull weeds being careful not to damage carrot plants
- Use companion planting with leeks ideally or with garlic or onions for early carrot crops
- Alternatively place a transparent plastic/ glass barrier, dug into soil, around the carrots - this must be 40-50cm high to keep out carrot root fly
Harvesting: Start lifting/ pulling carrots in early summer, around 3 months after sowing. Carrots are best eaten fresh and young - the delicious strong sweet carrot taste will surprise those used to shop bought carrots. Lift in autumn for storage, earlier if carrot root fly is a known local risk. Store in dry sand or peat in a dry frost free place. For more information
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